Home 2023 - Top Picks for the Very Best Teacher Certification Bachelor’s in Education Programs in the Mountain Region

2023 – Top Picks for the Very Best Teacher Certification Bachelor’s in Education Programs in the Mountain Region


Getting the ball rolling with your bachelor’s-level Initial Teacher Preparation (ITP) program comes with its fair share of pressure. A lot of things are going to come out of that five or so years of intensive training and preparation… general knowledge, teaching philosophy, real-world practice in a student teaching classroom, and the kind of content area knowledge you’ll need to earn your teaching license and primary endorsement.

Equally important will be the people you meet. You’ll make fast friends as you go through all that training together, seeing the same excited faces in different classes over the years. And you’ll learn from experienced professors and experts in the field, working with them on research projects and when you pay them a visit for a little extra help during office hours or after class. You’ll get to know teachers and administrators in the districts where you do your student teaching, and may even get a chance to work with them again when you get started in your career.

That handful of years you spend preparing to become a teacher is going to shape your career, so you absolutely can’t short-change yourself by picking anything less than the very best school you can find.

And because all those people you meet help to form your professional network and effect your prospects and career path, you probably want that school located as close as possible to where you plan to start your teaching career– right here, somewhere in the Mountain West… And hey, why would you ever want to live, work and go to school anywhere else?

From the wild northern Rockies and the high plains of Montana and Wyoming to the cityscapes of Denver and Phoenix, you can find it all here in the American West. It’s a place where community is key and education has value – from high-tech startups in the Front Range Urban Corridor to agribusiness in Eastern Montana. Being from here means something… and being able to call one of the great school’s out here your alma mater and wear that pac-12 team gear with a whole other level of pride is all part of what it means to call this place home.

So we have put together the top bachelor’s in education teacher certification programs in the Mountain region all in one place. Learning your trade at the best school, from the best teachers, will take your career to exactly where you want it to go—and one of these schools is the place to get that journey started.

How We Decided on the Top Teacher Certification Bachelor’s in Education Degree Programs in the Mountain Region

It’s not easy picking out the best programs with the broad variety of schools we have here in the Mountain West. Our schools aren’t the biggest in the country, but you still find a tremendously diverse array of expertise and specialty across the board, which doesn’t make it any easier to pick out the very best.

It all came down to putting ourselves in the shoes of prospective students, remembering what it was like all those years ago when a bachelor’s and student teaching was still on the horizon. So our decision-making process doesn’t rely on some cold calculation of metrics, but instead we give weight to the exact criteria we know really mean something to new undergrads, and that have a real effect on the student experience and outcomes even after graduation.

Top Talent on the Faculty

If you are going into teaching, then you absolutely agree with our primary criteria: great programs are made from great teachers. Up-to-date, cutting-edge curriculum? High-tech, brand-new facilities? Amazing overseas learning experiences? None of it matters if you’re not being lead through it by professors who have a strong command of the material, a real sense of empathy, and communications and presentation skills that bring it all together.

As you know, this isn’t just a matter of luck or talent. Great instructors are made, not born, so we looked for schools that prioritize hiring professors who have both years of classroom experience as well as strong research and academic credentials. They’ve had the time to absorb the subject-specific knowledge that their expertise is built on, plus the practical experience that comes with delivering it to students for years. They are typically widely published and frequent presenters at conferences… with all the regional connections to help you get your bearings and make the right contacts at area districts.

Consistent Track Record of Academic Excellence

Obviously a program in education should be held to the highest of academic standards. Curriculum should be comprehensive and up-to-date in the way it covers the content you’ll be teaching, give you some exposure to cutting-edge research and the latest pedagogical developments in the field, and all put together in a way that prepares you to reach every student with diverse learning styles. The schools we chose have strong processes for establishing their curriculum and a history of respected research projects that contribute new knowledge and insights to the teaching profession nationwide.

Although we did not make specialty accreditation with CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) a requirement for the programs we included here, we did note whether or not a school had gone through the rigorous process and gave some weight to it in making our selections. CAEP accreditation is not required but it is a sign that a school is serious about self-improvement and meeting the highest standards in teacher preparation.

Retention and graduation rates also speak to a school’s dedication to students, and those are other considerations we used in building this list. A good program inspires students to stay and works with them to get them over the graduation goal line, and beyond… so high numbers in either of those categories got high marks from us.

Diverse Student Teaching Experiences that Mirror the Real World

Real classrooms out in the real world are the pedal meets the metal of the teaching education experience, so we picked schools that put together a diverse array of student teaching opportunities that line up with the content areas they offer and the many different kinds of classroom experiences that you might encounter in the diverse school districts found in the Mountain region, from the metros of Phoenix, Denver and Boise to the small rural communities of the High Plains and Western Slope. Those districts can run the gamut from multicultural inner city locales to farming communities miles away from the city lights.

The types of classrooms and students you get a chance to work with are also important in providing you the kind of diverse experiences you’ll need to handle anything over the years of your career, from special needs students to English language learners. Not only do diverse student teaching experiences allow you to build your skills with different kinds of students and material, they also allow you to find the kind of teaching experience that leaves you feeling fulfilled and accomplished… helping you settle your plans for a future career where you look forward to going to work every day.

An Excellent Reputation on The National Stage

We put a lot of work into building out this list of schools, but we’re just one website… you are perfectly justified in wondering about whether or not it’s worth relying on a single source of information for such a big decision.

But you’re not really just relying on our opinion here, because we’ve taken the trouble to locate other independent third-party perspectives on each of these schools and incorporate their views, too. That means all of these colleges have been getting high marks from independent evaluators like The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report, as well as scholastic organizations like the Carnegie Foundation.

We also consider the regional reputation… are these schools sending a lot of graduates on to local schools? Are those graduates then rising up into the administrative ranks or other influential roles? Getting noticed on the national stage with recognition for their research efforts and innovative teaching approaches? These are all things that prospective students would be wise to look at—so we give them weight in our own evaluation.

Unique Opportunities and Experiences on Tap For Students

Finally, we looked for schools that have that little something extra in their teacher certification programs, that factor that you would never have thought to put on your list of things to look for, but really seals the deal once you see it. That can range from a great campus environment to a unique concentration area that no one else specializes in, to the graduate programs the school offers to fulfill advancement later in your career.

We also found programs that offer international experiences, placing you overseas for a semester or putting together a summer trip to give you a wider range of perspectives than you’d ever find just sticking around the local neighborhood. In the same vein, we gave higher marks to schools that host conferences or summits that bring in researchers and educators from all over to mix and exchange information.

Our Top Picks for the Best Mountain Region Teaching Certificate Bachelor’s in Education Programs for 2023

We’ve also dropped a lot of other information into this list that we didn’t necessarily use to establish eligibility, but that you will probably want to consider as you think about where to apply. This collection of programs is ultimately put together to help make your decision-making process easier, and that means including some of those important details that don’t necessarily reflect the quality of a program so much as the practical aspects you need to know when making your choice, things like tuition rates, content areas and concentrations, and delivery options. Not every school will be the perfect fit for your individual goals, but we are confident at least one of them will be!

Arizona

University of Arizona (PU)
College of Education
Tucson, AZ
Website

BAEd in Elementary Education (on-campus)

BSEd in Special Education, Mild to Moderate Disabilities (on-campus)

Estimated program cost per credit: $420 (in-state), $1,220 (out-of-state)

  • Also offers: MEd in Educational Leadership; MA in Higher Education
  • Home to the Education Policy Center, the only university-based center in the state dedicated to policy issues related to K-12 education
  • Cohort learning environment offers outstanding peer and faculty collaboration and communication throughout the program

The University of Arizona undergraduate teacher prep programs offer exceptional learning experiences that are delivered in a cohort learning environment…include outstanding field experiences for quality hands-on learning…and boast a proven record of student success that includes a 96% pass rate on state certification exams. Focus your bachelor’s degree on elementary education with a bilingual or ESL endorsement option or special education with a concentration on mild to moderate disabilities and you’ll be part of two proven pathways to your initial teaching license within a college of education that’s renowned for both research and scholarship.

