Home 2025: Top 40 Bachelor’s Degrees in Education Teacher Certification Programs in the West North Central United States

2025: Top 40 Bachelor’s Degrees in Education Teacher Certification Programs in the West North Central United States

Top Picks for the 40 Best Bachelor’s in Education Leading to Teacher Certification in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

Midwestern values run strong in the West North Central United States. Defined as North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri, you find a lot of diversity of both terrain and community here, but those values stand everywhere. Some of the earliest organized public school districts were put together here in the mid-1800s, and our community continues to stay active and involved in getting kids the best education possible.

That means picking great teachers. Teachers who have an excellent education themselves. The kind of training and experience needed to live up to the high expectations of the community.

If you’re from around here, or just plan to work somewhere in the West North Central part of the country, you’d better get ready. Preparing for a career in education here is serious business, and it all starts with picking the right bachelor’s degree for initial teacher training.

There is no shortage of great schools around here, and that’s a fact that can make it all the more difficult to identify the ones that are objectively the best. But that’s exactly what we’re here for.

We’ve taken the time to go through every single one of the schools in the region offering bachelor’s degree that include the additional course sequence and student teaching experiences required to earn teacher certification in your state. These are often referred to as ITP (Initial Teacher Preparation) bachelor’s programs. By any name, we feel confident calling these programs the very best in the West North Central U.S.

A Lot of Tough Decision Go Into Picking Top ITP Programs

Turns out there are a lot of really excellent teaching colleges here in the Midwest. We found 158 regionally-accredited schools in these 7 states that offer ITP programs. That makes the job of picking the very best a pretty tough one. Besides that, a lot of folks have different ideas about what exactly makes a program worthy of being called the best. You have to make sure you’re on the same page when it comes to the qualities and benefits being weighed.

At the end of it all, these programs were picked based on our own analysis, which gave weight to the things we have come to believe mean the most to student teachers, and the school districts that hire them after graduation. Even though selections of this kind aren’t exactly based on hard science, we always strive for total objectivity. It takes a human touch to pull out the kind of insights that give you a real sense of which programs are best based on the qualitative criteria we looked at.

To us, a top program brings together all the following qualities in one package.

Excellence in Instruction Leads to Excellence in Education

Since you are already planning on becoming a teacher, we don’t have to sell you on how important good teachers are. That’s as true at the college level as it is in K-12. So, first and foremost, what we looked for in these schools was excellent instructors.

Your professors are all mostly working off the same materials so the real difference is how well they present it. We picked programs where professors have the empathy and the flexibility to reach any student, through any learning style. They get the core concepts across and make it all click, just like you want to do with your own students. They serve as examples as well as educators.

That’s because they’ve been drawn from the ranks of the best teachers, working in the very same communities they are preparing their students to teach in. After years of experience doing exactly what you plan to do with your career, they have gone on and earned advanced degrees themselves, often doctorates in the field. Along the way, they’ve established strong research credentials and have had their work published.

Open a few copies of Academic Exchange Quarterly or The Harvard Educational Review and you’ll find their names. That’s the kind of standard you need to look for in the instructors who will be preparing you for your teaching career – and each of these schools hits that mark.

Top Academic Marks From The Community

Those aren’t the only high marks they get. All of these schools also commands respect and attention in the education community as a whole. We didn’t make our choices in a vacuum. Instead, we looked for programs that have also been recognized by other third-party evaluators like The Economist and U.S. News & World Report.

When you are really good, you get noticed. And these schools have all definitely been noticed. In many cases, the programs have also received specialty accreditation in teacher education from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), or one of the other specialty accreditors that preceded it – NCATE and TEAC. That kind of rigorous examination leaves no stone unturned. Everything from curriculum development to grading standards is assessed and weighed against the highest quality benchmarks in the field.

You can also see this in graduation and placement rates. Teachers trained by these schools are in-demand, and when most of them land jobs within six months of graduation, you know there is a good reason for that.

Diverse Real World Student Teaching Experiences

One of the hallmarks of American teacher training is genuine classroom experience, and lots of it. But all that student teaching has limited value if it’s Groundhog Day every time. The best teachers come at the profession from a wide base of diverse classroom experience. There’s no one-size-fits-all in education, and there is nowhere it is more important to learn that than in actual classrooms out in the real world.

Student teaching should be about getting you that wide range of expertise while you are still under the watchful eyes of your instructors, not floundering around in your own classroom. So we tried to pick out programs that give you a lot of different kinds of student teaching experiences. That includes both diverse grades and subjects as well as different types of schools. The Midwest has a lot of small town schools, it’s true, but these states also have some major urban areas with all the same tough teaching challenges as any city in the country.

You’ll get the chances to apply your experience and techniques with different kinds of students with different types of materials. The more you see, the better you are equipped to handle your own classroom after graduation. And these programs give you the full range.

Unique Academic and Experiential Training

One of the things that is hardest to judge about any ITP program are all the little extras that can really make it perfect for you. It’s pretty easy to look at all the big things, like graduation rates, instructor qualifications, and program accreditation. It’s not as easy to pull out the little gems that really set schools apart.

That can be everything from a special concentration area in a subject that you can’t find anywhere else in the region, to a unique overseas placement experience that lets you learn from how other countries handle education. Maybe it’s a research program that is investigating some pedagogical theory you are most interested in. Or maybe you’re looking for a perfect hybrid program, one that offers just the right combination of online and traditional in-person classes to fit your lifestyle.

Put all those things together and what you get is the fact that different programs can be the perfect fit for different people. But the more options, the more expertise, the more flexibility you find in any given school, the better your chances are of finding the right fit.

So we looked for schools that are out there trying new things, offering exciting experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. You might not even know what that thing is until you see it highlighted here. But you will know it when you see it.

Along the way, we’ve picked out and put up all the standard things anyone needs to know when picking a school – from educational format and concentrations available to per-credit tuition costs and specialty accreditation status.

And of course you get a link right to the website of each school in question… no funny business or jumping through any hoops. We’re here to help!

2025: Top Picks for the 40 Best Bachelor’s in Education Leading to Teacher Certification in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri

One way or another, we’re sure this list of our favorite teacher certification bachelor’s programs in the West North Central U.S. (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri) is going to help you in your search. Even if you end up deciding on a program that didn’t end up on this list, we’re confident this resource will leave you better informed about what to look for and better prepared to make your final decision.

