College of Education
Education shapes futures, strengthens communities, and creates opportunities that last a lifetime. At Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, preparing educators means more than earning a degree — it means developing the knowledge, confidence, and purpose to make a real difference.
The College of Education at Commonwealth University prepares future teachers, counselors, and education leaders through hands‑on learning and meaningful real‑world experiences. Students are challenged to think critically, lead with compassion, and engage with diverse learners in today’s classrooms and communities.
The College offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, along with minors and certificates, designed to support a variety of interests and career goals. In addition to academic programs, students benefit from dedicated services that support field experiences, teacher preparation, certification pathways, and professional development—providing guidance every step of the way as they prepare for careers in education.
Academic Programs
- American Sign Language (ASL) and English Interpreting (B.S.)
- Early Childhood Education Grades PreK-4 (B.S.Ed)
- Health and Physical Education (B.S.Ed)
- Middle Level Education (4-8) (B.S.Ed)
- English / Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Secondary Education (7-12) (B.S.Ed)
- Biology
- Business Education
- Chemistry
- Earth and Space Science
- English
- General Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Social Studies
- Special Education (B.S.Ed)
- Special Education (PK-12) and Early Childhood Education (PK-4) Dual Certification (B.S.Ed)
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
- Counseling Children and Adolescents
- Veteran Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed)
- Alternative Education
- Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness
- Educational Leadership (M.Ed)
- PK-12 Principal Certification
- PK-12 Supervisory Curriculum and Instruction Certificate
- School Counseling (M.S.)
- Special Education (M.Ed.)
- Special Education (M.S.)
Undergraduate Certificates
Post-Baccalaureate Certificates
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care
- Middle Level Teacher - Student Teacher
- Military Resilience and Trauma Counseling
- PK-4 Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification
- PK-12 Principal
- PK-12 School Counseling
- PK-12 Supervisory Curriculum and Instruction
- Secondary Teacher - Student Teacher
- Secondary Teacher - Teacher Intern
- Special Education Supervisory
- Telemental Health Counseling
- Trauma-Informed Counseling
Academic Excellence
The College of Education at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is recognized for academic excellence and is home to several of Pennsylvania's most respected Education programs. Our M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and M.S. in School Counseling programs are ranked #1 in the state, reflecting a strong commitment to quality preparation and professional practice.
Guidance for Future Educators
The Office of Teacher Preparation, Clinical Practice, and Certification (OTPCPC) supports students through teacher candidacy, clearances, and field placements. The office helps students build the skills and knowledge needed to meet certification requirements.
Supporting Wellness in Schools and Communities
The McDowell Institute supports social, emotional, and behavioral wellness for children, youth, and young adults in school and community settings through training, technical assistance, and information sharing.
News
Future Teacher Sanai Castle Finds Discipline and Satisfaction in the Violin
Bloomsburg
When rising senior education major Sanai Castle walks into her first elementary school classroom, she will be bringing with her more than knowledge of reading, writing, and arithmetic. She’ll bring...
Friendship, Grit, and a Shared Path to Better Teaching
Lock Haven
Three classrooms, two school districts, and one shared journey. It began as a freshman-year friendship at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven between three education majors, which quickly evolved into...
Built for the Classroom, Driven by Heart
Lock Haven
Anijah Lucena’s path to becoming an educator began with something simple but powerful. The belief that one teacher can change everything. As an early childhood education major, Lucena found more than...
Faculty, Students Attend Education Advocacy Day
Bloomsburg
Faculty and students from Commonwealth University participated in an Education Advocacy Day in Harrisburg along with the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators (PAC-TE) on...
Commonwealth University Students Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday at W.W. Evans
Bloomsburg
Students from Commonwealth University celebrated Read Across America with the students of W.W. Evans Elementary School in the Bloomsburg Area School District on March 6. University juniors enrolled in...
College of Education
Student Clubs and Organizations
College of Education student clubs and organizations offer opportunities to connect with peers, build leadership skills, and explore interests beyond the classroom.
- Alpha Phi Omega Professional Service Organization
- American Sign Language (ASL) and Education Learning Community
- Best Buddies
- Collegiate Middle Level Association
- IMAGE
- Interpreter Club
- Kappa Delta Pi National Education Honor Society
- Shape-CU
- Signify
- Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
- Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (S-PSEA)
- Trinity Learning Community
Accreditation
CAEP accreditation ensures we prepare new teachers to know their subjects, their students, and have the clinical training that allows them to enter the classroom ready to teach effectively.
- CAEP Accredited Education Programs:
- lead to teacher certification approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
- are taught by faculty — not graduate assistants — with extensive experience in PK-12 schools as teachers, supervisors, principals, curriculum directors, and superintendents
- include specialized training in non-academic barriers (social, emotional and mental health, suicide prevention) through the McDowell Institute for Teacher Excellence
- allow for dual certification, English as a Second Language (ESL) Certificate and STEM Endorsement for enhanced marketability
- include field experiences beginning in the first year culminating with a 16-week supervised student teaching experience
- both the child life minor and the child life certificate programs meet the Association of Child Life Professionals curriculum standards and eligibility requirements necessary to obtain the certified child life specialist credential
Our ASL program has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education, which was founded in 2006 to promote professionalism in the field of sign language interpreter education.