Arizona Christian University (PR)
Shelly Roden School of Education
Glendale, AZ
Website

BS in Education (on-campus, online)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • Business
    • English Language Arts
    • History
    • Math
    • PE
    • Political Science
    • Science

Estimated program cost per credit: $917 ($450 online)

  • Low, 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Just one of 24 universities in the country – and the only one in Arizona – to hold the esteemed Association of Christian Schools International certification
  • 32 states and 23 countries represented in the student body

Arizona Christian University offers an excellent variety of teacher preparation programs that are rooted in the Christian faith. In fact, ACU is just one of 24 universities in the country (and the only one in AZ) that’s certified by the Association of Christian Schools International. The program here is backed by a dedicated faculty that has, on average, 20 years of experience in the field, and is further enhanced by small class sizes that encourage collaboration and communication. A low, 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a diverse student body that brings together students from 32 states and 23 countries are just a few of the reasons why ACU remains a proven pathway to a successful career as a K-12 educator.

Colorado

Colorado State University-Fort Collins (PU)
School of Education
Fort Collins, CO
Website

BA/BS in Secondary Education (on-campus)

  • Agricultural Education
  • English
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics)
  • Social Studies (Ethnic Studies, History)
  • Speech
  • Technology Education

BFA (on-campus)

  • Art
  • Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish)
  • Instructional Technology

BM (in-campus) (Choral, Instrumental)

Estimated program cost per credit: $408 (in-state), $938 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: TEAC
  • Also offers: MEd in Adult Education and Training, Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change Specialization; MS in Student Affairs in Higher Education
  • Well-rounded academic environment includes outstanding options for international study and 32 student clubs and organizations
  • Excellent record of student success: 96% of all education students secure employment in their major upon graduation

Colorado State University offers an excellent selection of pathways to a bachelor’s degree and an initial teaching license, along with a proven record of student success that includes a 96% employment rate after graduation. CSU is all about the student experience, which is why you’ll find outstanding opportunities for international study in 70+ countries, career and internship coordinators and counselors who help place you in diverse field learning experiences, and no less than 32 student clubs and organizations that ensure your time here is well-rounded and enriching in more ways than one.

University of Colorado Boulder (PU)
School of Education
Boulder, CO
Website

BA Elementary (on-campus)

Estimated program cost per credit: $397 (in-state), $1,218 (out-of-state)

  • Also offers: MA in Educational Foundations; Policy & Practice; Higher Education; Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity; Learning Sciences and Human Development; Curriculum and Instruction; and Teacher Leadership
  • Superb alumni network of 13,000+ across the U.S.
  • Ranked among the nation’s top public graduate schools of education by U.S. News & World Report

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a solid, practice-based pathway to a bachelor’s degree and your initial teaching license through its BA in Elementary education – a proven program that comes complete with an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, which strives to prepare educators who are committed to ending racism and other forms of inequality. The BA in elementary education here features contemporary coursework and field experiences with diverse learners in public schools, including bilingual learners, who comprise 25% of Colorado’s school-age population. Choose CSU Boulder and you’ll be part of a university that’s been consistently ranked among the nation’s top public schools of education.

University of Colorado Denver (PU)
School of Education & Human Development
Denver, CO
Website

BA in Education and Human Development (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Middle School
  • Secondary
  • Special Education
  • Math (middle school, secondary)
  • English
  • Social Studies

BA/BS (on-campus)

  • Secondary
    • English
    • Social Studies
    • Mathematics
    • Political Science
    • General Science
  • World Languages (French)

Estimated program cost per credit: $370 (in-state), $1,017 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MA in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education; Leadership for Educational Organizations; Literacy Education (Reading and Writing, English); Research and Evaluation Methods; Leadership for Educational Organizations, Higher Education and Student Affairs; Learning Design and Technology; STEM Education
  • Ranked among the top education schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
  • All programs are designed and implemented based on the best practices from Colorado’s K-12 classrooms

A robust blend of real-world practice and proven approaches to education are at the heart of the University of Colorado – Denver’s undergraduate teacher preparation programs. Strong statewide partnerships, a status as a preeminent public research university, and a reputation as one of the top education schools in the nation are just a few of the reasons why aspiring educators flock to CU Denver for their undergraduate programs leading to initial teacher licensure. A world-class faculty of scholars and practitioners oversee CU Denver’s educational programs, all of which are based on the best practices from Colorado’s K-12 classrooms. This commitment to excellence has allowed the School of Education & Human Development to consistently produce the next generation of leaders and innovators in education.