North Dakota

North Dakota State University – Main Campus (PU)
College of Human Sciences and Education
Fargo, ND
Website

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • K-12 PE
  • Secondary
    • Agricultural Education
    • Art Education
    • Biology Education
    • Chemistry Education
    • Comprehensive Science Education
    • Earth Science Education
    • English Education
    • English with Communication Education
    • Family and Consumer Sciences Education
    • French Education
    • Health Education
    • History Education
    • Music (Instrumental) Education
    • Mathematics Education
    • Physical Education (K-12)
    • Physics Education
    • Social Science Education
    • Spanish Education
    • Music (Vocal) Education
  • Elementary Education & Human Development and Family Science (Dual Degree)

BM Music

Estimated cost per credit: $287 (in-state), $430 (out-of-state) 

  • National accreditation: CAEP/NCATE
  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 93% placement rate among graduates (86% are employed and 7% are continuing their education)
  • Named the best college in North Dakota by Money Magazine
  • Also offers: MEd Curriculum and Instruction; MS Educational Leadership (K-12 Leadership, Higher Education Administration)

There’s plenty of reasons to choose North Dakota State University as your pathway to initial teacher certification. The huge selection of bachelor’s-level teacher certification content areas is impressive, and includes some really unique options you won’t find at many other schools. As a student here, you’ll learn from an esteemed faculty of respected experts in education and gain valuable, hands-on experience through job shadowing, practicums, student teaching, and more. You’ll even have exceptional opportunities to study and learn abroad (students traveled to more than 20 countries last year alone). Plus, with 12 different student organizations making their home in the College of Human Sciences and Education, you’ll have some great opportunities to connect with likeminded peers for great conversation and mutual support outside of class. It’s no wonder NDSU was included on the National Council on Teacher Quality list of top 120 schools, and ranked as the best college in North Dakota by Money Magazine.

University of North Dakota (PU)
College of Education & Human Development
Grand Forks, ND
Website

BSEd

  • Elementary (on-campus, online)
  • Middle Level (on-campus)
    • Math
    • Science
    • English
    • Social studies
    • Health
  • Secondary (on-campus)
    • English
    • French
    • German
    • Spanish
    • Mathematics
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Geology
    • Geography
    • Physics
    • Visual Arts
  • K-12 (on-campus)
    • PE
    • Music

Estimated cost per credit: $273 (in-state), $410 (out-of-state), $356 (online)

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 93% placement rate among elementary education graduates
  • Also offers: MS Educational Studies, Higher Education; MEd/MS Instructional Design and Technology, Reading; MEd Educational Leadership, TESOL; MS Teaching and Leadership, Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorder, Visual Impairment, Special Education Strategist, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities)

You’d be hard pressed to find another school that offers a more extensive selection of bachelor’s-level teacher certification programs and better student resources and services than the University of North Dakota. A dedicated faculty and staff work alongside students here from the first day to beyond graduation to ensure academic success and to match them with outstanding practical experiences, including volunteer opportunities at area schools and experiences with students in diverse communities and school systems. As a student here, you’ll also have the opportunity to study abroad, with the school offering exciting experiences in places like Finland, Ireland, Hungary, New Zealand and more.

University of Mary (PR)
Family School of Education & Behavioral Sciences
Bismarck, ND
Website

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • English
    • History
    • Mathematics
    • Biology
    • Business
    • Social Studies

BS (on-campus)

  • Music K-12
  • PE K-12
  • Special Education (hybrid)

Estimated cost per credit: $580, $605 (online)

  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 95% Praxis exam pass rate and a 96% placement rate within six months of graduation
  • Named a College of Distinction in 2020-2021
  • Also offers: MEd Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Reading, Special Education Strategist, School Administration, Teacher Leadership

The University of Mary is a gem among private universities and colleges in North Dakota. Academic excellence and student success go hand in hand here. The University of Mary was named a College of Distinction in 2020-2021 – a recognition granted by professionals in the field for excellence in academia. It’s no surprise given the record of student success here! In fact, the Praxis pass rates for education students at the University of Mary is a truly impressive 95%. Other things that make this institution special include a year-round campus that allows students to complete a bachelor’s degree in as little as 2.6 years, small class sizes that offer the best in personal attention, and a superb placement rate of 96% within six months of graduation.

South Dakota

University of South Dakota (PU)
School of Education
Vermillion, SD
Website

BSEd (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Special Education (Elementary, Secondary)
  • Secondary
    • Biology
    • Communications
    • English
    • History
    • Mathematics
    • PE
    • Spanish

BFA K-12 Art (on-campus)

BM K-12 Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $257 (in-state), $372 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP/NCATE
  • Consistently ranked among the best colleges/universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, the Princeton Review, and more
  • Features a yearlong residency model for unparalleled practical experiences
  • MS Technology for Education and Training; MA Educational Administration and Leadership (Curriculum Director), Educational Administration and Leadership (preK-12 Principal, Adult and Higher Education)

CAEP/NCATE accreditation and an innovative, yearlong residency model are just two of the reasons why the University of South Dakota easily earns a place on our list of the top bachelor’s-level teacher prep programs. As the state’s flagship university, the University of South Dakota has long been a leader in academic excellence, and the teacher certification programs offered here carry this legacy forward, offering word-class curricula, innovative technology, and diverse real-world learning opportunities. In fact, it’s this position as a leader in higher education that’s earned the university consistent recognition as a leading national university by esteemed publications like U.S. News & World Report (named among the Best National Universities since 1992), the Princeton Review (one of the Nation’s Best Colleges), and Forbes (named among America’s Top Colleges).

Dakota State University (PU)
College of Education
Madison, SD
Website

BSEd (on-campus, online)

  • Elementary
  • Elementary/Special Education

BSEd (on-campus)

  • K-12 (PE)
  • Computer Education
  • Biology
  • Business Education

Estimated program per credit: $291 (in-state), $394 (out-of-state), $351 (online)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 99% placement rate
  • All programs includes a K-12 technology endorsement
  • Also offers: MS Educational Technology

Dakota State University earns a spot on our best education programs list for its flexible program scheduling, exceptional student resources and services, and its superb record of student success that includes a 99% placement rate among graduates. The DSU College of Education is leading the way with technological innovation, offering a mixed-reality teaching simulation known as VALE – Virtual Avatar Learning Experience, and Dewey, a telepresence robot that allows students to virtually attend classes and meetings and observe student teachers remotely. Best of all, all College of Education programs include a built-in K-12 technology endorsement that produces technology forward educators ready for today’s innovative learning environments.

