CASE Teacher Prep Program

The Combined Applied Studies in Education (CASE) program is a dual-certification, dual-degree program in the Pitt School of Education.

It is a 4+1 program that allows students to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degree in an accelerated time frame that saves time and money. Students complete prerequisite courses in the freshman and sophomore years, and then apply to transfer into the Pitt School of Education. Students first work on their Bachelor of Science (BS) in Combined Applied Studies in Education and then move directly onto the Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood and Special Education program.

Students are prepared for both the Pennsylvania PK-4 General Education and PK-12 Special Education teacher certifications.

CASE Teacher Prep Program

The Combined Applied Studies in Education (CASE) program is a dual-certification, dual-degree program in the Pitt School of Education.

It is a 4+1 program that allows students to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degree in an accelerated time frame that saves time and money. Students complete prerequisite courses in the freshman and sophomore years, and then apply to transfer into the Pitt School of Education. Students first work on their Bachelor of Science (BS) in Combined Applied Studies in Education and then move directly onto the Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood and Special Education program.

Students are prepared for both the Pennsylvania PK-4 General Education and PK-12 Special Education teacher certifications.

Program Facts

Degree Types

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Combined Applied Studies in Education
Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood and Special Education

Term of Enrollment

Fall

Format

In-Person

Credits

Bachelor of Science: 120 credits
Master of Education: 40 credits

Application Deadline

March 1

Admissions Requirements

GRE exam not required

Duration

On average, students can complete the CASE program with dual teacher certification and two degrees in five years.

Time Commitment

Full-Time

Program Overview

The CASE program spans the Departments of Teaching, Learning, and Leading and Health and Human Development in the School of Education. Students gain a deep knowledge of child development and methodology in the content areas. There is a social justice and equity focus in the CASE program that prepares students for 21st-Century schools. Teacher certifications cannot be obtained until the completion of the graduate year of study.

Degree Requirements

CASE students gain an extensive amount of experience in the field by participating in a community engagement project in the Pittsburgh community in the junior year, two practicum experiences in the senior year (Pre-kindergarten and Life Skills) and two full-time student teaching experiences in the graduate year (Elementary and Special Education). Students take written comprehensive exams in the graduate year of study.

Certifications

Students are prepared for both the Pennsylvania PK-4 General Education and PK-12 Special Education teacher certifications. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education educator certification website.

The School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh has provided me with so much experience and insight into the field of education. The curriculum and field experiences have prepared me to be the best version of the teacher I always envisioned myself as.
Ashley McGill - CASE Student

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Prerequisites

9 credits of introductory education courses:
- HHD 1002: Development: Conception through Early Childhood
- TLL 1041: Intro to Early Childhood Education
- TLL 1581: Critical Histories of Education OR EFOP 1001: Social Foundations of Education

Admission Requirements

Completed Pitt School of Education Application
Official college transcripts
48 credits earned
Overall GPA of 3.0

Students complete prerequisite courses in the freshman and sophomore years, and then apply to transfer into the Pitt School of Education. Students first work on their B.S. in Combined Applied Studies in Education and then move directly onto the master’s in education program.

Curriculum

Students complete prerequisite courses in the freshman and sophomore years, and then apply to transfer into the Pitt School of Education. Students first work on their B.S. in Combined Applied Studies in Education and then move directly onto the master’s in education program.

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General Education Requirements

All students are required to take the University of Pittsburgh’s required general education courses for undergraduates from the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. The credit hours will vary.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education specifically requires that the following courses must be completed. These can count towards the student’s General Education Requirements.

(1) At least 6 semester hour credits (or the equivalent) in college-level mathematics.

(2) At least 6 semester hour credits (or the equivalent) in college-level English composition and literature.

Students should begin completing these courses prior to starting the B.S. in Combined Applied Studies in Education courses. General Education requirements must be completed prior to graduation.