Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Prospective Student Letter

Dear Prospective Student,

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Pittsburg State sends you greetings! We're pleased that you're interested in our university--especially, the elementary education program. A link within this letter shows our program guide with the courses you would complete in preparation for teaching at the Kindergarten through sixth grade level. We have minors, also, that provide you with additional expertise or special endorsements on your teaching license. We are happy to talk with you about these, as you begin your program.

PROGRAM GUIDE: Our guide begins with general education requirements and choices that are best suited for those majoring in elementary education (officially called "Early Childhood/Late Childhood K-6"). Of special note is Section C Math (under I. Basic Skills), which lists our requirementsof Mathematics for Education I and II instead of College Algebra. The guide continues with courses required for this major (50 credit hours), plus a "break-down" of the professional (student teaching) semester, which is a 17 credit hour semester in an appropriate grade-level classroom, plus a series of on-campus seminars.

Typically, our freshmen begin with general education courses like Eng. Comp, American History, General Psychology, etc. and continue with general education courses until the second semester of the sophomore year. The first semester of educational coursework begins with Explorations in Education and Developmental Psychology. Other education courses and the rest of the general education requirements may be taken concurrently. Once a major of "Early Childhood-Late Childhood K-6" (elementary education) is declared, you are assigned an advisor in our department who guides you and advocates for you throughout your PSU experience.

Our best advice for you as you begin your educational journey at PSU is to study hard and keep a close connection with your major department. If you are a high school student considering our program, we suggest you follow the college preparatory curriculum in your district or state.

If you would like further information, come by Hughes Hall, Room 112/117 to meet our faculty and visit personally or give us a call at 620-235-4508 or 620-235-6105. We look forward to having you as a student in our department.

Best wishes from the faculty and staff 
of the Department of Curriulum and Instruction
Pittsburg State University

Working together to prepare competent, committed, caring teachers