Northern State University (PU)
School of Education
Aberdeen, SD
Website

BSEd (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Elementary Education and Special Education
  • K-12 Art
  • K-12 PE
  • Secondary
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • English
    • History
    • Mathematics
    • Spanish

BME K-12 Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $251 (in-state), $354 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Ranked among the top baccalaureate programs in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for more than a decade
  • Unique opportunities available through a partnership between the School of Education and the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
  • Also offers: MSEd Leadership and Administration, Teaching and Learning; Education Studies

Northern State University is one of South Dakota’s standout leaders for teacher preparation, providing student-centered programs that are complemented with outstanding practical experiences, labs, service learning opportunities, and top-notch research through the state-of-the-art Regional Science Education Center. We also love that the School of Education has partnered with the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to create unique educational opportunities. And thanks to the new Educational Impact Campaign, projects here will be better than ever and offered through a brand-new SDSBVI facility. These exceptional opportunities are why Northern State University has been ranked among the best baccalaureate colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for more than a decade.

Dakota Wesleyan University (PR)
Education Department
Mitchell, SD
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary (Biology)
  • K-12 Special Education

BA (on-campus)

  • K-12 Music
  • Secondary
    • English
    • History
    • Mathematics

Estimated cost per credit: $957

  • On-site elementary center provides unparalleled access to exceptional, hands-on learning opportunities
  • Exceptional record of student success includes a 95% placement rate among grads
  • Also offers: MEd Educational Leadership (Educational Policy and Administration)

Dakota Wesleyan University’s undergraduate teacher certification programs are hard to beat when it comes to real results in the job market, boasting a 95% placement rate among education graduates! An on-campus elementary school is housed within the university’s Education Department, providing unparalleled access to real-world student teaching opportunities very early in the program. And thanks to DWU’s low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 13:1, students here receive a personalized, well-rounded course of education leading to their initial teaching certification.

Nebraska

University of Nebraska at Omaha (PU)
College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
Omaha, NE
Website

BSEd (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Elementary/Special Education
  • Middle Level
  • Secondary
    • Basic Business, Marketing and Information Technology (6-12)
    • Biology (7-12)
    • Chemistry (7-12)
    • Deaf/Hard of Hearing (7-12) Dual Endorsement
    • English Language Arts (7-12)
    • Mathematics (6-12)
    • Physical Education and Health (7-12) Dual Endorsement
    • Physics (7-12)
    • Science (7-12)
    • Secondary English (7-12) Dual Endorsement
    • Secondary English (7-12) with ESL Endorsement
    • Special Education Generalist (7-12) Dual Endorsement
    • Social Science (7-12)
    • World Language – French (7-12)
    • World Language – German (7-12)
    • World Language – Spanish (7-12)
  • PK-12
    • Art
    • PE
    • Music

Estimated cost per credit: $235 (in-state), $738 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • University designated as a national leader in engagement and outreach through the Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement Classification for its focus on service learning
  • Also offers: MS Educational Leadership (Building Administration/Principal, Teacher Leader, Special Education Leadership); Literacy and Reading Specialist; Special Education (Behavior Intervention Specialist)

We love the University of Nebraska at Omaha for its outstanding selection of teacher certification programs that include more than 16 secondary endorsements alone! Learning by doing and giving back to the community are a big part of the student experience at UNO, with several courses every semester that incorporate service learning. Through these experiences, education students complete projects that make meaningful contributions to the world around them while enriching themselves along the way. These types of superb experiences are why the university has been designated as a national leader in engagement and outreach through the Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement Classification.

Nebraska Wesleyan University (PR)
Education Department
Lincoln/Omaha, NE
Website

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Special Education
  • History – Social Science
  • Language Arts
  • Science
  • PK-12
    • Art
    • Health and PE

BM PK-12 Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,199

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Outstanding practical experiences include at least four practicums before student teaching
  • Exciting opportunities to connect with your peers through more than 50 student organizations and clubs
  • Also offers: MEd Curriculum and Instruction

Nebraska Wesleyan University’s undergraduate teacher certification programs are built on solid educational theory and complemented with exceptional field placements with schools in Lincoln and throughout the region. In fact, as an education student here, you’ll complete at least four practicum experiences before you begin student teaching. Nebraska Wesleyan even offers student teaching opportunities overseas for those interested in fostering a global perspective on education. Other highlights of Nebraska Wesleyan include more than 50 student organizations providing a dynamic campus experience, small class sizes that ensure a student-centered learning environment, and a highly qualified faculty of doctoral-prepared instructors.

Hastings College (PR)
Teacher Education
Hastings, NE
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • Biology 7-12
    • Chemistry 7-12
    • History 7-12
    • Physics 7-12
    • Secondary English 7-12
    • World Language – Spanish 7-12
  • K-12 Special Education
  • PK-12
    • Art
    • Health and PE
    • Music

Estimated cost per credit: $1,120

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Teacher prep programs feature block-style semesters and small class sizes for a personalized course of study
  • Study abroad experience offered at no cost to students

Hastings College earns a spot on our best education programs list for its outstanding program design that includes block-style semesters that involve taking one or two classes at a time. This type of curriculum structure is highlighted by small class sizes and a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 12:1 ensuring a lot of one on one facetime with peers and professors. A community service project that deals with one of the pressing issues of the day, and opportunities to study away – either domestically or abroad – round out Hastings’ comprehensive teacher prep programs. The value-driven teacher prep programs here include a free study abroad experience, free textbooks, and a free iPad and Apple Pencil. It’s little wonder why U.S. News & World Report has consistently recognized Hastings as a top school for teaching and innovation.

Creighton University (PR)
Department of Education
Omaha, NE
Website

BS Elementary (on-campus)

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Secondary
    • English
    • French
    • History
    • Religious Education
    • Spanish
  • K-12 Art

Estimated cost per credit: $1,373

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Exceptional record of student success includes a 100% average pass rate on teacher certification exams and a 98% placement rate among grads
  • Also offers: MS Educational Leadership, Educational Specialist (ESL, Catholic School Leadership, Teacher Leadership)

The Creighton University bachelor’s-level teacher certification programs boast statistics that make it a standout for aspiring educators. A low, 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 100% full-time doctoral faculty, and at least 750 hours of fieldwork ensure an exceptional academic experience that’s focused on student success. It’s no wonder this university boasts an average pass rate of 100% on teacher certification exams and a 98% placement rate among education graduates. Creighton University is second to none if you’re looking for teacher prep programs that come with an outstanding record of academic excellence and student success.

Kansas

Kansas State University (PU)
College of Education
Manhattan, KS
Website

BSE Elementary (on-campus, online)

BSE (on-campus)

  • Secondary
  • K-12
    • Art
    • PE
    • Special Education

BME K-12 Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $313 (in-state), $842 (out-of-state), $383 (online)

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Consistently recognized for its academic excellence and student success by publications like the Princeton Review and the Wall Street Journal
  • Outstanding job placement rate of 99% among graduates
  • Also offers: Master’s Academic Advising, Adult Learning and Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction (Educational Technology, ESL, Reading Specialist, Learning Skills/School Improvement, Teaching Civics and Government); Educational Leadership, College Student Development

Kansas State University comes complete with the guarantee of academic integrity that comes with NCATE accreditation, and a truly impressive placement rate of 99% among graduates. Choose KSU for your bachelor’s degree leading to initial teacher licensure and you’ll enjoy a unique academic atmosphere that includes the kind of outstanding resources and services you get from a large school while still getting the personalized learning experiences of a small school. KSU’s College of Education boasts a long record of academic excellence, which includes an award for Best Practice in Professional Ethics and Moral Dispositions in Teacher Education from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. If that weren’t enough, consistent accolades from esteemed publications like the Princeton Review and the Wall Street Journal speak to KSU’s commitment to excellence in teacher education.

Washburn University (PU)
Education Department
Topeka, KS
Website

BEd (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • P-12 PE

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

  • French
  • Spanish
  • Biology 6-12
  • Chemistry 6-12
  • English/Language Arts 6-12
  • History and Government 6-12
  • Mathematics 6-12

BFA P-12 Art (on-campus)

BM P-12 Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $309 (in-state), $702 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP/NCATE
  • Outstanding student experiences include study abroad opportunities and more than 100 campus organizations and clubs
  • Consistently recognized for its low student debt upon graduation
  • Also offers: MEd Educational Leadership, Reading/ESOL Specialist, Curriculum and Instruction (Literacy, Educational Technology); Curriculum and Instruction in Educational Studies

Built on a storied history of producing outstanding educators, Washburn University’s undergraduate teacher prep programs easily make our list of the best of the best. Just some of the points of interest that make these programs a shoo-in for aspiring educators like you include a position within a CAEP/NCATE accredited education department, a strong record of producing and maintaining strong partnerships with local districts for top-notch practicum/student teaching opportunities, and an experienced faculty of experts in their field. You’re also sure to love this university’s reputation for low student debt. In fact, U.S. News & World Report has consistently recognized Washburn for low student debt rates among graduates.

MidAmerica Nazarene University (PR)
School of Education
Olathe, KS
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle Level
    • Mathematics
    • Science
  • Secondary
    • Biology
    • English Language Arts
    • Social Studies & History
    • Mathematics
    • Speech/Theatre
  • P-12 Music
  • P-12 PE

Estimated cost per credit: $1,050

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Ranked among the best colleges in the nation for social mobility among by U.S. News & World Report
  • Outstanding student resources include career and academic success services
  • Also offers: MEd Reading Specialist; MS Educational Technology, Education Leadership

The MidAmerica Nazarene University teacher prep programs are comprehensive and built upon CAEP accreditation standards– a clear sign of the university’s commitment to academic excellence. We are also impressed with the unique way the university offers unique accommodations to education students. Among those accommodations are RISE, which partners prospective employers with the Teacher Education Department for practicums and student teaching experiences, and Kansas Teaching Pathway, which provides high school students with the opportunity to transfer-in up to two courses for a jump start on their education program. Just some of the other gems that make MidAmerica Nazarene stand out from the crowd include an annual teacher career fair that matches graduates with schools searching for top teacher talent and fantastic student resources that include both career development and academic success services.

Newman University (PR)
School of Education & Social Work
Wichita, KS
Website

BE (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • History/Government
    • English
    • Math
    • Biology

Estimated cost per credit: $1,048

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Opportunities to study at one or more of the many outreach sites located in Southeast and Western Kansas and beyond
  • The largest producer of teachers among private colleges and universities in Kansas
  • Also offers: MSEd Curriculum and Instruction (Discipline-Specific Pedagogy, ESOL, Reading Specialist), Building Leadership

Newman University may be a small, private institution, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the biggest producer of Kansas educators. In fact, the university’s School of Education trains more teachers than any other private college or university in the state. You won’t be just a number here, though. The teacher prep programs here boast small class sizes, a dedicated and highly qualified faculty, and top-notch resources like SMART classrooms that prepare students to become familiar with the technology currently used in most schools. Choose Newman as your pathway to your initial teaching license and you’ll enjoy the option of completing your coursework at the main campus in Wichita or at one of the outreach sites located in Southeast and Western Kansas, as well as in Colorado Springs, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City.

McPherson College (PR)
Teacher Education Program
McPherson, KS
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Elementary/Special Education
  • PK-12 PE

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Secondary
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • English
    • ESOL
    • History and Government
    • Mathematics
    • High-Incidence Special Education
    • Speech/Theatre
  • PK-12
    • Art
    • Health
    • Music
    • Spanish

Estimated cost per credit: $1,038

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Innovative combined BS in Elementary Education and MEd in Curriculum and Instruction can be completed in just four years
  • Outstanding selection of resources and services includes more than 30 students activities and clubs

The McPherson College undergraduate teacher prep programs are built on the university’s longstanding mission to produce the most highly qualified educators in the nation. Case in point: McPherson offers a combined BS in Elementary Education and MEd in Curriculum and Instruction that leads to KSDE licensure and an added endorsement in either ESOL or special education and can be completed in just four years! Whether your goal is to earn both your bachelor’s and graduate degree while at McPherson or simply complete one of the school’s many pathways to a bachelor’s degree and initial teaching license, you’ll find this college to be rich in experiences and resources. Small class sizes, more than 30 student activities and clubs, dedicated professors who serve as personal mentors, and plenty of real-world insight through classroom practicums and observations make McPherson’s teacher prep programs among the best.

Kansas Wesleyan University (PR)
Department of Teacher Education
Salina, KS
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
  • PreK-12 PE
  • Music

BS Secondary

  • Physics
  • Chemistry

Estimated cost per credit: $1,034

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Exciting service learning and global study/teaching opportunities available both domestically and abroad
  • Partnerships with the Salina School District ensures outstanding practical learning opportunities

Kansas Wesleyan University offers the small, private school education you’ve been looking for and the nationally accredited teacher prep programs that get employers to take a second look. We love the small class sizes here that encourage hands-on learning, collaboration, and communication. The university has a close partnership with the Salina School District, so you’ll be guaranteed a variety of classroom participation opportunities. And if your career aspirations in education include international study or teaching experiences, you’ll love Kansas Wesleyan’s exciting programs at international locales like Costa Rica and Germany, or domestically in Florida – often provided at little to no additional cost to you!

