Education

Elementary Education

Welcome to the Education Program at Southwestern Adventist University

Do you love to inspire others to learn? Consider a career in teaching with our comprehensive education programs.

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Why Education?

Why SWAU?

At Southwestern Adventist University, our Education program equips future teachers with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to thrive in the classroom.

Whether your passion lies in teaching elementary students, high school learners, or specialized subjects like music or physical education, our diverse certification pathways ensure you are prepared to make an impact. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and mentorship, students graduate confident and classroom-ready.

Curriculum and Courses

Our curriculum blends educational theory with practical training. Courses explore classroom management, curriculum development, instructional methods, educational psychology, and subject-specific pedagogy. All students complete student teaching placements and field experiences, providing invaluable real-world classroom exposure before graduation.

Certification Pathways

We offer a variety of degree and certification combinations based on your desired teaching level and subject area:

Elementary Education (BS)
Prepare to teach Kindergarten through 8th grade in self-contained or subject-based classrooms. Students will be eligible to take the State of Texas certification exams and may pursue Adventist credentials.

To learn more about Texas and Adventist certification requirements, visit Adventist Education.

Secondary & K-12 Certification Programs
These options are for students majoring in content areas who want to teach specific subjects:

BA in English – Secondary Teaching
BA in History – Secondary Teaching
BS in Life Science – Secondary Teaching
BS in Mathematics – Secondary Teaching
BA in Social Studies – Secondary Teaching
BS in Physical Science with Chemistry Emphasis – Secondary Teaching
Bachelor of Music Education – Secondary Teaching (K–12)
BS in Physical Education – Secondary Teaching (K–12)

Alternative Certification Program
For individuals who already hold a non-education bachelor’s degree but wish to become certified teachers through an alternate route.

Admission Requirements for EPP

See University Bulletin for Educator Preparation Program requirements

Applicant and Candidate Handbook

Handbook

Faculty & Mentorship

Our dedicated education faculty bring years of teaching and administrative experience into every classroom. They offer close mentorship, certification guidance, and ongoing support throughout your program.

Meet the Education and Psychology Faculty

Related Programs

Chemistry
English
History
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Psychology
School Guidance

Admission Requirements

To pursue teacher certification at Southwestern Adventist University, candidates must meet the Education Department’s admission requirements, which include academic prerequisites, testing benchmarks, and field experience expectations.

Start Your Process

What can you do with a degree in Education?

Graduates from Southwestern Adventist University’s education programs enter schools prepared to teach, inspire, and lead. Our certification options open doors across all age levels and subject areas, giving you flexibility to align your degree with your passion.

Job Titles to Explore

Elementary School Teacher
Middle School Teacher
High School Teacher
Music Educator (K–12)
Physical Education Teacher (K–12)
Special Education Teacher
Educational Administrator

Employment Settings to Explore

Public Schools
Private and Parochial Schools
School Districts
Education Nonprofits
Curriculum and Assessment Development
Church-Based Education

Graduate Study Opportunities

For students considering advanced education careers, Southwestern Adventist University offers two exceptional graduate programs:

Master of Education
Designed for classroom teachers and aspiring administrators, this program builds expertise in educational leadership and curriculum and instruction in literacy. Courses are taught through a Seventh-day Adventist Christian worldview, emphasizing the advancement of holistic education across all types of schools and systems.

Explore the Master of Education Program

Master of Arts in Counseling
This program prepares graduates to become highly skilled counselors in mental health and school settings. Prioritizing performance, research, and service, it reflects SWAU’s commitment to holistic, faith-based counseling at all levels.

Explore the Master of Arts in Counseling Program

Ways to Excel

Career Center

The Career Center can help you chart your path and connect with employers through internships, workshops, and job search resources.

Connect with the Career Center

Academic Advising Center

Work with your advisor to choose the courses and experiences that best support your professional goals.

Visit Academic Advising

Honors Program

Challenge yourself academically and professionally through the Honors Program. With advanced research and leadership opportunities, it’s an excellent way to stand out in the world of Advertising and PR.

Learn More About the Honors Program

Community is at the heart of Southwestern Adventist University, where students are empowered to form lasting bonds and embrace personal growth.

From engaging events to supportive friendships, students form a community where they grow both academically and personally. This vibrant campus culture makes every day a new opportunity for students to thrive.

A Welcoming & Connected Community

SWAU is known for its friendly and tight-knit campus culture. Whether you are joining student organizations, participating in residence hall activities, or building lifelong friendships in small classes, you will feel seen and supported.

Student Government & Leadership: Step into leadership through student association and other campus governance roles.
Campus Events: Weekly activities, music festivals, and cultural events make every semester memorable.

See Upcoming Events

Faith & Spiritual Life

Faith is the foundation of everything we do at Southwestern Adventist University. Our Spiritual Life and Development Department (SLAD) creates a vibrant environment where students can grow spiritually, build community, and find purpose.

SLAD Programs and Opportunities:

Worship Services: Weekly chapels and vespers for community reflection and renewal.
Community Service: Service projects and volunteer opportunities that make a local impact.
Church Ministries: Support and leadership roles in local churches and campus ministries.
Mission Work: Domestic and international mission trips that let you live out your faith.

Join a community where faith is lived out in service, worship, and daily life.

Learn More About SLAD

Tutoring & Academic Support

Find personalized help and academic resources through our Tutoring Center, where peer tutors and workshops support your learning.

Visit the Tutoring Center

Athletics & Intramurals

Stay active and connected through intramural sports, cheering on the Knights at games, or working out in our campus gym and weight room. There’s a way for everyone to get moving and stay healthy.

Explore Athletics

Alumni Association

SWAU’s alumni network is a powerful resource for mentorship, networking, and lifelong friendships.

Connect with Alumni

Course Catalog

Shaping Young Lives Begins with Great Teachers

Being a teacher is a high calling. It requires a commitment to excellence, compassion, and a lifelong learning approach. Through our Educator Preparation Program, we strive to develop teachers who model integrity, inspire curiosity, and make a lasting difference in the lives of their students. We affirm that investing in teacher education is investing in the future—because every child deserves a teacher who believes in their potential and equips them to reach it.”

Dr. Cheryl The

Chair, Education & Psychology Department

Let's Get Started

Ready to inspire the next generation of learners with a degree from Southwestern Adventist University?

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Financial Aid

The Educator Preparation Program is accredited by the Texas Education Agency, 1701 N. Congress Avenue Austin, Texas, 78701.

The pass rate for State of Texas Teacher Certification Exams 2024-2025:
PPR 100%
Core Subjects 100%
Job Placement 100% Placement for graduates seeking teaching positions.

100% Teacher Certification for those seeking a Seventh-day Adventist Teaching Credential

Complaints

Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) provides a process for students, employees, former employees, cooperating teachers, mentors, and administrators of cooperating schools and districts who have complaints or grievances against the SWAU Education Department. This process is on file with the Texas Education Agency and can be found linked below.

Initial Step: Contact the Chair of Education and Psychology to seek an informal resolution. Next Step: If a resolution is not found, contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs. If an informal resolution is not appropriate or not successful in resolving the complaint, a formal process may be initiated. If the informal and formal complaint process has not resolved the issue, you may contact the Texas Education Agency.

The process and timeline are explained in the Educator Preparation Program Complaint Policy. A printed copy is available in the Education Department office. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy and process, please contact Dr. Cheryl The, Chair, Education and Psychology at cthe@swau.edu.