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Pre-Master of Education

About the Pre-Master of Education Program

Slippery Rock University's Pre-Master of Education program is an accelerated pathway designed to get you into the classroom faster. This unique track allows you to earn both a bachelor's degree in a high-demand science field and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) with teaching certification in just five years. You can choose to major in Biology, Environmental Geoscience, or Physics, where you will first build a deep and comprehensive understanding of your subject matter. After completing your undergraduate degree, you'll seamlessly transition into a focused, graduate-level program in SRU's College of Education to gain the pedagogical skills and experience needed to become an effective middle or high school (7-12) science teacher.

What Can I Do With a Pre-Master of Education Degree?

This dual-degree program is your direct path to becoming a highly qualified, certified middle school or high school (7-12) science teacher. With a deep content knowledge from your bachelor's degree and advanced pedagogical training from your Master of Education, you'll be prepared to teach subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth & Space Science. This powerful combination not only makes you a competitive candidate for teaching positions but also prepares you for future leadership roles such as a science department head or curriculum coordinator. Additionally, your skills are valuable in science education roles outside of the traditional classroom, including at museums, science centers, and in corporate training.

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Why Choose a Pre-Master of Education Degree?

     
  • Earn Two Degrees in Five Years
    Our accelerated pathway is the most efficient route to becoming a certified science teacher, allowing you to earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years, saving you time and money.  
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  • Nationally Accredited Education Program
    Our College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring your teaching degree meets the highest national standards for quality and excellence.  
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  • Become an Expert in Your Field
    Unlike some programs, you'll complete a full bachelor's degree in your chosen science—Biology, Environmental Geoscience, or Physics—making you a true subject matter expert in the classroom.  
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  • Seamless Transition to Graduate Studies
    This program is designed as a cohesive experience, with a clear path and dedicated advising that ensures a smooth transition from your undergraduate science coursework to your graduate-level teaching certification program.  
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  • Extensive Hands-On Experience
    You'll benefit from both hands-on experiential learning in our modern science labs and a full semester of student teaching in a real classroom, ensuring you graduate with confidence.  
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Pre-Master of Education BA, BS and Concentrations

Biology student with vial

Biology, BA - Pre-Master of Education (7-12)

Offers a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of the biological sciences. The curriculum combines stimulating lectures with hands-on, experiential labs, providing essential training for a career in teaching. Students can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Biology: Pre-Masters of Education, which prepares them for the required one-year Master of Education program at SRU.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Forest and pond

Biology, BS - Concentration in Integrative Biology / Pre-Master of Education (7-12)

Offers a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of the biological sciences. The curriculum combines stimulating lectures with hands-on, experiential labs, providing essential training for a career in teaching. Students can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Biology: Pre-Masters of Education, which prepares them for the required one-year Master of Education program at SRU.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Nature picture geosciences

Environmental Geoscience, BA / Pre-Master of Education

Offers an accelerated path for students who want to become middle or high school science teachers. In just five years, this program allows students to earn two degrees: a bachelor's in Environmental Sciences and a Master of Education in Secondary Education. This dual-degree track, in partnership with the Department of Secondary Education, is the fastest way to get certified to teach.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Professor teaching physics

Physics, BA - Pre-Master of Education (7-12)

Provides an accelerated path to becoming a certified high school physics teacher. Students first complete an undergraduate degree in physics to build a strong foundation of content knowledge. Upon graduation, you will then earn a master's degree from SRU's College of Education in a focused, three-semester program.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Professor teaching students

Physics, BS - Pre-Master of Education (7-12)

Gain proficiency in the advanced concepts of classical and modern physics and become accomplished problem-solvers using mathematical and computational tools. You'll develop hands-on skills by constructing experiments, analyzing data, and learning to communicate scientific results effectively to diverse audiences. This comprehensive background ensures you are fully prepared to succeed in a career in secondary education or to pursue a graduate program in a related field.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide


Career Outcomes

This dual-degree program prepares you for a successful and impactful career in education and beyond. Graduates are prepared for a variety of professional roles, including:

  • High School Biology, Chemistry, or Physics Teacher
  • Middle School General Science Teacher
  • Science Department Head or Curriculum Specialist
  • STEM Program Coordinator
  • Corporate Trainer for science or tech companies
  • Educational Program Coordinator for a museum or science center

Clubs & Organizations

  • Beta Beta Beta
  • Geography, Geology, and the Environment Club
  • Physics Club
  • Sigma Gamma Epsilon (Geoscience Honorary)
  • Sigma-Pi-Sigma: The Physics Honor Society

Resources

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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