Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Secondary School Teachers
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Community College of Philadelphia, Penn State, Drexel, and Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider Manor, Keystone, Philadelphia Biblical University-Langhorne, and La Salle.
- Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider Moore College of Art and Design, Cedar Crest, Carlow, and Rosemont College.
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Community College of Philadelphia, Keystone, and UPenn.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Eastern University, Chestnut Hill, Carlow, and Cedar Crest.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of UPenn, Bucknell, Villanova, and Gettysburg College.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Washington & Jefferson College, Grove City, Baptist Bible, and Valley Forge Christian College.
Excellence
- SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at UPenn, Bucknell, Gettysburg College, and Lehigh.
- % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at UPenn, Bucknell, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, and Lehigh.
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Bucknell, Gettysburg College, Washington & Jefferson College, and Lehigh.
Spotlight Schools Search
Study from Anywhere at Online Schools Related to This Career
- Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Master
- Programs: 7 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Bachelor, Master
Jones International University
- Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Master
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
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University Of Pittsburgh At Johnstown • Johnstown, PA
Studying Secondary Education - Social Studies (completion in 2010)
• 11/4/2011
"I feel I learned a lot and was challenged enough. Also, UPJ set me up to be successful and ready to teach right after graduation. Also, the small tuition bill was nice."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | It's a small school, but that's not bad. You'll get good attention from teachers. You'll learn all you need and be ready to go. |
| Program Reputation | 9 | In the area surrounding this college, they are viewed very highly for instruction in education. Secondary education also seems to be their forte. A degree from UPJ in Secondary Education almost guarantees a job immediately in one of the school districts surrounding the campus. |
| Program Quality | 7 | The course load is very heavy, requiring multiple 18-credit semesters if you'd like to graduate in four years. Also, some of the classes can be very difficult, such as Inclusion Strategies. And unfortunately, the adviser for the major is not exactly the best, nor is he easy to work with. |
| Instruction | 6 | The majority of the teachers I encountered were very competent. Some, however, thought their background in secondary education made them an "expert" so to say, when that wasn't really the case. |
| How Difficult | 7 | The majority of the classes you have to take are not overly hard and do not require an excess amount of work. There are a few, such as Education Psychology, which can get to be a lot of work, though. The biggest challenge is just that you are recommended to take several 18-credit semesters if you want to graduate in four years. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Aside from a semester of student teaching and some in-class exercises in a few major exclusive classes, this major is nothing more than a lecture you'll be tested on. I spent most of my time just sitting in class, taking notes, or studying and waiting to actually get into a classroom. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 6 | UPJ is not a very big school, so the schedule isn't very large or flexible. Yes, you'll get the classes you want or need. If you'll get them at exactly the time you desire is a whole other issue, though. |
| Academic Facilities | 4 | School is fairly small, so classes are usually on the small side. Rarely anything more than 30 students. Also, facilities such as classrooms and the library are also very old. Don't expect many new books in the library; you'll have to find them through the PittCAT online library system. |
| Social Life | 3 | Very few students here actually live on campus. Majority of the school is commuter students, like I was. So, there's not much going on on campus, ever. Also, since it's a satellite campus of a large university, sports aren't a priority. Most students, like I did, simply show up, do their work, and disperse. |
| Placement Services | 2 | For some reason, UPJ does not have its own division for this. It's left up to your academic adviser to help you here. And as far as that goes, its mostly a matter of who they know. I didn't have that much trouble, but I've heard some horror stories. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | It's nothing great or nothing bad. They keep in touch and look out for you, but don't expect a favor if you need one. And from my experience, they're usually hard to get in contact with. |
California University Of Pennsylvania • California, PA
Studying Secondary Social Studies Education (completion in 2010)
• 11/23/2011
"The experience was worth what I paid and incurred in debt. I feel that I could not have gotten a better education for the same amount of money, but realize it was not the best education ever."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I would recommend it for people looking to spend about the same amount of money. I enjoyed my time there, but they would have to know the ups and downs of the school to decide if it was for them. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | My school is rated well for education schools. Additionally, it is ranked third in the country for online programs, with two of the major enrollment groups being in elementary and secondary education. |
| Program Quality | 7 | The original program wasn't academically challenging; there were too many low-level classes for basics. I therefore added a degree just in history, to beef up my skills. |
