Welcome to UPJ's Education Division!
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of students?
The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Education Division offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in more than sixteen areas of concentration. Students begin their coursework as pre-education majors and (depending on their field of study) will be required to apply for admittance into the upper level between their sophomore and junior year. Following all requirements are met, students are admitted into the Education Division's Upper-Level and begin working with a cohort of peers until their graduation. Pitt-Johnstown Education classrooms aim to provide students with a well-rounded, hands-on approach to theory, practical knowledge, and application.
Degree Programs
- Early Childhood Education
- Middle-Level Education Programs
- Secondary Education Programs
- Dual Major Early Childhood/Special Education (PreK-12)
Immerse Yourself in Your Education
Pitt-Johnstown Education offers one of the most immersive classroom experiences in the state!
Pitt-Johnstown enjoys positive relationships and collaborates with our surrounding K-12 public districts and private schools to provide our students with real-world experience in the classroom as early as their freshman year! Opportunities occur through observations, volunteer opportunities, and club/organization involvement. Considerations for student travel needs are observed when observations are required as part of underclassman, or pre-education, degree requirements.
All programs are designed to facilitate graduation in four years; yet, the experiences are meant to produce transformed and qualified educators who are sought out by districts, near-and-far, for employment!
- 90% of Pitt-Johnstown Education Division graduates are employed within their desired career within a year
- 82% are employed in Pennsylvania.
Our Mission
The mission of the Division of Education of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown is to provide high-quality programs that produce exemplary educators who are knowledgeable, resourceful, and well-prepared to make contributions to the schools and communities in which they work. We want to prepare you for your transformation as an educator who is ready to make a difference in the lives of your students! In addition to the Degree Programs for licensure, Pitt Johnstown's Education Division offers several optional certifications and endorsements, which provide further specialization, real-world experience, and marketability to our graduates!
Opportunities to Enhance Your Teaching Degree: Endorsement and Certification Areas
- English Language Learners (ELL) Certification
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- Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
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Study Abroad Opportunities >>
Another exciting feature of Pitt Johnstown's Education Programming includes our Study Abroad Programs! As an undergraduate, you may elect to complete a 7-week student teaching experience in one of the following locations. Tuition and residential assistance for these exciting opportunities are also available.
- Student Teaching in New Zealand
- Student Teaching in Bolivia
Prospective Students
- Clearances
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All Pitt-Johnstown students intending to major in education are required to obtain and submit the following clearances and submit them to the Division Office (Biddle 153):
IdentoGO is PA's new fingerprint provider as of November 2017. Procedures, pricing, and locations are DIFFERENT, so please follow these instructions carefully.
Go to: https://uenroll.identogo.com Type in your service code (registering in PA as a student taking a course in a university teacher ed. program): 1KG6RT. On the next screen, select Schedule or Manage an Appointment. Complete the registration form, select a fingerprinting location, select the photo ID you will bring to your appointment (most select Driver's License), make an appointment or select "walk-in," pay for the service, and print your confirmation form. Take a print-out of your registration and your selected photo ID to an IdentoGO fingerprinting site. Search for an IdentoGO location » - Post-Baccalaureate FAQs
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What are the Post-Baccalaureate admission criteria for the certification program?
- To be admitted to the applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must have teaching certification and have passed the teaching concentration(s) PRAXIS II subject assessment. To remain in a certification program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
How long will it take to complete the post-baccalaureate program?
- After review of transcripts candidates will have a projected program timeline. Availability to take courses when they are offered should be factored.
When are courses offered?
- Courses will be offered during summer and evening formats to accommodate teachers in the field. After applying please be sure to follow the survey link to fill out the survey monkey which will help to target desired times for availability.
Will I have to student teach?
- Yes, PDE now requires experiences to be fulfilled for classroom course work through core competences. Each candidates requirements will vary depending on current teaching experiences.
When are the application deadlines?
- Please have your application and all materials in at least one month before the start of the new course session. Courses begin in June, August, and January.
What kind of advising is available for post-baccalaureate candidates?
- All candidates will have a faculty program advisor. Candidates will meet with the advisor to develop a program plan and schedule courses. Candidates can also meet with their advisor to develop a professional development plan to meet specific career needs.
Are there other requirements for PA certification?
- PDE requires that candidates pass the required Praxis, and PECT Examinations for Early Childhood Certification. Additionally, teacher candidates will be required to complete a Professional Educator Portfolio.
- Assessment Tests
Visit the bookstore for all of your textbook, apparel and merchandise necessities!
Important Division Contacts
Gerald Zahorchak, DEd, Associate Professor of Education and Division Chair
814-269-7961 | jzahorch@pitt.edu
Douglas Ledney, EdD, Director of Field Practicums and Clinical Experiences
814-269-7013 / dol19@pitt.edu
Karen Clites, Division and Teacher Certification Administrative Assistant
814-269-7010 | clites@pitt.edu | Fax: 814-269-7084
Pitt-Johnstown Education Division 153 Biddle Hall 540 Schoolhouse Road Johnstown, PA 15904 | 814.269.7010