Education

female student smiling in front of MSMU campus sign

Education at the Mount

Preparing the next generation of leaders

As an Education student, you’ll be prepared through a progressive model of teaching and learning where you’ll get real-world time in actual classrooms. And you’ll be encouraged to reflect on the methods and strategies of your profession in the spirit of continual self-improvement. Our goal is to prepare the next generation of educational and child development leaders who are committed to the social mission they undertake.

 Undergraduate programs Graduate programs

Dean's welcome

Welcome back to a new academic year at Mount Saint Mary’s University!

Fred Ramirez, dean of education, sitting on steps in suitAs you return to campus and your studies, I want to take a moment to share how proud I am of each of you for choosing to pursue your calling as future educators and servant-leaders.

We know that the current state of our country is bringing us challenges to the field of education. In the Education Department, we remain deeply committed not only to your academic growth and professional preparation, but also to your well-being. Your voices, resilience, and dedication to education are vital in shaping the future of our communities. Please know that we are here to support you—mind, body, and spirit—through every step of your journey.

This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate Mount Saint Mary’s University’s 100th anniversary. For a century, the Mount has stood as a beacon of hope, learning, and service. I encourage you to join in the centennial events and activities planned throughout the year, both on campus and virtually. These celebrations are a chance to honor our history, build community, and look ahead together with purpose and hope.

I look forward to seeing you in classes, at events, and across campus. Let’s make this year one of growth, discovery, and celebration.

With gratitude,
Fred Ramirez, PhD
Dean, Department of Education

About the Education Department

Students choose a profession for a wide variety of reasons, but those who choose to work with young students and their families often cite similar motivations: They want to help young people reach their potential, give back to their communities and make the world a better place.

Our Education and Teacher Credentialing programs at Mount Saint Mary’s University are founded on a commitment to social justice, inclusiveness, and leadership. The founders of our University, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, trace their beginnings to France, where six women, under the guidance of Jean Pierre Medaille, SJ, did not go into the community with preconceived ideas to save them but began by talking to community members to learn of their strengths and needs. We honor this foundation by guiding teacher candidates to work as partners with parents to support the students in the communities they serve. We develop and empower teachers at every stage of their careers by providing academic and professional guidance throughout the credentialing process. Our programs focus on service and preparing students to be competent, confident, and successful educators who understand the benefits of creating positive school cultures that value the assets that their students and families bring.

Our diverse faculty members challenge our students to grow as future leaders and educators. Assignments are timely, relevant, and geared toward the professional development of our students. Our faculty are committed to:

  • Working collaboratively to meet the needs of our programs and students.
  • Speaking, with thoughtfulness, about societal issues relevant to education.
  • Implementing research-based practices to inform teaching.
  • Serving as a role model for inclusive excellence and continuing to learn about the diverse needs of people and communities served.
  • Recognizing and implementing antiracist educational policies and practices.
  • Engaging in life-long learning and self-reflection.
  • Focusing on community and individual wellness.
Students walking around circle

Future teachers:

At the Mount
  • Explore areas of learning as active participants 
  • Reflect on the learning process and their own ways of learning 
  • Take responsibility for self-development as educated members of society 

The majors and programs in Education at Mount Saint Mary’s University will prepare you for your profession in education or in the field of child and family services. 

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For example, if you want to: 

  • Teach elementary (K-5/6) school, then pursue a BA in Liberal Studies and the California Elementary Teacher Preparation Program. 
  • Teach secondary (middle and senior high) school, then pursue a BA in the subject you want to teach (for example: Math, English, Science, Social Science, Music, Spanish, Art, etc.) and the California Secondary Teacher Preparation Program. 
  • Teach preschool, then earn an AA degree in Early Childhood Education and/or a BA in Child Development. 
  • Work with children in social work, counseling and other settings, then pursue a BA in Child Development. 

Our programs in Education allow you to complete teacher preparation at the same time you work on your academic degree.  

Note: Future K-12 teachers who prepare in California complete a major in the subject areas they wish to teach Early childhood teachers complete an Associate in Arts degree with a major in Early Childhood Education and are eligible for the Child Development teacher permit. 

Title II Credential Exam Pass Rates

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Graduate programs in teacher education 

The Teacher Education and Credentialing programs at Mount Saint Mary’s University are founded on a commitment to social justice, inclusivity and leadership. We develop and empower teachers at every stage of their careers by providing them with academic and professional guidance throughout the credentialing process. Our program also helps prepare students to be competent, confident and successful teachers from the very first moment they step into their classroom. 

Our students also benefit from small classes, dynamic classroom conversations and readily accessible faculty. Our faculty members bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the classroom, where they challenge our students to grow as future leaders and educators. Assignments are timely, relevant and geared towards the professional development of our students. 

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