Education with Teaching Certification in Grades 4-8 Major in Pennsylvania
The Education with Teaching Certification in Grades 4-8 program is designed for aspiring educators who want to teach and inspire students in upper elementary and middle school. This program can lead to careers as teachers or educational leaders, all within a Christian, faith-based environment.
100%
of first-year
students receive financial aid
students receive financial aid
98%
of the class of 2025 were
employed or in a graduate program
within 6 - 9 months after graduation
employed or in a graduate program
within 6 - 9 months after graduation
12:1
student to faculty ratio
Study Education with Teaching Certification in Grades 4-8 at a Christian University
Whether you would like to teach in a public or private school in the U.S. or abroad, our middle-level education program, with its concentrations in four content areas, will prepare you for success. As a student in the middle level degree program, you will take introductory and upper level courses in specific content areas, as well as education. This combination of education courses allows you to develop strong content knowledge and teaching skills.
As a middle level 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.
- Develop deep knowledge in specific content areas.
- Become skilled in the art and methods of the teaching profession.
- Elect to study abroad to experience education in other cultures.
- Design and implement instructional plans during your junior year.
- Transition from student to teacher in your senior year through your full-time, 12-week professional semester as a student teacher.
- Choose a field experience in one of more than 25 school districts.
- Create a professional portfolio for potential future employers.
- Take a three-week cross-cultural trip.
- Apply for four annual scholarships (amounts from $1,000 - $3000) available for juniors to apply for their senior year.
- 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.
As a graduate of the middle level education program, you will be equipped to secure positions such as:
- Public or private school teacher
- Nonprofit human service agency worker
- Graduate student
For more information on career planning for the middle level education program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center.
Messiah places students in a variety of middle level field placement experiences. A few examples include:
- Local public school class observations
- Junior-level field experience designing and implementing instructional plans
- Senior-year field work in a 12-week student teaching experience
- Education department work study position
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.
Programs related to Education with Teaching Certification in Grades 4-8
In the Education with Teaching Certification in Grades 4-8 program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Course options for Education with Teaching Certification in Grades 4-8:
Education with Teaching Certification in Grades 4-8 (B.S.) with English Concentration
Education with Teaching Certification in Grades 4-8 (B.S.) with Math Concentration
Education with Teaching Certification in Grades 4-8 (B.S.) with Science Concentration
Education with Teaching Certification in Grades 4-8 (B.S.) with Social Studies Concentration
Careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
Graduates of this 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.
98% of the Class of 2025 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
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.
Beyond the classroom
There are many exciting opportunities that await you in our Pennsylvania-certified middle level teaching program, including study-abroad and rich field experiences. All of your courses at Messiah University are taught by professors who are committed Christians. Our education program will help you grow in your Christian faith while also sharpening your problem-solving and decision-making skills.
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.
Proven success
Our 94 percent pass rate on certification tests across all disciplines is just one indication of how well Messiah University prepares students for teaching certification and teaching careers. You will graduate ready to use your solid foundation in effective curriculum development, instructional planning, delivery and assessment and classroom management to help others learn.
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