Education, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Education program at Saint Louis University aims to develop reflective individuals educated in the liberal tradition and committed to service, inquiry and value-centered learning. It also seeks to prepare students who want an education background and have leadership qualities including risk-taking, civic responsibility and ethical character. An education degree is a valuable asset for a number of careers related to education and schooling. 

The main objective of all of SLU's education programs is to prepare dedicated, reflective scholar-practitioners who exhibit the knowledge, skills and dispositions embedded in the conceptual framework of the school. As reflective scholar-practitioners, the shared values that guide the School of Education include social justice, cura personalis (care for the whole person), excellence, integrity and trust, and respect. Students are prepared to be reflective educators who can implement educational programs consistent with their areas of expertise.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's B.A. in education consists of 120-135 credits (depending on certification area), including an education core and content coursework. 

The School of Education provides a well-rounded liberal arts background to enhance students' educational experience.

• Students enter into a tight-knit community of faculty and peers committed to innovative learning, diversity and the intellectual ideas of the Jesuit tradition.
• Students are prepared to practice "cura personalis" — care for the whole person — and work for social justice in their communities.
• Students will graduate prepared to collaborate with families, build classroom communities, have high expectations for all students and advocate for social change.
• Students will take rigorous coursework and be supported by a collaborative learning community.

Students choose from five different concentrations in the education major:

Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 3)

SLU's early childhood education program is for students who are interested in helping young children expand their minds. Students will learn about the intellectual and emotional development of young children from birth to age eight and will explore ways to create an environment that allows all children to thrive.

SLU's early childhood education program emphasizes practical experience. Students will spend the majority of their coursework teaching in local public or private schools.

Early Childhood with Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Grade 3)

SLU's early childhood with early childhood special education program provides students a concentration and focus on communication skills and techniques specific to teaching young children who have disabilities. This program helps prepare educators to work with young children from birth to age eight and will explore ways to create an environment that allows all children to thrive. 

Students will take courses in teaching methods, children's literature and media, creative arts and play as well as courses that focus on speech and language development and medical implications. 

SLU's early childhood with early childhood special education program emphasizes practical experience. Students will spend the majority of their coursework teaching in local public or private schools.

Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)

This concentration prepares students to develop and instruct children in grades 1-6. Students will learn communication skills and teaching techniques specific to the young learners in these grades.

Students will take courses in teaching methods, children's literature and media, creative arts and movement, and elementary methods of teaching mathematics, science, social studies and language arts.

SLU's elementary education program emphasizes practical experience. Students will spend the majority of their coursework teaching in local public or private schools.

Elementary (Grades 1-6) with Special Education for Mild/Moderate Disabilities (Grades K-12)

This concentration focuses on communication skills and special techniques specific to teaching students who have disabilities. Students are prepared to teach in the fields of elementary education, first through sixth grades, and special education for mild/moderate disabilities for those in kindergarten through 12th grade. 

Coursework examines speech and language development, instruction methods for remedial math, language instruction in mainstreamed classrooms, and counseling and medical implications in special education. Students will also have an opportunity to student teach in inclusive classroom settings.

SLU's elementary with special education for mild/moderate disabilities program emphasizes practical experience. Students will spend the majority of their coursework teaching in local public or private schools.

Secondary (Grades 9-12)

This concentration is designed to prepare committed and talented entry-level candidates for teaching content to high school students. We offer three certification areas; English, math and social science. 

Secondary English: The SLU School of Education prepares aspiring English teachers to teach a field rich in nuance, literary tradition, and global value. Students will build on their love of English to engage secondary students to express themselves effectively and creatively. 

Secondary Math: The SLU School of Education prepares aspiring mathematics teachers by ensuring they sharpen their expertise in math while also preparing them to develop curriculum and create classroom environments that are engaging and productive for their students. 

Secondary Social Science: The SLU School of Education prepares aspiring teachers of the social sciences by exposing them to diverse coursework in social sciences. SLU students will gain the knowledge they need to understand and participate in the communities in which they live.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Practical experience, classroom observations and student teaching are integrated into the education curriculum experience at Saint Louis University. Throughout the program, students spend a significant amount of time in local public or private schools.

Careers

A degree in education offers a wide range of career opportunities. While most graduates pursue a career in teaching, some choose to continue their studies in a graduate program before entering the workforce.

Career options in early childhood, elementary education, and secondary education include:
•    Teacher
•    Parent/family educator 
•    Community outreach educator
•    Instructional coach
•    Private tutor
•    Nonprofit specialist
•    Museum educator

Additional career options in early childhood with early childhood special education and elementary with special education for mild/moderate disabilities include: 
•    Inclusive classroom teacher
•    Resource teacher
•    Early interventionist
•    Itinerant special education teacher
•    Learning specialist

Admission Requirements

Freshman

Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary criterion in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file. Beginning with applicants for admission for the 2021-22 academic year, Saint Louis University will be moving to a standardized-test-optional admission process. "Test-optional" means that you can choose whether or not to submit ACT/SAT scores as part of your application for admission. Test scores are not required for admission or scholarships. International students are still required to demonstrate English proficiency, which may require the submission of a test score.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, the applicant must be approaching graduation from an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the General Education Development (GED) test.