Baker University (PR)
School of Education
Baldwin City, KS
Website

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle Level
    • English
    • Mathematics
  • Secondary
    • Biology
    • Business
    • Chemistry
    • History & Government
  • PreK-12
    • Health
    • Music
    • PE
  • Special Education

Estimated cost per credit: $1,033

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Baker recognized for delivering one of the top returns on investment for its students by the U.S. Department of Education
  • Ranked by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce among the top 8% of all colleges and universities in the nation
  • Also offers: MAEd Instructional Technology, Student Diversity, Curriculum and Instruction, Teacher of Distinction; MS Student Affairs for Leadership in Higher Education, Instructional Design and Performance Technology; School Leadership

Baker University’s teacher prep programs are built on the university’s longstanding reputation for producing in-demand graduates. It’s little wonder why Baker’s teacher grads enjoy so much attention from employers—Baker grads have been nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year award nine out of the last ten years and many have received the Kansas Horizon Award for first-year teaching! Just some of the points of excellence here include hands-on learning that begins in your freshman year; strong partnerships with local school districts that ensure students secure rewarding student teaching and practicum experiences; and an active Student Education Association that has become one of the leading chapters in the nation, recognized for excellence at the NEA Student Leadership conference.

Benedictine College (PR)
Education Department
Atchison, KS
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
  • Special Education
  • PreK-12
    • Art
    • Health and PE

BME PreK-12 Music

Estimated cost per credit: $963

  • Named as One of America’s Best Catholic Colleges by the Newman Guide
  • Built on a commitment to producing graduates who serve as developers of their communities
  • Also offers: MA School Leadership

Benedictine College and its teacher certification programs easily earn a spot on our best of the best list. Built upon a framework that they’ve formally named Educators as Builders of Community, these programs are focused on preparing teachers capable of making real contributions to building healthy communities at the local, national, and even global level. With this in mind, Benedictine College is home to the Center for Service-Learning, which is committed to engaging students in service learning experiences that benefit the students, faculty, and community partners of the college. Along those same lines, the Florence Program offered here provides a study abroad experience in Italy for undergrad students. Benedictine’s efforts have not gone unnoticed—it’s been consistently recognized among the nation’s best colleges and among Catholic colleges by esteemed publications like U.S. News & World Report and the Newman Guide.

Minnesota

University of Minnesota-Morris (PU)
Education Division
Morris, MN
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • Chemistry
    • Communication Arts and Literature
    • General Science
    • Life Science
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Social Studies
  • K-12
    • French
    • Music
    • Spanish
    • Visual Arts

Estimated cost per credit: $411 (in-state), $479 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Home to nationally ranked study abroad programs that include more than 80 countries
  • Outstanding opportunities for student engagement through more than 120 student organizations and clubs

The University of Minnesota – Morris has built a reputation as one of the best public liberal arts colleges and for having one of the most rigorous and robust educator programs in the nation. And it’s no wonder—esteemed NCATE accreditation speaks to the Education Division’s commitment to academic excellence, which includes outstanding partnerships with cooperating schools for top-notch practical learning experiences and personalized instruction from dedicated faculty. From the outstanding student services offered through the Writing Center and the Office of Academic Success, to the campus chapter of the Education Minnesota Student Program that serves as a hub for collaboration with peers and pros in the field, the University of Minnesota – Morris is committed to producing top educators.

University of Minnesota-Crookston (PU)
Teacher Education Unit
Crookston, MN
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • English
    • Agricultural Education

Estimated cost per credit: $348 (in-state), $348 (out-of-state)

  • Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s top regional colleges in the Midwest since 1998
  • University boasts one of the lowest student debt figures among public and private colleges and universities in Minnesota

The teacher certification programs at University of Minnesota – Crookston are heralded for their hands-on approach to learning, boasting a dynamic curricula that includes field trips, site visits, internships, service learning experiences, undergraduate research, and interactions with pros in the field. And the Early Childhood Development Center, the university’s on-campus teacher training laboratory, provides an outstanding backdrop to real-life learning for students. When you’re in the classroom, you’ll enjoy plenty of communication, collaboration, and personal attention with faculty, thanks to small class sizes and a low, student-to-faculty ratio. And when it comes time to engage in the campus environment, you’ll find a wealth of internships, student clubs and organizations, volunteer opportunities, and more awaiting you.

Gustavus Adolphus College (PR)
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Saint Peter, MN
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle
    • Science
    • Communication Arts/Literacy
    • Mathematics
    • Social Studies
  • Secondary
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Communication Arts/Literature
    • Health
    • Latin
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Social Studies
    • Spanish
  • K-12
    • PE
    • Art
    • Music

Estimated cost per credit: $1,665

  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 99% placement rate among graduates
  • Exceptional service-learning opportunities available – more than 75% of all students participate in service-learning each year

A fantastic variety of teacher prep programs built on a strong record of student success awaits you at Gustavus Adolphus College! With a focus on producing culturally sensitive, service-oriented graduates, Gustavus’ Education Department boasts small class sizes, numerous field experiences, study abroad opportunities, and a truly exceptional faculty that understands the challenges and opportunities of 21st century educators. Travel abroad to learn and teach in new and exciting environments… connect with your peers and prepare to be a leader through Kappa Delta Pi and the Student Educators Association… and dive deep into an area of interest through faculty-led research opportunities. The options available to students at Gustavus Adolphus are unique and exceptional!

University of St. Thomas (PR)
School of Education
Minneapolis, MN
Website

BS Elementary (on-campus)

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Secondary
  • K-12
    • French
    • German
    • Spanish
    • PE

BM K-12 Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,545

  • Ranked 12th among the top Catholic colleges in the U.S. by Money.com
  • Outstanding study abroad opportunities – ranked in the top 20 nationally and as the top university in Minnesota for percentage of undergraduates studying abroad
  • Also offers: MA Educational Studies (Hispanic Cultures, Literature and Linguistics; K-12 Reading, Teaching College English, Special Education); Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities); Education Leadership and Administration, Leadership in Student Affairs

The University of St. Thomas’ teacher prep programs are built on building and maintaining meaningful relationships and learning from a highly qualified faculty who bring a balance of practical and scholarly knowledge to the classroom. For more than 55 years, the University of St. Thomas—the largest private university in Minnesota—has maintained an unwavering focus on producing only the best future educators. This dedication to student excellence has certainly paid off—since 2000, eight alumni have gone on to receive the Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. Diversity here has also always been valued; the university has long partnered with Minneapolis and St. Paul public school districts to produce practical learning experiences that prepare highly qualified and diverse teachers.