Colorado State University-Pueblo (PU)
School of Education
Pueblo, CO
Website

BS in Liberal Studies (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Elementary (K-6)
    • Art
    • English
    • Health
    • Language & Linguistics
    • Math
    • Modern World Language
    • Music
    • Reading
    • Science
    • Social Studies
    • Special Education
  • Middle School Math

Estimated program cost per credit: $358 (in-state), $537 (out-of-state)

  • Also offers: MEd in Curriculum and Instruction; Instructional Technology; Linguistically Diverse; Space Studies for Educators
  • Exciting practical opportunities available through close partnerships with 17 regional school districts
  • Outstanding convenience and flexibility through online, on-campus, and hybrid courses

Colorado State University – Pueblo offers one of the most flexible and convenient routes to initial teaching licensure in the state through its BS in Liberal Studies – a comprehensive course of study that lets you choose between online, on-campus, and hybrid learning options. Choose the BS in Liberal Studies (Elementary) and you’ll have your choice of 11 concentrations so you’re sure to find the one that aligns with the content area you plan to teach. Practical experiences here are highly valued and backed by the school’s close partnerships with no less than 17 school districts across southern and southeastern Colorado. This regional state university is home to 4,000 students yet it maintains a highly engaging classroom experience through a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 15:1.

University of Colorado – Colorado Springs (PU)
College of Education
Colorado Springs, CO
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Inclusive Elementary Education (K-6)
  • Special Education
  • Secondary
    • English Language Arts
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies
    • World Languages, K-12

Estimated program cost per credit: $348 (in-state), $816 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MA in Leadership; TESOL; Curriculum and Instruction; Student Affairs in Higher Education; Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy, Science Education; MS in Science Teaching
  • University consistently ranked among the top public universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report
  • Exceptional learning environment features an optimum blend of partnership schools, mentor teachers, site coordinators, and more

The University of Colorado – Colorado Springs’ undergraduate teacher preparation programs are designed with student success in mind. Choose UCCS as your path to a bachelor’s degree and your initial teaching license and you’ll enjoy more than 1,000 hours of supervised and mentored field experiences… contemporary coursework that embraces the most pressing topics of today, including diversity and social justice. The program is designed around a cohort learning model that’s supported by a network of partnership schools, mentor teachers, site coordinators, and university supervisors. And you can be sure you’ll be fully engaged and have plenty of interaction with your instructors thanks to the low student-to-faculty ratio of just 15:1. It’s little wonder why UCCS has been consistently recognized as a Top 10 public university in the West.

Colorado College (PR)
Department of Education
Colorado Springs, CO
Website

Bachelors (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • K-12
  • Art
  • Music
  • Music and World Languages
  • Secondary
  • English
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Estimated program cost per credit: $2,013

  • Also offers: MAT Dyslexia Specialist
  • Academic term features the Block Plan, which includes taking just one three-and-a-half week class at a time
  • Block Breaks – four-day break periods throughout the academic term – provide time to unwind and relax

Colorado College offers undergraduate teacher preparation programs that are designed with student success in mind. Featuring the Block Plan, which includes taking just one class at a time every three and a half weeks, the Colorado College undergraduate teacher prep programs ensure a fully engaged and highly immersive academic experience that allows you to focus your time and energy on one course at a time. It also provides you with a flexible schedule that allows for time to participate in clubs, internships, community service activities, and more. Colorado College also includes Block Breaks – four-day periods throughout the academic calendar that provide students with the time they need to unwind and return refreshed and ready to learn.

Idaho

University of Idaho (PU)
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
Moscow, ID
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
  • PE (K-12)

Estimated program cost per credit: $276 (in-state), $918 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: NCATE
  • Also offers: MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership; MS in Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership
  • Home to the new College of Education, an innovative, cutting-edge learning environment
  • Exceptional record of student success includes more than four decades of producing the next generation of educators

The University of Idaho’s BS programs leading to initial teacher credentialing and licensure are built on a legacy of excellence and grounded in four decades of innovation and student success. Never the institution to rest on its laurels, the University of Idaho recently unveiled its new College of Education – a modern learning environment that supports the university’s superior academic standards. Within these walls, seasoned faculty members integrate cutting-edge research and best practices in their classrooms while state-of-the-art technology ensures students are prepared to serve as innovative educators.

Boise State University (PU)
College of Education
Boise, ID
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary Education
  • Elementary Education TESOL/ENL
  • Special Education
  • Dual Special Education/Elementary Education

BA/BS Secondary (on-campus)

  • English
  • World Languages (Spanish, French, English)
  • History
  • American Government
  • Economics
  • Art (6-12 OR K-12)
  • Music
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Earth Science
  • Natural Science
  • Theatre
  • Computer Science

Estimated program cost per credit: $268 (in-state), $832 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MS in Educational Technology; MAEd in Literacy; MEd in Bilingual Education, TESOL; MEd in Educational Leadership; MET in Educational Technology
  • Ranking among the top graduate colleges of education among public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report
  • Excellent opportunities through education-focused student organizations and research projects and initiatives

Boise State University’s College of Education is a heavy hitter when it comes to exceptional undergraduate pathways to initial teacher licensure, and is tops among graduate schools of education too. In other words, this university has it all for aspiring educators. With outstanding collaborations with PK-12 classrooms throughout Idaho, superb research projects and initiatives such as the Center for Multicultural and Educational Opportunities, which works to encourage academic and personal growth among underrepresented groups, along with leading student organizations such as the Teacher Education Ambassadors, Boise State remains a leading university for teaching in Idaho and throughout the nation.

Montana

Montana State University (PU)
Department of Education
Bozeman, MT
Website

BS (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary
    • General Science Broadfield 5-12
    • Social Studies Broadfield 5-12
    • Agricultural Education Broadfield 5-12
    • Art Education Broadfield K-12
    • Biology 5-12
    • Chemistry 5-12
    • English 5-12
    • Family and Consumer Sciences 5-12
    • Health Enhancement Broadfield K-12
    • History 5-12
    • Mathematics 5-12
    • Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish) K-12
    • Music Education K-12
    • Physics 5-12
    • Technology Education Broadfield 5-12

Estimated program cost per credit: $188 (in-state), $846 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MEd in Adult and Higher Education (Adult Education, Student Affairs, and Higher Education); Curriculum and Instruction; Educational Leadership
  • Largest producer of certified teachers in Montana
  • Exciting opportunities to teach abroad through the Educators Without Borders program

Montana State University’s excellent selection of undergraduate teacher prep programs are just the beginning of what this institution has to offer. As the largest producer of certified teachers in Montana, it’s clear that they’ve perfected the teacher preparation process, providing students here with the ideal blend of classroom learning and practical training to prepare them to meet the rigors of today’s K-12 classroom. Just some of the cutting-edge programs offered to complement your academic experience include Educators Without Borders – international teaching opportunities in places like Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Siberia, and the After School Partnership which, in conjunction with the Bozeman school district and the United Way, provides aspiring teachers with additional practical experience opportunities.

Carroll College (PR)
Teacher Education Program
Helena, MT
Website

BA (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Elementary Education and Special Education
  • Secondary
    • Science
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Social Studies
  • K-12 (French, Reading, Spanish)

Estimated program cost per credit: $1,206

  • Consistently ranked as a top regional college in the West by U.S. News & World Report
  • Exceptional learning environment includes a distinct focus on hands-on learning and mentorship

Carroll College’s undergraduate teacher preparation programs come with the practical experiences that will make you an exceptional educator who’s able to handle the rigors of today’s K-12 classrooms. Your time in the classroom and under the mentorship of seasoned educators, coupled with exceptional evaluation and feedback, ensure you’re prepared to become a reflective, effective teacher. This commitment to a higher standard has allowed Carroll to be consistently ranked as one of the top regional colleges in the West by U.S. News & World Report. And thanks to Carroll’s foundation in the Catholic liberal arts, you’ll have access to service events, campus ministry programs, spiritual retreats, and more.

New Mexico

Western New Mexico University (PU)
School of Education
Silver City, NM
Website

BS in Education (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Elementary
  • Pre-K-12 (PE, Special Education)

BA/BS in Education (on-campus, online, hybrid)

  • Art
  • Bilingual Education
  • Business Marketing
  • Classical Language-Spanish
  • Health Science Education
  • Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Psychology
  • Reading
  • Science (Earth & Space, General, Life, and Physical Science)
  • Social Studies
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Estimated program cost per credit: $247 (in-state), $508 (out-of-state), $277 (online)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MAT in Reading, Bilingual Education/TESOL, Gifted Education, Teacher Leader; MA in Instructional Technologies and Design, Educational Leadership
  • Exciting opportunities to engage in service learning activities
  • Outstanding academic and career support provided through the Career Services and Leadership Development office

Western New Mexico University is where aspiring educators become the next generation of highly qualified, dedicated, and caring educators who are prepared to provide outstanding learning experiences for the state’s diverse student population. Service learning here is encouraged, and with exciting service projects like Literacy Alive through Kappa Delta Pi, you’ll get a chance to be actively involved in programs that support literacy and education even before you graduate. Student support here is very accessible through the Career Services and Leadership Development office, which provides a host of career resources and services to students and alumni alike.