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED. An official high school transcript and/or official GED test scores are required only of those students who have attempted fewer than 24 credits at a regionally accredited higher education institution. Those having completed 24 credits at a regionally accredited higher education institution need only submit a transcript from previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the office of admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University.

Continuing Students

Undergraduate students may apply to the School of Education either at the time of their admission to the University or upon completion of at least 15 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75. Students can obtain the major-change application from the Dean's Office of the School of Education.  Once accepted into the School of Education, students are assigned an academic advisor. After declaring their certification area, students are also assigned a faculty mentor.

International Students

• Non-native English speakers must score a minimum of 6.5 on the IELTS or 80 on the iBT or 550 on the paper-based TOEFL exam AND score a 6 on the Speaking Section of the IELTS or 6 on the Speaking Section of the iBT, or pass an interview with personnel from Saint Louis University’s Office of International Services.  

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

1. Graduates will be able to formulate arguments for ethical decision making that are informed by morals, values and theological principles.
2. Graduates will be able to use reflection to articulate their role serving others in educational contexts.
3. Graduates will be able to analyze educational problems and present solutions for solving those problems.
4. Graduates will be able to explain the role culture plays in educational settings and in the learning process.
5. Graduates will be able to utilize a variety of tools and resources to create and implement engaging lessons and units.

Early Childhood Education: Birth to Grade 3

In addition to the education program core requirements, the following courses must be successfully completed.

Early Childhood with Early Childhood Special Education: Birth to Grade 3

In addition to the education program core requirements, the following courses must be successfully completed.

Elementary Education: Grades 1-6

In addition to the education program core requirements, the following courses must be successfully completed.

Elementary (Grades 1-6) with Special Education for Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K-12)

In addition to the education program core requirements, the following courses must be successfully completed.

Secondary English (Grades 9-12)

In addition to the education program core requirements, the following courses must be successfully completed.

Secondary Math (Grades 9-12)

In addition to the education program core requirements, the following courses must be successfully completed.

Secondary Social Science (Grades 9-12)

In addition to the education program core requirements, the following courses must be successfully completed.

Non-Course Requirements

All students in the teacher certification program are required by the State of Missouri to take and pass the following:

• Composite ACT score of 21 or higher or pass the Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA)
• the appropriate Missouri Content Exam (MOCA); and
• the Missouri Educator Evaluation System (MEES) performance evaluation. 

Continuation Standards

Minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average for acceptance and retention. Earn a "C" or better in all prerequisites for upper division courses in education. A grade of “C-” does not satisfy the requirement. All University requirements in education and the core areas for the degree in the School of Education must be met.

Minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required in all professional education courses, with no grade less than "C". A grade of “C-” does not satisfy the requirement. 

School of Education Core Requirements

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 3)

Program Notes

• The minimum cumulative GPA for state certification is a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• The minimum education GPA for state certification is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Grades of "C" or higher will be accepted. A "C-" will not count toward degree requirements and the course will need to be repeated before progressing in the program.

Early Childhood with Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Grade 3)

Program Notes

• The minimum cumulative GPA for state certification is a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• The minimum education GPA for state certification is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Grades of "C" or higher will be accepted. A "C-" will not count toward degree requirements and the course will need to be repeated before progressing in the program.

Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)

Program Notes

• The minimum cumulative GPA for state certification is a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• The minimum education GPA for state certification is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Grades of "C" or higher will be accepted. A "C-" will not count toward degree requirements and the course will need to be repeated before progressing in the program.

Elementary (Grades 1-6) with Special Education for Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K-12)

Program Notes

• The minimum cumulative GPA for state certification is a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• The minimum education GPA for state certification is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Grades of "C" or higher will be accepted. A "C-" will not count toward degree requirements and the course will need to be repeated before progressing in the program.

Secondary English (Grades 9-12)

Program Notes

• The minimum cumulative GPA for state certification is a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• The minimum education GPA for state certification is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• The minimum content GPA for state certification is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 
• Grades of "C" or higher will be accepted. A "C-" will not count toward degree requirements and the course will need to be repeated before progressing in the program.

Secondary Math (Grades 9-12)

Program Notes

• The minimum cumulative GPA for state certification is a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• The minimum education GPA for state certification is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• The minimum content GPA for state certification is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 
• Grades of "C" or higher will be accepted. A "C-" will not count toward degree requirements and the course will need to be repeated before progressing in the program.

Secondary Social Science (Grades 9-12)

Program Notes

• The minimum cumulative GPA for state certification is a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• The minimum education GPA for state certification is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• The minimum content GPA for state certification is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 
• Grades of "C" or higher will be accepted. A "C-" will not count toward degree requirements and the course will need to be repeated before progressing in the program.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Saint Louis University School of Education
314-977-3292
slued@slu.edu