Undergraduate Leading Teacher Programs

Bachelor Programs

The School of Education offers undergraduate programs approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the preparation of Grades PreK-4 (Early Childhood), Grades 4-8 (Middle Level); concentration options include: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, or Science in Grades 7-8; or a dual concentration with certification in Mathematics and English/Language Arts in Grades 7-8, and Secondary Education (English, Mathematics and Social Studies) teachers. The Grades PreK-4, Grades 4-8, and Secondary Education programs, in accordance with the philosophy and objectives of the School of Education, offer teacher candidates the opportunity to qualify for:

  1. The Instructional I (Provisional) Certificate in Pennsylvania.
  2. Admission to graduate programs in education.

The last 30 credits for the degree must be earned at Duquesne University. The minimum number of credits for graduation from Duquesne University is 120 but varies by program.

Teacher candidates in the School of Education must comply with all Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements for certification. State regulations change from time to time and have precedence over University catalogs and the School of Education for minimum requirements for certification. Teacher candidates will be notified of any modification regarding programs of study. The Office of Student and Academic Services, the Student Success Coaches, Director of Initial Certification Programs, and the Associate Dean of Teacher Education make the program requirements and changes known to students.

While the University determines the courses required in the Bridges Common Learning Experience  (BCLE), variations in course requirements may exist within programs in the School of Education based on certification requirements. Teacher candidates will be notified of any modification regarding courses in BCLE.

Certification Tracks in the Leading Teacher Program

Professional Educator Certification Track

Teacher candidates must be accepted to one of three Professional Educator Certification Tracks before scheduling coursework in the junior year of the LTP. Specialized courses provide preparation in pedagogy required for the specific fields of concentration in Grades Prek-4 (Early Childhood), Grades 4-8 (Middle Level), or Secondary Education. To provide teacher candidates with the most current professional education, curriculum requirements and/or prerequisite requirements are subject to change by the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the faculty. Changes may affect the programs of study of teacher candidates. The Office of Student and Academic Services, the Student Success Coaches, Director of Initial Certification Programs, and the Associate Dean of Teacher Education make the program requirements and changes known to students.
 
See each of these individual program pages in the course catalog for more program details:

  • Grades PreK-4 (Early Childhood Education), B.S.Ed.
  • Grades 4-8 (Middle Level), B.S.Ed.
  • Secondary Education, B.S.Ed.
  • Dual Certification in General and Special Education, B.S.Ed.

Community Building and Leadership in Education (CBLE) Minor and Certificate

The Community Building and Leadership in Education (CBLE) Minor and Certificate are designed to meet the growing needs for community leadership in school and community educational spaces.  Students will learn how societal inequities can affect teaching and learning.  They will also explore how to scaffold educational efforts to identify and meet the needs of students with disabilities, students who are English Language Learners, and students from diverse community and cultural backgrounds.  The course sequence emphasizes educational leadership with the intention to equip future educators to be agents of transformative social change in schools, communities, and community organizations.

The minor and certificate programs are housed within the School of Education and open to all undergraduate students interested in working with youth in educational and community settings.  Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA and meet the eligibility requirements reflected in the application process.  

Course Sequence

(Minor, 12 credits | Full Certificate, 15 credits)

  • LTSP 203 Foundations of Inclusive Educational Practice, 3 credits
  • LTFL 203 Social Justice in Community-Engaged Settings, 3 credits
  • LTFL 293 Community-Engaged Learning Experience, 0 credits
  • LTEL 201 Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners, 3 credits
  • Choose one graduate course:
    • GCNE 459 Multicultural Issues and Strategies in Counseling, 3 credits
    • MSEL 525 External Relations for Educational Leaders, 3 credits
  • EDUC 421 Capstone, 3 credits

Note: Students who wish to complete the full certificate must take both graduate courses or 15 credits.

CBLE Application Materials 
  • CBLE Application
  • Transcript
  • Personal statement
  • Letter of Recommendation 
  • Agree to an Ethical Dispositions Agreement and an Ethical Dispositions Abidance Agreement