| Instruction | 9 | The professors had real-world experience and had the ability to relate to students. Everything I was told about that could happen in the classroom, I saw with my own eyes! |
| How Difficult | 4 | I was extremely talented at memorizing information, so I did not find the program difficult. However, peers found it particularly difficult because of the amount of reading required. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | A lot of it depends on the professor; they were either one way or the other. I did end up having an equal mix of hands-on and book learning throughout my time, as I was able to properly mix it myself. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | The school has a decent amount of online offerings, but not for education classes, unless they are a graduate student seeking a master's degree and are already certified. However, the school offers many online classes and programs, and it is rated the top online school in Pennsylvania. Additionally, there are some weekend programs for specific majors, such as business. |
| Academic Facilities | 5 | The library is extremely out of date in terms of books and resources. There are up-to-date labs across campus for classes, but not necessarily available for student access "whenever." Additionally, while tutoring services are available, tutor availability is not easily known to all students and is not always flexible with students' schedules. |
| Social Life | 7 | As someone who was an athlete, I enjoyed myself. However, most students are not involved in school spirit, as many students commute to school from upwards of an hour away. Home game events are never packed and the campus is dead on weekends. |
| Placement Services | 8 | The school is not the best at job placement, but does hold many career fairs and networking sessions for students and alumni. The school has a career services office, and not only is it available to students, but it provides services to alumni for life! |
| Alumni Network | 9 | The school invites alumni to various events through e-mail, social media, and quarterly mailings. Additionally, alumni are asked to donate and be involved in career fairs and be mentors. |
Penn State • University Park, PA
Studying Theater (completion in 2003)
• 12/20/2011
"I was very satisfied with the education I received from Penn State. They helped me get to where I am today."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | It was a solid, good program. You can get a good education and make connections there. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | Penn State has recently taken a hit, due to the ongoing news stories. This really has no reflection on the program itself, but is sure to dissuade applicants from choosing the school for a few years. |
| Program Quality | 8 | Very satisfied with the education I received at Penn State. Knowing what I do now about theater and teaching it, I wish there had been a few more lighting courses. |
| Instruction | 8 | Experts in the field were brought in to teach. No student teachers or TAs. We were learning from professionals and people who really knew what they were doing. |
| How Difficult | 7 | It was challenging at the time. Looking back, though, I'd say not overly so. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Very good at mixing the two. Theater is a hands-on area. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 7 | Quite flexible. Able to schedule what was needed, when it was needed. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | Great professors. Excellent libraries. |
| Social Life | 10 | Penn State has a good mix of academics and enjoyment. I took advantage of both sides of what the university had to offer. Football games, clubs, and parties with friends were the norm. |
| Placement Services | 3 | They didn't really help with that. Advisors were able to give recommendations, but there was no real career planning, per se. |
| Alumni Network | 10 | Penn State has a huge alumni network and support system. There are chapters all over the U.S. |
Pennsylvania State University • University Park, PA
Studying English (completion in 2011)
• 12/23/2011
"Overall, I worked as hard as I could and had a great experience. The best part of Penn State were the professors who mentored me."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Penn State is great for people pursuing teaching because the program's funding is strong, the faculty is superb, the classes are competitive, and the campus is beautiful. The investment of time and money are well worth it. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | Penn State is one of the most competitive state universities overall, and the liberal arts programs are no exception. A large number of students in the program ensures that only the best can complete the program. Slackers will fail out. |
| Program Quality | 8 | There is a wide variety of classes and professors to choose from. The program was a good value for me, paying in-state tuition. |
| Instruction | 8 | The professors were very gifted and knowledgeable. They also made themselves available to help me outside of class if I needed it. |
| How Difficult | 7 | The classes were hard if you invested yourself in them. The more you put into a course of study, the more you get out. I had many hours of writing and reading to complete every day, but I know I got the best training I could because I worked so hard. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Learning is very book-oriented. In the teaching program, pedagogy comes from readings. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | Online and evening courses are available in abundance. There are also many independent study options available with many different professors. |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | The library is well-equipped and maintained. The classrooms are sufficient and crowding is rarely a problem. |
| Social Life | 8 | The school-spirit can be overwhelming if you're not interested in football, but there are other ways to socialize. The experience is what you make of it, and you will find friends everywhere you look if you have the right attitude. There is truly something available to everyone, whether it's a social group, an academic club, a sport, or a special interest group. |
