Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) | Special Education (PreK-12)
Teach. Anyone. Anywhere.
At Mercyhurst University, our Department of Education prepares future teachers to lead with purpose, compassion, and expertise. Rooted in a deep commitment to social justice and academic excellence, our undergraduate programs equip students to make a meaningful impact in today’s diverse classrooms.
Choose from three state-certified, nationally recognized pathways: Early Childhood Education (PreK–4), Special Education (PreK–12), or our most popular option—dual certification in both areas. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices and immersive, hands-on learning, we empower aspiring educators to become skilled, empathetic, and adaptable leaders who make a difference in every classroom.
Fast Facts
- Education majors enter the field during their first year of study through faculty-led clinical experiences. Several unique community partnerships provide opportunities for paid experience in local classrooms and after-school programs.
- The Education Department is in the Audrey Hirt Academic Center on the top floor and consists of a suite of expert faculty with doors always open, a student lounge, a curricular lending library, and two simulation classrooms.
- Education majors who maintain strong academic performance are eligible to join Mercyhurst’s award-winning chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education. KDP members gain access to exclusive scholarships, research funding, and service-learning opportunities that strengthen resumes and expand impact.
- Through the Mercyhurst Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), students have the chance to engage directly with individuals with disabilities in and out of the classroom. From volunteering at the region’s annual Special Olympics to fundraising for local non-profits, CEC offers valuable experience in inclusive education—and in building an inclusive community.
- Mercyhurst offers 4+1 accelerated master’s degree programs that make an undergraduate and graduate degree possible in just five years. Programs offered include Secondary Education and Special Education and Applied Disability Studies, giving a head start on advanced credentials and career advancement.
Coursework in the PreK-12 Special Education with PreK-4 Early Childhood major consists of intense study of theories and best practices in the special and general education fields. Over 750 clinical hours providing valuable experience in the field enhance the 85 hours of rigorous coursework in Special and Early Childhood Education. This, accompanied by a diverse liberal arts core curriculum, creates dynamic and skilled educators ready to work in a variety of settings.
Coursework in the Early Childhood Education PreK-4 major consists of intense study of theories and best practices in early childhood education. Over 450 clinical hours providing valuable experience in the field enhance the 74 hours of intense coursework in Special and Early Childhood education. This, accompanied by a diverse and rigorous liberal arts core curriculum, produces dynamic and skilled educators ready to work in a variety of settings.
Coursework in the Special Education PreK-12 major qualifies students to teach in multiple and diverse settings, including early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms. Specialized course instruction is paired with unique clinical experiences so that students become well-versed in the theory and practice of teaching students with disabilities. Dedicated faculty with years of experience in the field of Special Education guide and supervise student learning both in clinical experiences and student teaching. Students are encouraged to double major or minor in a related field.
Education majors have a unique opportunity through Mercyhurst’s flexible and student-centered core curriculum. We are proud to provide coursework designed to foster well-rounded educators through hands-on learning. Adding a double major or a minor in another area can also increase marketability. Compatible double majors/minors include:
Applied Sociology
Art Education
Art Therapy
Criminal Justice
Music Education
Nursing
Pre-Physical Therapy
Psychology
Social Work
Mercyhurst offers a 23-credit minor in Special Education PreK-12. Students supplement their major fields with courses and clinical experiences designed to provide opportunities for learning in both broad-based and focused areas of student interest in educational research, theory, and practice. These curriculum offerings enable students to develop and demonstrate the professional qualities, attitudes, and critical performance skills considered essential for successful teaching of exceptional children from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
The Department of Education offers a five-year accelerated program that includes a bachelor’s degree in any field and a master's degree in Secondary Education. This 4+1 program, which is open to all majors, allows students to complete their chosen undergraduate degree in 4 years and spend their fifth year completing the final credits of their graduate study. This program is designed to enhance career credentials and opportunities with a more affordable cost for an advanced degree. The M.S. in Secondary Education is a completely online program, allowing further flexibility.
The Department of Education offers a five-year accelerated program that includes a bachelor’s degree in any field and a master's degree in Special Education and Disability Studies. This 4+1 program, which is open to all majors, allows students to complete their chosen undergraduate degree in 4 years and spend their fifth year completing the final credits of their graduate study. This program is designed to enhance career credentials and opportunities with a more affordable cost for an advanced degree.
Educators with English as a Second Language certification are in high demand. Mercyhurst’s Department of Education allows students to become certified in English as a Second Language (ESL) K-12 by adding a six-course program to their undergraduate studies.
Learning Outcomes
- Create and facilitate a quality lesson plan.
- Articulate a personal teaching philosophy statement.
- Assess PreK-4 Early Childhood Education and PreK-12 Special Education student performance.
- Demonstrate personal ethical and professional standards in a school setting.
- Plan for and implement differentiated instruction for students with special needs in PreK-4 Early Childhood Education and PreK-12 Special Education classrooms.
- Demonstrate knowledge of best practices associated with child development, teaching, and learning in the PreK-4 Early Childhood and PreK-12 student population.
The summary pass rate is the percentage of students who passed all appropriate tests (e.g., content, content pedagogy, pedagogy, etc.), they took for their area(s) of specialization among those who took one or more tests in their specialization areas.
| Group | Number taking tests | Number passing tests | Pass rate (%) | State average pass rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All program completers, 2023-24 | 35 | 27 | 77% | 73% |
| All program completers, 2022-23 | 40 | 32 | 80% | 77% |
| All program completers, 2021-22 | 50 | 36 | 72% | 70% |
Phillip J. Belfiore, Ph.D.
Department Chair and Professor of Education,
The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Office: Hirt 300B
Meet the Faculty
Maria Garase, Ph.D.
Dean, The School of Social & Behavioral Sciences; Associate Professor, Criminology & Criminal Justice
Phillip Belfiore, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Education; Program Director; Graduate Special Education, Professor
Amy Bauschard, M.S.
Instructor of Early Childhood Education, Director, Mercyhurst Early Learning Innovation Academy
