Felician University

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational coursework in educational theory with specialised methods classes for particular grade ranges and subject areas, and extensive clinical experience in local schools. Core study areas include child and adolescent development, curriculum design, assessment and data-driven instruction, classroom management, differentiated instruction for diverse learners, and educational psychology.

• Foundations of Education – history, philosophy and ethics of schooling, the role of schools in communities and an introduction to education law and policy.
• Development and Learning – cognitive, social and emotional development from early childhood through adolescence and implications for teaching practice.
• Curriculum and Instruction – lesson planning, unit design, standards-based instruction and curriculum alignment for specific levels.
• Specific Levels and Methods – specialised methods courses tailored to elementary, middle or secondary levels and to content areas (literacy, mathematics, sciences, social studies, modern languages or arts).
• Assessment and Data Use – formative and summative assessment design, using assessment data to inform instruction and reporting to families and stakeholders.
• Inclusive and Special Education Practices – strategies for differentiating instruction, co-teaching models, Individualised Education Program (IEP) basics and supporting students with diverse needs.
• Educational Technology – integrating digital tools into pedagogy, remote/hybrid instruction strategies and digital citizenship.
• Professional Development and Leadership – adult learning theory, reflective practice, mentoring, facilitation of professional learning communities and action research projects focused on school improvement.
• Clinical Experiences – consecutive practicum placements culminating in a full-term student teaching internship under the supervision of university supervisors and experienced mentor teachers.
• Capstone/Portfolio – a synthesising project or professional portfolio demonstrating competency across pedagogy, assessment, reflective practice and professional development activities.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent and submit official transcripts. Felician typically expects a competitive undergraduate admission profile, including a cumulative GPA that demonstrates readiness for professional study and evidence of strong communication skills. Additional application components commonly include a personal statement describing motivation for teaching, two references (academic or professional), and a résumé.

Because the programme leads toward classroom placement and certification pathways, admitted students must meet clearances required for work with minors (such as background checks and any health requirements mandated by placement sites). Some methods tracks may require introductory coursework in subject areas (for example, college-level mathematics for secondary mathematics methods).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for state teacher certification routes and enter careers as classroom teachers in elementary, middle and secondary schools. Career pathways include:

• Classroom teacher (elementary or subject-specific secondary teaching)
• Special education teacher or inclusion specialist (with appropriate endorsements)
• Instructional coach, mentor teacher or professional development facilitator
• Curriculum developer or district-level curriculum coordinator
• ESL/TESOL instructor or bilingual education specialist (with additional endorsement where required)
• Education consultant, assessment specialist or roles in non-profit and community education organisations

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study (master’s in education, educational leadership or special education) to move into administration, specialist roles or higher education.

Why study at Felician University

Felician offers a teacher preparation environment characterised by small class sizes, close faculty mentoring and a values-based Franciscan educational mission that emphasises service and community engagement. The university’s programmes focus on practical, classroom-ready skills delivered alongside reflective practice and professional development training.

Students benefit from established partnerships with local public and private schools for practicum and student teaching placements, faculty with PK–12 teaching experience, and structured support for certification requirements and job placement. The programme’s combination of level- and method-specific coursework with a strong practicum component prepares graduates to meet the expectations of modern classrooms and to continue growing as professional educators.