Programs & Degrees

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Penn State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and many options for teacher certification.

There is a growing demand for graduates of teacher education programs. This department offers professional programs leading to certification in early childhood (PK-4), middle-level education (grades 4-8), and in a variety of discipline areas leading to certification at the secondary-school level. Admission to a specific teacher certification program occurs only after a student applies to a particular program during or at the conclusion of the freshman year. This department also provides a variety of clinical field experiences, including student teaching.

The Special Education program is housed in the Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education in the College of Education at Penn State. Our goal, shared with our colleagues in the Department, is an educational system in which families, communities, and educators share responsibility and commitment for preparing future citizens to live independent, responsible, productive, and personally satisfying lives to the fullest extent of their capabilities in our evolving society.