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.

Request Information

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.

Request Information

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 or Spring

Format

In-Person

Credits

Bachelor of Science: 120 credits
Master of Education: 30 credits

Application Deadline

Fall Term - March 1 (Priority)
Spring Term - November 1 (Priority)

Duration

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

Upcoming Info Sessions

General Info Session (Virtual)

September 21, 2026 | Noon – 1 p.m.

Register now

General Info Session (Virtual)

October 19, 2026 | Noon – 1 p.m.

Register now

General Info Session (Virtual)

November 9, 2026 | Noon – 1 p.m.

Register now

Program Overview

The CASE program is in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leading 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 today’s 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 two pre-student teaching experiences and two full-time student teaching experiences (Elementary and Special Education). Students take written comprehensive exams in their 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.

Optional ESL Endorsement

Our students have the option of completing a Minor in Teaching English as an Additional Language while earning their teaching degree. The 15-credit program leads to an English as a Second Language (ESL) Specialist Endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Please speak with your advisor before adding this minor.

Dedicated Advising Support

Our teacher education students are assigned a dedicated staff advisor. Your advisor is knowledgeable about the major’s academic requirements, Pitt resources, and will provide holistic and collaborative support.

Greg Maranowski headshot

Program Advisor:
Greg Maranowski

To Schedule an Appointment:
Current students should schedule an appointment through Pitt Pathways. Prospective students can email him directly at gwm23@pitt.edu

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

Take the Next Step

Apply Now Learn About Tuition Request Info

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.

Undergraduate Curriculum

Loading…

Graduate Curriculum

Loading…

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.

Program Faculty

Program Coordinator

Prerequisites

The following introductory education coursework are recommended prior to admission:

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

Overview

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.