Education
Academic Department
For more than 60 years, the Department of Education has graduated highly qualified, well-prepared teachers who are active participants in the life of children and schools. Our graduates work in classrooms from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, in many states and foreign countries.
Our programs integrate a content-oriented curriculum with practical field experience in diverse settings. We emphasize culturally responsive teaching and revise our curriculum to keep current with innovative practices in today's schools. Through their extensive student teaching assignments, our students develop skills that enable them to put theory into practice, observe cutting-edge methods and gain valuable experience in their discipline.
Programs
Early Childhood Education (B.S.)
Our bachelor's degree in early childhood education prepares students to apply for Rhode Island teacher certification in grades pre-kindergarten through 2. Accredited by the Rhode Island Department of Education and grounded in a liberal arts tradition, our program integrates a content-oriented and comprehensive study of teaching methods with practical field experience in diverse settings.
Elementary Education and Special Education (B.S., Minor)
Grounded in the liberal arts tradition and consistent with the University's mission of service, our bachelor's degrees in elementary education and special education integrate content-oriented curricula with comprehensive study of teaching methods and practical field experience in diverse settings. We emphasize culturally responsive teaching and attentively revise our curriculum to ensure that our students are implementing the most current, innovative and effective practices in the schools where they work.
Music Education (B.A.S.)
In concert with the powerful message of our mercy mission statement and the classic ideals of a Catholic liberal arts tradition, our bachelor's degree in music education fuels the imagination and inspire students to pursue their passion while working to make the world a better place – one that is harmonious, just and merciful.
Secondary Education (B.A.S., Minor)
Our bachelor's degree in secondary education readies students to apply for Rhode Island teacher certification in selected content areas for grades 7-12. Our majors develop the skills required to be an effective leader and the expertise to confidently move from being students in the classroom to teachers who will make a difference.
World Languages Education (B.A.S.)
Our bachelor's degree in world languages education develops students' linguistic skills in either French or Spanish and readies them to apply for Rhode Island teacher certification in grades K-12. Our majors master a modern language and gain the expertise to confidently move from being students in the classroom to teachers who will make a difference.