| Placement Services | 5 | Teaching placement is not very helpful even though Penn State is the number one corporate recruiter of entry-level workers. Some would say its career services are the best... just not for teaching. |
| Alumni Network | 10 | Penn State's alumni network provides friendship and support in every city for workers in every field. Their alumni network also offers professional networking opportunities. |
West Chester University • West Chester, PA
Studying Secondary Education (completion in 2006)
• 12/29/2011
"I love WCU; it is a great place with great people. Going to WCU has led me to the career I love and for that I am eternally grateful."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | WCU is a highly regarded institution for training in the secondary education field. It is a great campus with a great faculty and will lead you to a career you love. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | WCU is highly regarded for its secondary education program. It was highly ranked by both USNWR and USCB. |
| Program Quality | 10 | College was a great time for me, the campus community was great. I took part in Greek life, and many other campus events/opportunities. Voluteer work was a big thing for me. And of course it allowed me to get the education for the job I wanted. |
| Instruction | 10 | The professors at WCU are great and really prepare you for the real world. I had one professor who would spend hours with me every week so I could pass my introductory calculus courses. |
| How Difficult | 7 | The course work was difficult, but then again college isn't meant to be easy. Of course, there was still plenty of time to have fun so it wasn't too overbearing. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | In my opinion there was a great mix of hands on and book learning. Of course, there were some professors who relied solely on the textbook, but there were also many who tried to integrate as much hands on learning as possible. One professor brought a hover craft into a physics classroom for a demonstration. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | I did have a couple conflicts with scheduling, courses during choice times are hard to get. There are many evening options but not as many weekend options (which I thought was rather odd). However, there were still plenty of opportunties for me to take the courses I needed as well as the ones I wanted to take. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | Although WCU doesn't have the best endownment, it has a great library and resource center. In addition, WCU has an amazing faculty that is always ready to help out. |
| Social Life | 10 | WCU community is something that you never forget. The vibe on campus is great and the school spirit is something that stays with you years after you graduate. |
| Placement Services | 10 | I had someone to guide me every step of the way. Without WCU's carrer guidance program it would have been much more difficult to land a job as soon as I did. |
| Alumni Network | 6 | There are alumni events from time to time, and as I live nearby, I attend all of them. However, I think this is one area the school could improve on as there are few events other than the scheduled reunions. |
University Of Pittsburgh At Johnstown • Johnstown, PA
Studying Secondary Education (completion in 2009)
• 1/21/2012
"Upon leaving the program, I felt very prepared to enter the teaching profession. My only complaint was that one or two of the department's professors were not very informative during classes."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | The program not only provides excellent classes, but also numerous and disparate field experiences. In addition to great education classes, there is also a wide selection of classes in each subject area. The program is very well-guided, so you never have to worry about missing a requirement. The department always informs students about approaching deadlines (even for the certification tests). |
| Program Reputation | 9 | Anyone in the area who wants to go into teaching knows that this school provides the best preparation around. In addition, the school is ranked third in the region. |
| Program Quality | 8 | The school provided a great variety of classes that covered all aspects of the teaching profession. However, some of the material was repetitive. |
| Instruction | 7 | The majority of the instructors were former teachers and had a great deal of experience to relate. However, there were one or two who taught in a very bland manner, making it difficult to comprehend the information. |
| How Difficult | 8 | It was one of the more difficult programs at the school. The classes involved a lot of field experience and preparation. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | The majority of the education classes that I took involved field experiences and practice lessons. About half of the classes required textbooks, but the books were used less frequently than in classes in other departments. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 4 | During the fall and sprig semesters, there is a great deal of variety and flexibility. You can fit just about every class into your schedule. However, there are no online classes and the summer schedule is sparse. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | All of the classrooms have media options such as computers and projectors. The library is state of the art. My adviser was very knowledgeable about the program and professors always encouraged individual conferencing. |
| Social Life | 5 | Sports were not a very big deal at this school. However, social events were relatively common. I did not often attend these events, so I don't know much about them. |
| Placement Services | 5 | The school provides career placement services. However, I have never used this service. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | I know that the school provides some career support. However, I have never used this service, so I can't say for sure how good it is. |
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