St. Catherine University (PR)
Education Department
St. Paul, MN
Website

BA/BS Elementary (on-campus, hybrid)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,390, $485 (online)

  • Elementary education degree includes a STEM Teaching Certificate
  • Outstanding university connections include an alumni network of more than 51,000
  • Also offers: MAEd Curriculum and Instruction, Technology Integration

The St. Catherine University BA/BS in Elementary Education easily earns a spot on our best of the best list for both its convenience and innovation. Thanks to both on-campus and hybrid course delivery, this program is sure to fit perfectly with your busy schedule. All K-6 graduates here also earn a STEM Teaching Certificate alongside their elementary education degree, ensuring they are fully prepared to serve as leaders and changemakers in the dynamic, often challenging 21st century classroom. Other things you’ll love about being a student of St. Catherine include a vast alumni network of more than 51,000; its status as a top private college in Minnesota for economic mobility; and the fact that it offers no less than 600 internship partners for outstanding experiential learning opportunities.

Augsburg University (PR)
Education Department
Minneapolis, MN
Website

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • Communication Arts/Literature 5-12
    • Mathematics 5-12
    • Social Studies 5-12
    • General Science 5-12
    • Life Science 9-12
    • Chemistry 9-12
    • Physics 9-12
  • K-12
    • ESL
    • PE
    • Special Education
    • Visual Arts

BM K-12 Music

Estimated cost per credit: $1,310

  • Ranked among the top transformative colleges nationwide (and the only one in MN) by Money.com
  • Ranked among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report
  • Also offers: MAE Culture and Curriculum, Community Engaged Learning

Augsburg University’s bachelor’s-level teacher certification programs immediately caught our attention because of their flexibility – many courses/programs are offered in the evening for working professionals. Augsburg demonstrates a clear commitment to producing educators who succeed in multicultural learning environments too. The Augsburg Center for Global Education and Experience provides both short-term and semester-long experiences in places across the globe like Norway, Lebanon, and South Korea. The Global Educators Semester to Mexico is specially designed by education faculty at Augsburg to help students develop specific cultural communication skills, while the East Program for East African Future Teachers is designed to recruit, retain, and license highly qualified East African students who want to become K-12 educators. With innovative programs like these, it’s little wonder why Augsburg is recognized as one of the top transformative colleges nationwide by Money.com – and the only one in Minnesota to hold that distinction.

Bethel University (PR)
Department of Education
St. Paul, MN
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle Level
    • Communication Arts and Literature (English)
    • Mathematics
    • Social Studies
    • Spanish
  • Secondary
    • Communication Arts and Literature
    • Mathematics
    • Social Studies
  • K-12
    • Music
    • Spanish
    • TESL

BA Special Education (on-campus, hybrid)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,267, $430 (online)

  • National Accreditation: CAEP
  • National Council on Teacher Quality ranked Bethel’s elementary education program 15th in the country and above all other Minnesota schools in their publication, Teacher Prep Review
  • Also offers: MA Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders, Academic Behavioral Strategist, Developmental Disabilities); Education K-12 (Educational Leadership, Envoy Classroom Management Strategies, International Baccalaureate, Work-Based Learning

Bethel University easily earned a spot on our best of the best list with its big selection of CAEP-accredited teacher certification programs that boast an optimum blend of theory and real-world experience. Students here are introduced to exceptional learning experiences, both inside and outside the traditional classroom setting, within a supportive learning community that’s grounded in the Christian faith. For example, Bethel has developed strong partnerships with a variety of charter schools and local districts, including the Twin Cities Teacher Collaborative (TC2) – a six-institution partnership that’s designed to enhance urban teaching and narrow the achievement gap in MN. These sort of exceptional learning experiences are just a sampling of why the National Council on Teacher Quality ranked Bethel’s elementary education program above all others in Minnesota, and 15th in the country overall.

Iowa

University of Iowa (PU)
College of Education
Iowa City, IA
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • Art Education B.A.
    • English Education B.A.
    • Mathematics Education B.A.
    • Music Education B.A.
    • Science Education B.A.
    • Social Studies Education B.A.
    • World Language Education B.A.
  • K-12 Music

Estimated cost per credit: $269 (in-state), $1,001 (out-of-state)

  • Ranked as the top College of Education in Iowa by U.S. News & World Report
  • Secondary education and elementary education programs rank among the top 2 percent and 6 percent nationally, respectively, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality
  • Also offers: MA Educational Leadership; Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency; Higher Education and Student Affairs, Schools, Culture, and Society, Educational Measurement and Statistics, Learning Sciences, Developmental Reading, Multilingual Education

As the top ranked college of education in the state, the University of Iowa is a natural shoo-in for our list of the best bachelor’s-level teacher prep programs. Not only is its secondary education program ranked in the top 2 percent in the nation, but its elementary education program also ranks in the top 6 percent. In short, academic excellence and innovation here are standard. Plus, an education degree from this esteemed university includes a Teacher Leader Certificate, making it a clear standout in the field of education. Choose the University of Iowa as your pathway to an initial teaching license and you’ll be part of a College of Education with an alumni network of more than 28,000!

Coe College (PR)
Department of Education
Cedar Rapids, IA
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • American History
    • Art
    • Biology
    • Business
    • Chemistry
    • Economics
    • English
    • French
    • German
    • Math
    • Music
    • Physical Education
    • Physics
    • Psychology
    • Science
    • Sociology
    • Spanish
    • World History
  • K-12 Art
  • K-12 PE

BM K-12 Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,616

  • Outstanding student-to-faculty ratio of just 11:1 ensures a personalized course of education
  • Ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report

The extensive selection of content areas in the Coe College undergraduate teacher prep program is just as impressive as the school’s commitment to a collaborative, active, and fully engaged educational experience that’s focused on producing competent and compassionate educators. With a prime location in Cedar Rapids, you’ll have outstanding opportunities to gain real-world experiences in more than 65 elementary and secondary schools, many of which begin as early as your first year of study. You’ll also learn alongside a dedicated, highly qualified faculty that brings extensive experience to the classroom. Coe also offers exciting opportunities to student teach internationally, and in urban areas across the country, giving students the chance to learn the ropes in places ranging from Chicago to foreign locales around the world.

