School of Education

School Overview - Undergraduate

History

Founded in 1929, the School of Education at Duquesne University has a long-standing tradition of preparing educational leaders. Prior to its establishment, teacher preparation courses were offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The School awarded its first degree in secondary education in its inaugural year and has since expanded to offer a wide range of programs.

Graduates of the School of Education serve in diverse roles, including teachers, school psychologists, administrators, counselors, professors, and other educational professionals. They work in schools and communities across Pennsylvania and throughout the nation, providing high-quality instruction and support to children and youth.

Grounded in the Spiritan Tradition, the School is committed to academic excellence, educational equity, and the holistic development of learners. Its mission reflects a dedication to moral and spiritual values, student success, and the transformative power of education.

Accreditation is based on rigorous external review and adherence to national standards of quality. The School of Education proudly maintains national accreditations through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), American Psychological Association (APA), Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) and International Dyslexia Association (IDA). All educator preparation programs are also approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Duquesne School of Education Mission

The mission of the School of Education, as a renowned learning community for the mind, heart, and spirit, is to guide the development of moral and ethical educational leaders, to advance innovation in teaching and scholarship, and to foster social responsibility. Within the context of the Spiritan identity and University vision, we will accomplish our mission by exemplifying the scholarly and ethical standards of our profession as we provide meaningful learning experiences, support scholarship, and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships.

Duquesne Vision Statement

To be a national leader in research and practice that is steeped in the Spiritan Tradition, dedicated to social justice and equity, and that transcends the boundaries between schools, the community, and higher education.

Duquesne School of Education Values

The School of Education is committed to, and is aligned with, Duquesne University's Strategic Initiatives:

• Excellence in Teaching and Research [DUSI #1]
• Service to the Individual, Community, Nation, and the World [DUSI #2]
• Fostering collaboration among disciplines within and outside the school [DUSI #3]
• Fostering a climate that promotes social justice and equity [DUSI #4]
• Thinking creatively and entrepreneurially [DUSI #5]

Identity

Educational Leaders

We’re preparing the future leaders of the profession by:

Creating an educational environment that recognizes and supports the self-identified needs of the marginalized in our society, and also fosters the ability of our students to do the same.

Modeling and advocating ethical leadership, creating curriculum and educational experiences using evidence-based means in an environment that fosters social responsibility.

Modeling and advocating ethical and just behavior toward all human beings while establishing the foundation for a continual path of transformation of the self, the profession, and the community.

Scholarship for Schools

Our scholarship informs educational practice and policy by:

Generating, disseminating and utilizing scholarship for and with community agencies, and schools, with an emphasis on improving the lives of marginalized populations.

Spiritan Tradition

We serve God by serving students and the larger community through:

Positively influencing the beliefs and attitudes of our learners, our influence empowers others to act in ways that lead to positive outcomes for marginalized populations within our community and beyond.

Fostering a respect for the dignity and rights of all human beings through modeling, exposure to and engagement with our community that results in reciprocal change.

Intentional efforts to teach our students to value and live the Spiritan Pedagogy.

Duquesne University's Strategic Initiatives (DUSI)

1. Duquesne will identify bold pathways to offer students the knowledge and skills they will need for productive and fulfilling lives and careers in the 21st century.
2. Duquesne will become the region's flagship institution for community engagement through mutually beneficial partnerships that advance the city, the region and the world.
3. Duquesne's academic programs will transcend traditional boundaries, positioning it as a leader in interdisciplinary and interprofessional programs.
4. Duquesne will create a vibrant campus community that fosters the achievements of its talented faculty, students and staff.
5. Duquesne will encourage an entrepreneurial spirit that will allow it to creatively steward University assets, adapt to changing environments and enhance its financial vitality to fulfill its mission for a new era.

Academic Policies

The School of Education follows the University's academic policies. Please refer to Duquesne University's academic policies. For School of Education specific academic policies, please refer to the School of Education's Degrees and Requirements webpage within the 2026-2027 Course Catalog and the Student Due Process Manual.