Teach anyone, anywhere.

Mercyhurst University is graduating teacher leaders who are impacting young minds around the world. You can choose to major in early childhood education (PreK-4) to teach children at the elementary level, or in our dual-degree program in early childhood/special education (PreK-8), which will enable you to meet the needs of all learners, including students with special needs, in today’s diverse, 21st Century classrooms. Our program’s focus on evidence-based practice and clinical, hands-on experience sets us apart from other education programs. It’s our mission to develop educators who are intellectually and spiritually sensitive, as well as professionally and socially responsible. As future role models for our youth, we aim to create teachers who aim to help their students grow and develop. We teach our students to be effective educators, with the knowledge of the world, an understanding of human relationships, and a wide perspective encompassing the humanities, arts and sciences.

Fast Facts

• Education majors in good academic standing can join the award-winning university chapter of the national honor society Kappa Delta Pi, where they can apply for special scholarships or get the opportunity to attend the KDP Annual Conference

• Mercyhurst University has been ranked among the top 50 best colleges and universities in the area of education and teaching programs, according to a leading resource provider of higher education information, the Community for Accredited Online Schools

• Our Special Education program was ranked #7 in Pennsylvania by College Factual for 2019

• You can become certified in English as a Second Language (ESL) by adding a six-course program to your undergraduate studies

• Mercyhurst offers two Master of Science degrees in education — Secondary Education and Special Education — if your plan is to fulfill your PA teaching graduate degree requirements after graduation or later down the road

• Our students can participate with the local Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), which connects students and young adults with disabilities with professional and social opportunities, like the region’s annual Special Olympics

Degree Specialization

Early Childhood Education PreK-4 / PreK-8 Special Education Dual Major

Coursework in the PreK-8 special education with PreK-4 early childhood major consists of intense study of theories and best practices in the field of special and general education. Over 750 clinical hours providing valuable experience in the field enhance the 85 hours of intense coursework in special and early childhood education. This, accompanied by a diverse and rigorous liberal arts core curriculum, leads to dynamic and skilled educators ready to work in a variety of settings.

Early Childhood Education Major (PreK-4)

Coursework in the PreK–4 early childhood 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, leads to dynamic and skilled educators ready to work in a variety of settings.