The Elementary Teacher Preparation Program at Michigan State University prepares teachers who have the knowledge and skills needed to teach all subjects in kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5) and the depth to teach a specific subject area in sixth through eighth grade (6-8). Elementary education students are expected to gain a strong foundation in all core content areas as well as additional depth in the core subject area that is chosen as the teaching major. They also complete a professional education program and a fifth-year teaching internship to ensure they have the skills they need to become effective classroom teachers.

In addition to Education, two other degree majors lead to elementary certification: Special Education and Child Development (with the teacher certification emphasis). Students with these degree majors must complete all requirements for elementary certification, including one of the four elementary teaching majors, the Planned Program for Elementary Education and a series of professional education courses.

The Secondary Teacher Preparation Program at Michigan State University emphasizes deep content knowledge in the subject(s) each student will teach in sixth through twelfth grade (6-12). The College of Education works closely with departments and colleges across the University in which teacher candidates earn their degrees and take the subject matter courses required for their teaching majors and minors. Students also take professional education courses in the Department of Teacher Education and complete a fifth-year teaching internship.

The secondary program ensures that students are competent in their subject matter knowledge and know how to effectively impart that knowledge in K-12 classrooms. Secondary education teachers prepared at MSU teach for understanding, reach diverse bodies of students, are thoughtful about linking subject matter in a responsive curriculum, cultivate learning communities and are engaged in democratic reform.

Students in the Special Education Teacher Preparation Program at Michigan State University complete requirements for elementary teacher certification and a K-12 endorsement in the special education area of learning disabilities. The program places a high priority on developing the skills teachers need to be effective in mainstream classrooms as well as more traditional “self-contained” special education classrooms. Graduates learn to use methods that promote maximum understanding and social and emotional growth for students with special needs.

Athletic training is a specialty in the sports medicine field in which active involvement with athletes, physicians and coaches affects the health and well-being of competitive and recreational athletes. At Michigan State University, athletic training students have opportunities for educational and professional experiences that prepare them for jobs in high school, collegiate, professional, clinical and industrial settings.

Students are exposed to state-of-the-art philosophies, equipment and research while working with numerous athletic teams at MSU and in high schools. They have learning experiences that require immediate decision making, physician consultation, injury evaluation and communication with intercollegiate and high school coaches, student-athletes and clinical athletic training supervisors.

Kinesiology involves study of the anatomical, biochemical, physiological, psychological, sociocultural and developmental aspects of physical activity and the relationship of physical activity to human well being.

The bachelor's degree in kinesiology at MSU can prepare students for positions in health and wellness promotion, community physical education, fitness leadership, coaching and sports administration. Careers are varied and work settings include medical, clinical, educational, psychosocial, corporate and sports environments. Many kinesiology graduates earn advanced degrees in medicine, physical therapy or research. Students have opportunities to participate in research through the Center for Physical Activity and Health and the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports.