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175 Years. One Enduring Specialty: Education.

Central Connecticut State University’s School of Education is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders who will serve in diverse communities. For more than 175 years, we have been preparing teachers to excel in the classroom. Our students participate in learning experiences that are rich in a variety of perspectives, values, attitudes, and beliefs.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

CAEP Accredited

The Central School of Education is accredited by the highly regarded Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (formerly NCATE) and have held that accreditation longer than any other institution in the state.

CAEP Accredited

Top Reasons to attend Central's School of Education

  • Multiple Pathways to become a teacher! 
    Explore a variety of teacher preparation pathways at Central.

    Progam Offerings

  • Learn by Doing: 49 PK-12 public school districts across CT partnered with Central. Work alongside experienced teachers and school districts through field experience and student teaching placements 
  • Access to financial aid and various scholarship opportunities designed to support future educators!
  • Learn from knowledgeable faculty who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Many of our faculty are former PK–12 educators and have served in a variety of leadership roles across Connecticut school districts. 
  • More than 15 graduate degree and certification pathways, including master’s, doctoral, sixth year, and advanced certificate programs 
  • The School of Education at Central offers an accelerated degree pathway in Special Education that allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree, Connecticut teaching certification in PK–12 Special Education, and a master’s degree in just five years! 

We Are Central

At Central, students experience a vibrant academic community with undergraduate and graduate programs, hands-on learning opportunities, research, internships, global experiences, and meaningful connections with faculty and the surrounding community. From a welcoming campus in New Britain to opportunities that extend across Connecticut and around the world, Central helps students turn their interests and ideas into real-world experiences.

DID YOU KNOW?

The National Council on Teacher Quality awarded Central an "A" grade for excellence in preparing future elementary teachers.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Programs

  • Elementary Education, BS (Certifiable PK-6)

    Elementary Education, BS with Teacher Licensure (PK-6)

    Total Credits Required: 120

    As an Elementary Education major, you'll have the opportunity to build expertise in a subject area that interests you while meeting the Connecticut State Department of Education certification requirements. Selecting a content area major allows you to deepen your knowledge in a specific discipline and strengthens your preparation as a future educator.

    Students will choose one of the following content areas:

    • English
    • Geography
    • History
    • Mathematics
    • Interdisciplinary Science (Biology or Earth Science concentration)

    As you explore a pathway into teaching, it is important to understand the difference between earning a degree from Central Connecticut State University and obtaining a teaching certificate from the State of Connecticut. While your degree provides the academic foundation for your career, certification is the credential required to teach in Connecticut’s public schools. Students pursuing a degree in education should also be aware of the subject-matter major requirement, which applies to all teacher candidates.

  • Secondary Education, BS (Certifiable 4-12)

    Secondary Education, BS with Teacher Licensure (Certifiable 4-12)

    Total Credits Required: 120

    Are you passionate about a particular subject and excited to inspire the next generation of learners? The Secondary Education program prepares future teachers to work with students in grades 4–12 by combining strong content knowledge with engaging teaching practices. Through coursework, field experiences, and student teaching, you'll develop the skills and confidence needed to create meaningful learning experiences and make a lasting impact in today's classrooms.

    One of the first steps in your journey to becoming a certified teacher is selecting the subject area you are most passionate about teaching. Your content area major will align with the Connecticut State Department of Education certification requirements and prepare you to teach in your chosen discipline.

    Choose one of the following content area majors:

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Earth Science
    • Physics
    • English
    • History
    • Mathematics
    • French
    • Italian
    • Spanish

    As you explore a pathway into teaching, it is important to understand the difference between earning a degree from Central Connecticut State University and obtaining a teaching certificate from the State of Connecticut. While your degree provides the academic foundation for your career, certification is the credential required to teach in Connecticut’s public schools. Students pursuing a degree in education should also be aware of the subject-matter major requirement, which applies to all teacher candidates.

  • All-Level Education, BS (Certifiable PK-12)

    All-Level Education, BS with Teacher Licensure (Certifiable PK-12)

    Total Credits Required: 120

    If you're passionate about teaching a specialized subject or supporting diverse learners, an All-Level Education program may be the right fit for you. These programs prepare future educators to teach students from PreK through Grade 12 , providing the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experiences needed to make an impact across a wide range of grade levels and learning environments.

    At Central, All-Level Education certification pathways include Art, Music, Physical Education, Technology & Engineering Education, Dance and Special Education , allowing you to turn your passion into a rewarding career serving students throughout Connecticut.

    As you explore a pathway into teaching, it is important to understand the difference between earning a degree from Central Connecticut State University and obtaining a teaching certificate from the State of Connecticut. While your degree provides the academic foundation for your career, certification is the credential required to teach in Connecticut’s public schools. Students pursuing a degree in education should also be aware of the subject-matter major requirement, which applies to all teacher candidates.

  • Early Childhood Studies, BS (non-teacher certifiable)

    Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies will be qualified to assume a variety of roles within the field of early childhood education and will be positioned well for continued studies in early childhood or related fields of study. Graduates will be eligible to apply for a LEVEL I (Infant Family Associate) Endorsement to the Connecticut Infant Mental Health Association (CT-AIMH), become an Early Childhood professional and a Quality Staff Member (Lead Teacher) in a state-funded early learning program, and will be positioned to enter graduate degree programs in early childhood or closely related fields. The program is intentionally aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

    The Early Childhood Education program is aligned with the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators , ensuring that teacher candidates develop the knowledge and skills needed to support young children's learning and development. Throughout the program, candidates build expertise in six core competency areas:

    • Child Development and Learning
    • Family and Community Relationships
    • Observation, Documentation, and Assessment
    • Developmentally Effective Approaches to Teaching and Learning
    • Content Knowledge
    • Professionalism and Ethical Practice

    As part of the program, candidates complete a variety of supervised field experiences in diverse early childhood settings. Placements may include center-based, home-based, and comprehensive service programs, as well as public school classrooms . Candidates gain experience working with children across multiple developmental stages, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten students, providing opportunities to apply coursework in authentic educational environments.

Graduate Programs