Cornell College (PR)
Education Department
Mount Vernon, IA
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • Social studies
    • English
    • Foreign language
    • Science
    • Math
    • Health
  • K-12 Art
  • K-12 PE

BM K-12 (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $1,570

  • Unique curricula design features taking just one course at a time each block
  • Exceptional opportunities to study domestically or abroad

Cornell College offers a truly unique educational experience that abandons the traditional semester model and makes earning your bachelor’s degree and initial teaching license easier than ever before! Featuring the One Course at a Time program, aspiring educators here take just one course at a time during each block instead of a traditional model that includes several classes each semester. Through this course design, you’ll receive unparalleled attention and guidance from your professor while being part of a tight-knit academic environment that features a faculty-to-student ratio of just 11:1. Cornell’s undergraduate teacher certification programs are part of a dynamic course of study that’s rich in practical experiences and hands-on learning. You’ll also have the opportunity to study domestically or abroad in places like Chicago, China, India, the Bahamas, and more.

Luther College (PR)
Teacher Education
Decorah, IA
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • K-12 Music

Estimated cost per credit: $1,538

  • First-year introductory practicum provides unique access to the teaching profession
  • Consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report

Luther College offers aspiring educators what few other schools do: an opportunity to “try on” the profession before committing to the program. In fact, students in their first year of the program have the opportunity to observe and assist in a classroom of their choice through an introductory practicum. This unique seminar provides unmatched access to the profession, allowing new students to fully understand what a career in education looks like. Other highlights of Luther College’s teacher certification programs we love include the option to study domestically or abroad, a 94% placement rate among grads, and a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 11:1.

Drake University (PR)
School of Education
Des Moines, IA
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • English/Language Arts (offered in a hybrid format)
    • Government/History/Social Studies
    • Journalism
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • STEM
    • Speech/Communications/Theatre
    • World Languages
  • K-12
    • Art
    • English
    • Music
    • Special Education
    • Coaching

Estimated cost per credit: $1,524

  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 98% placement rate among education grads and a 99% pass rate on all licensure exams
  • Hands-on learning experiences begin as early as your first semester
  • Also offers: MSE Educational Leadership; Literacy Education; Teacher Effectiveness and Professional Development; Effective Teaching

Drake University’s School of Education is serious about producing competent, compassionate educators. Home to one of the largest schools of education in the Midwest and boasting an exceptional record of producing effective elementary and secondary education teachers, Drake College offers the robust course of education you’ve been looking for. Choose Drake as the pathway to your initial teaching license and you’ll begin observing and engaging with students in your very first semester. You’ll also have unique opportunities to participate in special projects and grant-based programs during your time here. It’s little wonder why Drake continues to post truly impressive stats, including a 98% placement rate among education grads and a 99% pass rate on all licensure exams.

Clarke University (PR)
Education Department
Dubuque, IA
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Special Education (K-8)
  • Secondary
    • Chemistry
    • English
    • History
    • Mathematics
    • Biology
  • K-12 Art
  • K-12 Music

Estimated cost per credit: $1,191

  • Early-Access MAE program offers eligible undergraduate education students the option to complete up to 15 credits of graduate credit toward their master’s degree
  • Outstanding record of student success includes a 100% job placement rate among grads
  • Also offers: MAEd

Clarke University’s teacher prep programs come in strong with a low, 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio (you’ll love the personal attention), study abroad opportunities (your chance to explore what education looks in a different part of the world), options to fast-track your way to a master’s degree (earn your bachelor’s and master’s degree in record time), and a 100% job placement rate among grads. Impressed yet? You’re not alone. Clarke has been consistently ranked among the best regional colleges and among the best colleges in Iowa by U.S. News & World Report and among the Best Midwestern Colleges by the Princeton Review.

Buena Vista University (PR)
School of Education
Storm Lake, IA
Website

BA (on-campus, hybrid)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • Social Science
    • English Language Arts
    • English
    • History
    • Psychology
    • Reading
    • Sociology
    • Special Education
    • Teaching English as a Second Language
  • Special Education

BA (on-campus)

  • K-12 Music
  • K-12 PE

Estimated cost per credit: $1,172, $451 (online)

  • Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Value – Regional Universities in the Midwest
  • Exciting service learning opportunities available
  • Also offers: MEd Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction; Special Education

Buena Vista University’s bachelor’s-level pathways to an initial teaching license are nothing short of impressive, offering both on-campus and hybrid delivery options, an experienced faculty of practitioners and researchers, and a technology-forward curricula that includes work with smart boards, 3D printers, wireless, work-group monitors, and more. Hybrid learning here includes the benefits of live instruction with the convenience of online learning. Exciting experiential learning opportunities here include work with Faith, Hope, and Charity, an organization that works with children with special needs, and opportunities to volunteer with the Alternative Week of Learning.

Missouri

University of Missouri-Columbia (PU)
College of Education
Columbia, MO
Website

BSEd (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • K-12 Special Education
  • Middle School
  • Secondary
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies

BM K-12 Music

BA K-12

  • Spanish
  • French
  • Chinese
  • German
  • Russian

Estimated cost per credit: $306 (in-state), $920 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: TEAC
  • College of Education ranked 36th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
  • University is part of outstanding educational outreach efforts in every county in Missouri
  • Also offers: MA Special Education (Autism), Statistics, Measurement and Evaluation in Education; Special Education (Learning Disabilities, Cross-Categorical), Higher Education; MEd Special Education (Autism); Gifted Education, Literacy, TESOL; PK-12 Educational Leadership and Administration; MS Learning Technologies and Design, Online Education, Technology in Schools Emphasis

The University of Missouri – Columbia is built on a tradition of producing programs that meet the current needs of children, educators, and citizens. Just some of the centers here where excellence in K-12 education is promoted include the Carter Center for K-12 Black History Education, the ENCORE Learning Lab, the Mathematics Education Podcast, the STEM Literacy Project, and more. Since 1867, the University of Missouri College of Education has been invested in producing the next generation of competent, compassionate educators. As a result, graduates here are frequently sought out by schools in Missouri and nationwide.