University of the Southwest (PR)
College of Education
Hobbs, New Mexico
Website

BSED (on-campus)

  • Elementary
  • Special Education
  • Secondary
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Science
    • English/Language Arts

Estimated program cost per credit: $533

  • Also offers: MEd in Educational Leadership, Educational Diagnostics, Online Teaching, Teaching and Learning
  • Outstanding personalized learning experience offered through small class sizes and a dedicated faculty
  • Exceptional academic resources and services include one-on-tutoring, coaching, and support

The University of the Southwest provides a comprehensive and engaging pathway to a bachelor’s degree and your initial teaching license within a private school setting. A personalized learning experience is fostered here thanks to a dedicated faculty of accomplished scholars and practitioners and small class sizes that encourage participation in a supportive, tight knit learning environment. Support here is also plentiful, thanks to the Learning Center, a hub for services and resources related to your academic success.

Nevada

University of Nevada-Las Vegas (PU)
College of Education
Las Vegas, NV
Website

BSEd (on-campus)

  • Special Education
  • Elementary

BAEd/BSEd (on-campus)

  • Secondary
    • Art
    • Biological Science
    • Earth Science
    • English
    • General Science
    • Math
    • Physical Science
    • Social Studies

Estimated program cost per credit: $242 (in-state), $764 (out-of-state)

  • Also offers: MEd in English Language Learning (ELL, Bilingual Education), Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders, Gifted and Talented, Intellectual Disabilities), Educational Policy and Leadership, Higher Education
  • Ranked as one of the most diverse universities for undergraduates by U.S. News & World Report
  • Outstanding opportunities for hands-on learning in the Clark County School District – one of the largest and most culturally diverse school districts in the country

The College of Education at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas offers what few colleges of education can: a location within one of the biggest and most culturally diverse districts in the U.S.: the Clark County School District. UNLV is committed to creating an unparalleled and inclusive learning environment that promotes diversity and produces educators who can meet the needs of students in the state, and the wider region. Seven research centers and clinics here are designed to advance scholarship and best practices in areas like autism spectrum disorders, literacy, mental health, STEM, and more, and through a close partnership with the Clark County School District, faculty and students are involved in more than 50 research-to-service initiatives.

Utah

University of Utah (PU)
College of Education
Salt Lake City, UT
Website

BS in Special Education (on-campus)

  • Mild/Moderate Disabilities
  • Severe Disabilities
  • Visual Impairments
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing

BA (on-campus)

  • K-12 (ESS, Music)
  • Secondary Education
    • Art
    • Dance
    • History
    • Spanish
    • Biology
    • Earth Science
    • Math
    • Chemistry
    • English
    • Music
    • Theater
    • Physics
    • Exercise & Sports Science
    • French

Estimated program cost per credit: $282 (in-state), $988 (out-of-state)

  • National accreditation: CAEP
  • Also offers: MEd in Special Education (Visually Impaired, Deafblind, Deaf and Hard of Hearing), K-12 School Administration, Teacher Leadership, Student Affairs, Instructional Design and Educational Technology, Reading and Literacy, Education, Culture and Society
  • Outstanding international study options offered through the Office of the Director of International Initiatives
  • Home to the Utah Education Policy Center, a College of Education research center that’s focused on equity, excellence, access, and opportunities in education

The University of Utah is where excellence in teacher education is standard. With one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios among Utah public institutions (just 17:1), the University of Utah is able to offer the resources of a big university with the kind of personalized learning environment you’d get at a small school. Its outstanding selection of undergraduate teacher prep programs enjoy a reputation for quality, named among the nation’s top teacher prep programs by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its focus on providing student teachers with quality practical experiences and field placements. International study opportunities and cutting-edge research activity add to this university’s commitment to excellence in teacher education.