CASE Teacher Prep Program

The Combined Accelerated 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 Applied Developmental Psychology 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.

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Program Facts

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood and Special Education

Term of Enrollment

Fall

Format

In-Person

Credits

Bachelor of Science: 127 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.

Admissions Requirements

Completed Pitt School of Education Admissions Application
Official college transcripts
Overall GPA of 3.0
A goal statement addressing the applicant’s interest in the program and prior experiences working with children
Fulfillment of all prerequisite coursework

LEND Center Leadership Trainees Program

Pitt Education students who are studying Applied Developmental Psychology or related disciplines can participate in the LEND Center Leadership Trainees program.Offered in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the program provides education and training for future leaders who will work on behalf of individuals and their families with with neurodevelopmental disabilities, chronic medical conditions, challenging behaviors, and at-risk factors for future disabilities.

LEND Program Description

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 Applied Developmental Psychology and then move directly onto the master’s in education program.

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Prerequisites

55 credits of general education credits in Arts and Sciences
6 credits of introductory education courses

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Upcoming Info Sessions

General Info Session (Virtual)

April 29, 2024 | Noon-1 PM

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General Info Session (Virtual)

May 13, 2024 | Noon-1 PM

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General Info Session (Virtual)

June 3, 2024 | Noon-1 PM

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Learning in collaboration with the greater Pittsburgh community will be something I take away with me long after graduation. These experiences in which we learn from, and side-by-side community members and activists has allowed me to understand the importance of a mutualistic, two-way flow of existing in and giving back to the community.
Victoria Malomo - CASE Student

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

Career Pathways

The dual degrees and dual certifications offered by the program provide students with many career opportunities, including positions as: