University of Pittsburgh

UNDERGRADUATE
Bulletin

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

 

 

The School of Education’s mission is to create and disseminate knowledge that improves teaching and learning and to develop and implement effective programs for the preparation of education professionals who will enhance both the practice and outcomes of education. For general information, see www.education.pitt.edu.

The School of Education is organized into
four academic departments:

  • Department of Administrative and Policy Studies
  • Department of Health and Physical Activity
  • Department of Instruction and Learning
  • Department of Psychology in Education

Undergraduate degree programs are offered in the Department of Health and Physical Activity (HPA) and the Department of Psychology in Education (PSYED). HPA offers the baccalaureate program in health and physical activity with specializations in exercise science and wellness; PSYED offers the baccalaureate program in applied developmental psychology.

Teacher certification programs are offered in the Department of Instruction and Learning at the graduate level only. No teacher certification programs are offered in the other three departments.

Undergraduate students interested in obtaining teacher certification at the University of Pittsburgh after they have earned their baccalaureate degrees are encouraged to contact the pre-admissions advisors in the School of Education early in their undergraduate programs in order to obtain information about the teacher certification programs available and the requirements of those programs. Admission for teacher certification study requires that applicants have completed liberal studies distribution requirements in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, as well as course work in an academic major field or content area. Additionally, applicants to the Professional Year (PY) Program are expected to have completed preprofessional education courses (e.g., courses emphasizing human development and learning, the study of schools and society, and an introduction to the teaching seminar in the intended certification area). The number of credits and specific courses required vary by type and area of certification. Note, however, that all applicants to both the PY Program and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program must have at least 6 credits or the equivalent in college-level mathematics, at least 3 credits or the equivalent in college-level English composition, and at least 3 credits or the equivalent in college-level American and/or British literature. For admission to teacher certification programs in the Department of Instruction and Learning, all students must have taken and passed the Praxis I Series of Tests, which includes reading, mathematics, and writing. As a point of general information, most students admitted to the PY and MAT programs have undergraduate grade point averages (GPAs) of at least 3.0. Specific information may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services, 5500 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, 412-648-2230, soeinfo@pitt.edu.

Admissions

The School of Education does not admit students to its undergraduate programs at the freshman level. Therefore, students must first be admitted to another school at the University of Pittsburgh or to another institution.

If an applicant to a School of Education undergraduate program is currently a University of Pittsburgh student, the applicant should contact the dean’s office of the school to which the applicant has been admitted and request an Undergraduate Academic Program Change form. After completion of this form, all records will be transferred to the School of Education, Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services, 5500 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, for review.

If an applicant to a School of Education undergraduate program is transferring from another institution, the applicant should contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, Alumni Hall, for a Transfer Application. (See Transfer Student Admissions section of this bulletin for more information.)

Academic Standards

All students enrolled in undergraduate programs in the School of Education are required to maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.50. The cumulative GPA is based on all course work taken after enrollment at the University of Pittsburgh. A student is automatically placed on academic probation when the cumulative GPA, exclusive of transfer credits, falls below 2.50. Ordinarily, students are required to terminate study after two terms on probation if there is no improvement in the quality of their work.

Advising

Each student admitted to an undergraduate program in the School of Education is assigned an advisor.

Degree Requirements

The undergraduate degree in the School of Education requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 120 credits of approved undergraduate study. Undergraduate degrees are conferred only on those students who have completed all courses required for the degree with a GPA of at least 2.50.

Students in the School of Education must complete at least 60 credits in courses offered at the University of Pittsburgh. They must be enrolled in the School of Education during the term the degree is awarded. Students who begin their study at the regional campuses must apply to relocate to the Pittsburgh campus for at least the last 60 credits.

Program Descriptions

APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (ADP)

ADP Bachelor of Science (BS) Program

The undergraduate major in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) emphasizes developing the skills necessary for implementing and evaluating effective programs for children, youth, and families. Course work includes the study of professional issues, program design and evaluation, counseling skills, and qualitative research methods. The program allows for a focus on Child Life hospital work, group care, family support and intervention, administration, play intervention and therapy. Successful completion of the program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree.

The ADP Bachelor of Science program is listed as an academic program to prepare Child Life Specialists by the Child Life Council.

The curriculum is organized into four terms of upper-division (junior and senior year) study. Applications for admission should be submitted during the sophomore year.

Contact Information
University of Pittsburgh
School of Education
Department of Psychology in Education
5930 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-7230
psyed@pitt.edu
www.education.pitt.edu
Admission Requirements

The program in applied developmental psychology uses a rolling admissions procedure which assures that all completed admission applications will be given regular review. Priority for admissions and financial aid decisions, however, will be given to those applications that are sent in by March 15, the recommended deadline for fall term admission.

In reviewing applications for admission, the Admissions Committee considers the following factors:

  • Academic skill as evident on the student’s transcript. The minimum acceptable GPA is 2.50;
  • Documented evidence of experience and ability to work with children (experience may include volunteer work or employment);
  • References, preferably from professionals familiar with the student’s maturity, work habits, academic ability, and experience with children/youth; and
  • Completion of 60 credits before the first term of enrollment in the program, including the following prerequisite courses, all of which should be taken for a letter grade:
    • English composition (3 credits);
    • Developmental psychology or equivalent (3 credits); and
    • Other courses broadly distributed in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Credits awarded from the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) by the College of General Studies are acceptable for inclusion in the 60 credits.

The program welcomes applications from junior and community college students and from students at other colleges and universities, including students from other countries. These students should see the Transfer Student Admissions or International Student Admissions sections of this bulletin for further details on applying. Students from other academic backgrounds should consult the program coordinator for evaluation.

Major Requirements

The curriculum is organized into four terms of upper-division (junior- and senior-year) study. Study encompasses developmental theory and research from birth through adolescence, professional issues, family dynamics, cultural distinction, handicapping conditions, psychopathology, curriculum and activity planning, practice skills, and an introduction to management. Students spend 300 to 600 hours of internship in the senior year in programs for children, youth, and families, including those with special needs. Flexibility in the curriculum is provided through electives, internship focus, and class project topic selection.

To graduate, students are required to take a minimum of 120 credits, 48 of which must be taken in applied developmental psychology courses. All of these courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better, and students must maintain a GPA of 2.50 in the major. Students must also perform successfully in the internship, according to prevailing standards, in order to remain in good standing in the program.

 

 

Applied Development Psychology
 
PSYED 1042 Child & Youth Work Practice 1
PSYED 1043 Child & Youth Work Practice 2
PSYED 1027 Child & Youth Development 2
PSYED 1002 Child Development
PSYED 1013 Developmental Psychopathology Counseling Skills
PSYED 1016 Developmental Curriculum and Activities
PSYED 1012 Developmental Disabilities
PSYED 1028 Developmental Practice Seminar 1
PSYED 1029 Developmental Practice Seminar 2
PSYED 1036 Developmental Meaning of Cultural Distinction
PSYED 1024 Family Dynamics
PSYED 1007 Methods of Research and Practice
PSYED 1025 Professional Seminar 1
PSYED 1031 Senior Project
PSYED 1050 Supervision and Administration in Child and Youth Work Settings

 

Elective courses and directed study can also be arranged.

 

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The baccalaureate program in health and physical activity leads to the BS degree and provides specializations in exercise science and wellness. The exercise science specialization is offered for students interested in the study of human movement, independent of its implications for teaching physical education in traditional elementary and secondary school settings. Students are prepared for careers as health-related physical fitness specialists interested in working with adult populations in community, corporate, and private fitness centers. Also, this specialization provides basic academic and clinical studies for students wishing to pursue graduate work in exercise science.

The wellness specialization is offered for undergraduates interested in corporate wellness, exercise leadership and programming, public health, and coordination of health-fitness and wellness programs. Students are provided the opportunity for professional focus in one of four areas: aquatics, fitness, aerobics, or aerobics/fitness. This specialization provides appropriate mechanisms to meet the criteria for various professional certifications in this fast-growing and competitive field. The wellness specialization provides basic academic and clinical studies for students wishing to pursue graduate work in physical activity or the public health domain.

Minors

Students may also minor in aerobics, aquatics, dance, and fitness. A minimum of 18 credits is required for each minor. Graduates of the exercise science and wellness specializations and any minor programs do not qualify for public school teacher physical education certification.

Contact Information
University of Pittsburgh
School of Education
Department of Health and Physical Activity
Trees Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-648-8271
hpa@pitt.edu
www.education.pitt.edu
Admissions

Specific requirements for admission to the baccalaureate program in movement science are as follows:

  • An application after approximately 45 credits have been completed: these credits should have been taken in courses that meet the general liberal arts and science requirement of the exercise science curriculum;
  • A minimum GPA of 2.80 in the natural sciences;
  • A demonstration of appropriate health-fitness behaviors as a statement of commitment to the basic philosophy of movement science;
  • A statement of career goals and a self-evaluation; and
  • Three letters of recommendation and possibly an interview.
Health and Physical Activity Curriculum

All students in health and physical activity complete 60 credits of courses in liberal arts and sciences, distributed as follows:

  • Communication skills (9 credits)
  • Quantitative reasoning (9 credits)
  • Humanities (9 credits)
  • Sciences (21 credits)
  • History, social science, and public policy issues (9 credits)
  • General education electives (3 credits)

In addition, all students in health and physical activity complete the following core of 27 credits:

  • Biophysical foundations (6 credits)
  • Behavioral and sociocultural foundations (6 credits)
  • Research methods and practicum (6 credits)
  • Health and fitness foundations (9 credits)

Each specialization requires a clinical/field experience and a directed research practicum. These requirements are completed under the direct supervision of a faculty member and may occur in a variety of settings (e.g., health clubs and hospitals).

 

MINORS

 

Instruction and Learning

Secondary Education

Students interested in becoming secondary teachers would benefit from this 15-credit secondary education minor. It allows the undergraduate student who plans to enter the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program or the Masters in Special Education with Academic Instructional Certification (MOSAIC) program to complete the prerequisite education courses (6 credits) required for those programs. It would also enable the student to enroll in courses designed to introduce them to urban education, current issues in secondary education, and/or best practices in discipline-specific learning contexts. The courses (and field experiences) in the minor would be distributed so that the undergraduate can take them in their junior and senior years.  In addition the minor provides the undergraduate student with the admission requirement of satisfactorily completing 30 hours of site work in secondary schools by their engagement in field experiences embedded within the courses in the minor.

Contact Information

University of Pittsburgh

School of Education

Department of Instruction and Learning

5300 Wesley W. Posvar Hall

230 S. Bouquet St.

Pittsburgh PA 15260

Phone:  412-624-7254

FAX:  412-648-7081

 

Curriculum

 

Students must complete 5 courses (15 credits) for the minor. Three courses are required for all students:

  • Foundations of Special Education (15 hours of field experience)
  • Current Issues in Secondary Education (15 hours of field experience)
  • Introduction to Urban and Middle and High Schools (15 hours of field experience)

The remaining two courses may be selected from among approved electives including:

Teaching English Language Learners

  • Adolescent Development or Educational Psychology
  • Disciplinary Education Elective (e.g. MATH 1231:  Math Education Internship, offered in conjunction with MATH 1230; The Big Ideas of Mathematics

School of Education Course Offerings

http://www.education.pitt.edu/

School of Education Faculty

http://www.education.pitt.edu/faculty