University of Missouri-Kansas City (PU)
School of Education
Kansas City, MO
Website

BA Elementary (on-campus)

BM Music (on-campus)

Estimated cost per credit: $302 (in-state), $843 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Named a Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 2015
  • Outstanding record of graduate success for graduates of the Institute for Urban Education includes a 100% job placement rate
  • Also offers: MA PK-12 Education Administration, Curriculum and Instruction (TESL); Higher Education Administration (Student Affairs Administration, Foundations in Education, Disabilities Studies); Language and Literacy

The University of Missouri – Kansas City has earned itself a solid reputation within the University of Missouri system for its commitment to advancing the field of K-12 education. For more than 65 years, the School of Education has created and maintained strong partnerships with school districts, charter schools, hospitals, educational organizations, social service organizations, and more throughout the greater Kansas City metro area, thereby ensuring outstanding practical experiences for students in the university’s undergraduate teacher prep programs in elementary and music education. It’s little wonder why it’s earned the Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 2015. The university’s Institute for Urban Education within the School of Education is a shining example of this school’s commitment to Kansas City’s youth within historically underserved areas. Graduates of this program have enjoyed a 100% job placement rate in urban schools!

Saint Louis University (PR)
School of Education
St. Louis, MO
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Elementary with Special Education for Mild/Moderate Disabilities
  • Secondary
    • English
    • Math
    • Social Studies

Estimated cost per credit: $1,547

  • Ranked sixth in the nation among the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education’s list of the top Catholic colleges in the country
  • Outstanding service learning opportunities available through strong partnerships with more than 500 organizations
  • Also offers: MA Education Principles and Practices, Educational Leadership; Student Personnel Administration (Disability Education, Catholic Higher Education)

Innovative teaching methodologies and close work with diverse groups of students are part of Saint Louis University’s long-standing secret to success in teacher education. The university’s commitment to the community is nurtured through a variety of outreach programs and partnerships, including Allies for Inclusion, the Billiken Teacher Corps, the Catholic Institute, the Prime Center, and the Secondary Schools Academy, providing student teachers with unparalleled practical learning experiences. And SLU has partnered with more than 500 organizations to provide its students with exceptional volunteer and service learning opportunities! It’s this commitment to advancing the practice of teaching through hands-on learning that’s earned this university a sixth place position among the top Catholic Colleges by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education.

Westminster College (PR)
Fulton, MO
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle School
    • Science
    • Language Arts
    • Social Science
    • Mathematics
  • Secondary
    • Mathematics
    • Business
    • Social Sciences
    • English
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • General Science
  • K-12 PE
  • K-12 Spanish

Estimated cost per credit: $980

  • Named among America’s Top Colleges by Forbes
  • Ranked among the Top Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report

Westminster College’s extensive selection of undergraduate teacher prep programs are supported by a distinct focus on experiential learning. In fact, choose Westminster as your pathway to your initial teaching license and you’ll start hands-on learning in your freshman year. Small class sizes, personalized attention, and plenty of opportunities to get involved through the more than 50 student clubs and organizations are just a few of the perks of choosing Westminster. Westminster’s commitment to producing outstanding, innovative teacher leaders and changemakers has caught the attention of many national publications, including Forbes(America’s Top Colleges) and U.S. News & World Report (Top Liberal Arts Colleges).

Webster University (PR)
School of Education
St. Louis, MO
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • K-12
    • French
    • German
    • Spanish
    • Art
  • Elementary
  • Middle School
    • Language Arts
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • Secondary
    • Biology
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Social Science
    • World Languages
  • Elementary Education with Special Education

Estimated cost per credit: $950

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Outstanding study abroad program includes more than 50 international locations
  • Also offers: MA Education and Innovation, Special Education (Dyslexia, Trauma-Informed Education and Intervention)

For more than 100 years, Webster University has been providing students with high-quality learning experiences. Today, its undergraduate teacher prep programs continue this legacy of excellence, providing innovative courses of study that supply aspiring educators with the knowledge needed to serve as competent and compassionate educators. Webster was recently awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation that will be used to help the university recruit and fund the education for the next generation of STEM teachers is just one of the reasons Webster earns a spot on our list of the best teacher prep programs. And if your career aspirations include traveling and studying abroad, Webster is where you want to be, thanks to its dynamic study abroad program that includes opportunities to study in more than 50 locations around the world.

Missouri Baptist University (PR)
School of Education
St. Louis, MO
Website

BSE (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • K-12 Special Education Cross-Categorical Disabilities Mild to Moderate, Elementary/Cross-categorical Disabilities Combined
  • K-12 Music
  • Middle School
    • Business Education
    • Language Arts
    • Mathematics
    • General Science
    • Social Science
    • Speech/Theatre
  • Health and PE

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

  • Biology Education
  • Business Education
  • Chemistry Education
  • English
  • Marketing Education
  • Mathematics
  • Social Science
  • Speech/Theatre

Estimated cost per credit: $932

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Flexible program delivery includes option to take courses at the university’s main campus or at one of the 12 regional learning centers located throughout metro St. Louis
  • Also offers: MEA Educational Administration; MSE Curriculum and Instruction; MET Educational Technology; MS Higher Education Leadership

Missouri Baptist University delivers an outstanding selection of teacher certification programs that are grounded in the Christian perspective and focused on producing top-notch educators who serve as positive change agents in a globally and culturally diverse society. You’ll love the flexibility of these programs, which includes options to study at the main campus in St Louis or at one of dozen regional learning centers throughout the metro St. Louis area; the low, 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio that delivers a more personalized course of study; and the fantastic selection of student programs, clubs, organizations, services, and resources, including academic advising and career services.

Central Methodist University (PR)
College of Graduate and Extended Studies
Fayette, MO
Website

BSEd (on-campus, online)

  • Elementary
  • Middle School
    • Language Arts
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies
  • K-12 Special Education

BME K-12 Music (on-campus)

BA/BS

  • K-12 PE (on-campus)
  • Secondary (on-campus, online)
    • Biology
    • Business
    • Chemistry
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Social Science
    • Speech/Theater

Estimated cost per credit: $856 (on-campus), $260 (online)

  • On-campus courses offered at the main campus in Fayette or at one of the many learning centers throughout Missouri
  • Many programs offered online for maximum convenience and flexibility
  • Also offers: MEd Professional Teaching

At Central Methodist University the undergraduate teacher certification programs offer the flexibility of on-campus or online delivery, opportunities to take on-campus classes at the school’s residential campus in Fayette or at the school’s many learning centers in Clinton, Lake of the Ozarks, Park Hills, Sedalia, St. Louis, and Union, and options to take either 16-week or accelerated 8-week online courses. How’s that for convenience? Choose one of bachelor’s level teacher prep programs here as your pathway to initial certification as a Missouri educator and you’ll be part of a student-centered academic environment that’s focused on producing career-ready professionals ready to hit the ground running.