Our Leading Teacher Program in Middle Grades Education (4-8) is designed to prepare
you to be a leading teacher in upper elementary and middle-grade classrooms in Pennsylvania
and in many states. This certification will prepare you to teach all subject areas
in Grades 4-6 and to select one of three options for concentration: (1) English/Language
Arts in Grades 7-8; (2) Mathematics in Grades 7-8; or (3) a dual concentration with
certification in Mathematics (Grades 7-8) and English/Language Arts in Grades 7-8;
(4) Science in Grades 7-8.
Our Bachelor of Science in Education in Middle Grades Education programs range from
128-137 credits that consist of courses and experiences organized into three major
areas of study: University Core/General Education, Foundations of Education and Professional
Preparation. During the first two years of the study, you will focus on completing
the General Education and Foundation courses and gain experience in the classroom.
You can further your impact in the classroom and meet the needs of diverse learners
through earning dual certification in middle level 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.
Toward the end of your studies, you will get the opportunity to student teach in an
urban, suburban or rural school. You will also have the option to experience a part
of your student teaching abroad. Explore our culture immersion experiences.
Program Information
Our Leading Teacher Program in Middle Grades Education (4-8) is designed to prepare
you to be a leading teacher in upper elementary and middle-grade classrooms in Pennsylvania
and in many states.
Earn Dual Certification in Middle Level and Special Education
Dual Certification: Special Education with Content Area Certification
Become certified in both middle level and special education in Pennsylvania. Meet
the diverse educational needs of middle level education 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.
Alum and Student Perspectives
My favorite part of Duquesne’s School of Education was the people I met along
the way...I also feel privileged to have had so many phenomenal professors. Their
extensive experience and care for us as students made them inspiring role models.
Natasha CoteB.S.Ed. Middle Level Education '23
I want to teach Middle Level students because this is a crucial age for the development
of these students, and this age group needs dedicated teachers who not only are about
their academics but also can be advocates for their students.
Lila ScheerB.S.Ed. Middle Level student
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Learn from experienced faculty, in a highly accredited program
Our Middle Level Education program is guided by Pennsylvania's state standards and
by standards of national professional organizations and is taught by highly experienced
faculty. It's recognized by the national Council for the Accreditation of Educator
Preparation (CAEP). The Middle Grades Education Program was re-affirmed in a major
review by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2017.
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.
