Our Leading Teacher Program in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) is designed to prepare
you to be a leading teacher in preschool and elementary classrooms in Pennsylvania
and in many other states.
Our Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education, PreK-4 program
is a 131-credit program that consists of courses and experiences organized into three
major areas of study: University Core/General Education, Foundations of Education
and Professional Preparation.
You can further your impact in the classroom and meet the needs of diverse learners
through earning dual certification in early childhood education and special education
with our Leading Teacher Dual Certification program - Dual Certification: Special Education with Content Area Certification.
As a student, you will have many hands-on opportunities to expand your horizons in
various learning environments, field placements and unique student teaching opportunities.
During your first two years of study, not only will you complete the majority of the
General Education and Foundation courses, but you will also gain experience in the
field starting in your freshman year. The faculty work with you to address professional
standards in each of the early childhood curriculum areas through course projects
and through implementation of the standards in fieldwork. Toward the end of your studies,
you will have the opportunity to teach in an urban, suburban or rural school. In addition,
you will also have the opportunity to experience a part of your student teaching abroad.
Explore our culture immersion experiences.
Program Information
Our Leading Teacher Program in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) is designed to prepare
you to be a leading teacher in preschool and elementary classrooms in Pennsylvania
and in many other states.
Earn Dual Certification in Early Childhood and Special Education
Dual Certification: Special Education with Content Area Certification
Become certified in both PreK-4 and special education in Pennsylvania. Meet the diverse
educational needs of PreK-4 students in multiple school settings including students
with disabilities, challenging behavior and social and emotional needs.
Our graduate programs offer early start options for School of Education undergraduate
students, as well as all undergraduate students across the University. During your
junior or senior year, you have the opportunity to take up to five courses in a master's-level
program at the undergraduate tuition rate.
School of Education undergrad students can start graduate studies in:
The School of Education offers early start options for students who have demonstrated
a strong academic background (GPA > 3.0) to begin graduate work during their undergraduate
time at Duquesne University.
Other undergraduate students across the University who are in good academic standing
(GPA >3.0) and are interested in pursuing or exploring an education degree and/or
a teaching certification can begin to take courses as juniors or seniors in our graduate
teacher education programs.
We welcome you to connect with us to learn more and we will walk you through the application
process. To get started, call (412) 396-6093.
Hear from Our Students and Alumni
Italia Cicione '27 | Early Childhood Education major from Elk County Catholic High
School
"I selected Duquesne because I felt at home there. The people I’ve met so far are
so kind and truly want you to succeed. Duquesne’s Education program and the Curriculum
Center really stood out to me! I want to become a teacher because I’ve always had
a passion for the classroom and believe children deserve a great education."
“When I talk to a student who struggles in the classroom, I tell them that they are
capable of anything. Every single person learns differently, and that’s okay."
Sarah Lopez | B.S.Ed. Early Childhood Education '23
Duquesne's School of Education has provided me with such a well-rounded foundation
for classroom impact. Having that early exposure to various schools and grades, coupled
with invaluable insights from such wonderful professors, has truly cultivated my confidence.
I feel as if I am well-prepared to make a meaningful impact as a passionate and capable
educator!
Featured content
Learn from experienced faculty, in a highly accredited program
Our program is guided by Pennsylvania's state standards and by standards of national
professional organizations. It's recognized by the national Council for the Accreditation
of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Visit Our School of Education
Learn more about our Leading Teacher Program by attending our School of Education
Representative Meeting or School of Education Class Visit. You'll have the chance
to learn about our degree programs, explore our Curriculum Center, and get firsthand
experience of our School of Education’s collaborative learning environment by observing
our faculty-taught courses.
