Discover Education – Undecided

Considering possible majors? Finding a way to combine your interests? That's good! Many students begin college before they decide on a major, and many students change their major at some point in their academic journey.

Tell us more about you

Discover Your Strengths

From the moment you step on campus, our entire Duquesne community is rooting for your success and will help you find an education career path that is right for you. Your first year as a a Discover Education student is about exploring your options and discovering your strengths by:

  • Taking a variety of courses to develop a strong foundation in education
  • Participating in varied education field experiences starting the second semester of your first year
  • Discussing your strengths, interests and goals with supportive faculty, academic advisors and other education students

As a Discover student you will have four semesters to explore options before choosing your specific education major!

Find your path to become the Early, Middle, Secondary or Special Education teacher you are meant to be. Prepare Here. Impact Anywhere.

Program Information

Whether you consider yourself undecided, undeclared or exploring possible majors, we'll help you find an education career path that is right for you in our Discover Education program.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Bachelor's

Contact

Connect with the School of Education!

Michelle Gapsky

Director of Enrollment & Engagement

Michelle Gapsky headshot

Degrees and Programs

Our undergraduate programs in education are nationally accredited and guided by standards from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and national professional organizations. You'll learn from expert faculty and have the opportunity to experience a K-12 classroom setting as early as the second semester of your first year.

Duquesne School of Education student works with small child using expandable toy ball.

Early Childhood Education, PreK-4, B.S.Ed.

Our Leading Teacher Program in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) will prepare you to be a leading teacher in preschool and elementary classrooms in Pennsylvania and in many other states.

A Duquesne School of Education works with a young student on a reading assignment.

Equity Education Certificate

This certificate we offer is designed to develop teaching practices in ethics, equity literacy, culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogy and critical studies in education.

A Duquesne School of Education shows a graph to another student.

Middle Level Education, 4-8, B.S.Ed.

Our Leading Teacher Program in Middle Grades Education (4-8) is designed to prepare you to be a leading teacher in upper elementary and middle-grade classrooms in Pennsylvania and in many states.

Duquesne School of Education students studying together outside on campus

Secondary Education, 7-12, B.S.Ed.

In our Leading Teacher Secondary Education (7-12) programs, we combine professional education with your chosen academic content area of English, Mathematics, Physics or Social Studies.

Duquesne School of Education student talking in the classroom

Dual Certification in Special Education and Content Area

Our Leading Teacher Dual Certification Program qualifies you to become certified in both your desired certification content area and special education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Our Bridges Curriculum

Along with your education courses, you will also be enrolled in Duquesne's Bridges Common Learning Experience curriculum. Bridges prepares you for what's next and ensures that you'll never have to narrow your ambitions.

Our curriculum builds connections between all majors and interests, so you can explore what might be right for you.

Discover What's Next

Join at least one of our 280+ student organizations across campus—including many clubs focused on the education field!

Connect with our School of Education to learn more about: 

  • Teaching at various levels, including grades PreK-4, 4-8, 7-12 and becoming dual certified in special education
  • Our access to 75+ school districts for student teaching and field experiences
  • Cultural immersion opportunities like spring breakaways, Maymesters, summer abroad and student teaching abroad 
  • Pathways to grad school including our Early Start Graduate Education Programs
Pittsburgh yellow bridge with Duquesne in the background

Helping You Reach Your Bigger Goals

Featured content

School of Education students in a student organization

Student Organizations

Our School of Education offers multiple organizations for you to join. Joining these organizations allows you to gain new experiences, develop a professional identity, create research opportunities and make new friends. By getting involved in one of our School of Education organizations, you will not only develop marketable skills, but will also enhance your college experience.

Research and Impact

We are committed to the advancement of professionals in the field of education and research plays a vital role in that commitment. As lifelong learners, our School of Education faculty and students work to discover and research new and dynamic methods and theories that can be used in classrooms and communities for the betterment of all learners.

School of Education student Caterina Veneziano with young children in the classroom

Student Teaching and Field Experiences

We work with over 75 school districts in the Greater Pittsburgh Region including public, private, charter and Catholic schools, to coordinate field placements that allow you to integrate teaching fundamentals and advanced pedagogies you learn in your coursework into practical application in K-12 classrooms. We prepare you to make an impact in any classroom, whether it be expanding your horizons across the U.S. and or overseas with the opportunity for cultural immersion experiences.

Hear from Discover Education Students

Discover Education student Mary Paternoster

During my first semester, I needed time to decide if education was the step I wanted to take. I am currently doing field experience in a first grade classroom and love seeing the impact I can make in a student’s life.

Mary Paternoster '27 Began as a Discover Education student, now pursuing a dual degree in English and Secondary Education
More about Discover at DU
Discover education student Bridget Palmer

I jumped into the School of Education and told myself it would be okay if I transferred to another school at Duquesne. However, now that I’ve completed my first year in the education school, I could not imagine being anywhere else. I have enjoyed every single one of my classes.

Bridget Palmer '27 Discover Education student
More about Discover at DU
Discover education student Samantha Orlowski

My experience as a Discover Education student has been beyond wonderful! Everyone in the program is so kind and helpful!

Samantha Orlowski '27 Discover Education student
More about Discover at DU