Education with Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 Major

Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning

Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.

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Education with Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 careers and outcomes

Where our grads work

Graduates of the Education with Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.

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96% of the Class of 2022 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.

96%

Our Alumni

Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.

Meet Alumni from the Department of Education

Study Education with Teaching Certification in Grades PreK-4 at a Christian University

We believe that teachers are problem-solving professionals. Our early childhood education major develops your ability to solve problems and make decisions in critical areas of education such as instructional planning, instructional delivery, assessment and classroom management.

In addition to your education coursework, you will develop a broad knowledge base by studying a wide variety of subjects such as mathematics, history, biology, literature, foreign language, psychology and the arts. As an education student, you will also have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of an academic subject of your choice by completing a 12-credit disciplinary focus.

As an early childhood education major at Messiah University, you’ll be able to:

Study in a program that has been named an “Education College of Distinction” by Colleges of Distinction for 2023-2024
Specialize in an academic area or complete a minor with this flexible program
Create a professional portfolio for potential employers
Become familiar with and administer standardized tests
Study abroad to experience education in other cultures
Design and implement your own instructional plans
Elect to complete a department Honors project
Observe local public school classrooms
Attend statewide conferences and participate in competitions through the Messiah University Education Association chapter
Present research findings alongside professors at the state and/or national level
Spend a full semester teaching in a local public school
Spend time in our Teacher Exploration Center, a resource room with SmartBoard technology, video recording capabilities, a small laminator, white board tables and materials as needed

Are you a high school student interested in exploring a career in teaching?

Messiah University’s Educators for Tomorrow program offers high school juniors and seniors a chance to explore careers in education through dual enrollment, education events, and hands-on classroom experience. Students earn six college credits while benefiting from Messiah's strong reputation for teacher preparation. The program features online and in-person options, making it accessible and flexible. Learn more about how to gain real-world teaching experience and a head start on college at a significantly discounted rate by visiting messiah.edu/eft.