Four teaching majors (language arts, social studies, integrated science, and mathematics) are available for prospective elementary school teachers. Elementary teacher candidates must choose one of the four teaching majors. These majors, which are housed in the College of Education, provide prospective elementary teachers with the opportunity to focus academic studies in a set of closely allied subject areas that are central to the core curriculum in elementary and middle schools. To enroll in one of these teaching majors, students must be admitted to the College of Education’s Elementary Teacher Certification Program.

Students may elect to complete one or more optional disciplinary teaching minor(s), in addition to the required teaching major. The following disciplinary teaching minors are available for prospective elementary school teachers.

  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Computer Science
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • History
  • Japanese
  • Mathematics-Elementary
  • Russian
  • Spanish-Elementary
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Under the guidance of renowned administrators and faculty members in four departments, students have opportunities to pursue or advance careers in teaching (elementary, secondary and special education), educational administration, higher education, research, policymaking, student affairs, rehabilitation counseling, school psychology, fitness training, sport leadership, and health care fields e.g., preparation for physical therapy, work as a physician assistant or attending medical school. Degree programs are offered on-campus, online and in hybrid formats, which blend face-to-face and online learning. See program sections for details on programs available.

The College of Education has established a reputation for excellence and visionary thinking in its efforts to improve teaching and learning across our nation and world, particularly within the contexts of urban and global education. The faculty remains committed to addressing the educational and physical needs of all people across the life span, and to working closely with educators, leaders and policymakers in the field.

Innovative teacher education programs, outstanding faculty, relationships with practicing professionals and strong research opportunities make the MSU College of Education a dynamic place for learning to teach and contribute to the fields of education and kinesiology. The college is proud to claim more than 64,000 alumni, each touching lives in their own way around the world.