In order to pursue your dreams of helping students in the “Natural State” learn important concepts for a bright academic career in future schooling, you will need to receive at least a bachelor’s degree from one of the top teaching colleges in Arkansas. With more than 230 public school districts serving over 468,000 students annually, there is a high demand for qualified educators with teacher certification in Arkansas’ elementary, middle, and high schools. Read on to learn more about the accredited top teaching colleges in Arkansas that offer first-rate undergraduate and graduate degree programs to sharpen your teaching skills.
Arkansas State University
College of Education & Behavioral Science
Nationally recognized for having the 41st best online graduate education programs in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report, Arkansas State’s College of Education & Behavioral Science is a selective school with only a 70% acceptance rate. With wide-ranging degree programs, the College is committed to establishing a student-centered environment that intellectually challenges students to improve education.
Undergraduate Programs
• B.S. Athletic Training
• B.S.Ed. Early Childhood Education
• B.S.Ed. Early Childhood Education/Special Education
• B.S.Ed. Middle-Level Education
• B.S.Ed. Physical Education
Graduate Programs
• M.A. in Teaching (Early Childhood or Middle-Level Certification)
• M.S. College Student Personnel Services
• M.S.E. Curriculum and Instruction
• M.S. Early Childhood Services
• M.S.E. Educational Leadership
• M.S.E. Educational Theory and Practice
• M.S.E. Reading
• M.S.E. School Counseling
• M.S.E. Special Education – Instructional Specialist
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
2105 East Aggie Rd.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 972-3057
coe@astate.edu
http://www.astate.edu/college/education/degrees/
Arkansas Tech University
College of Education
Boasting a state-of-the-art computer lab with 25 computers, unparalleled internship assistance, and a certification officer, the College of Education at Arkansas Tech provides bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to students interested in teaching careers. With a high acceptance rate of 90%, the College helps students learn various methods for helping future generations with Arkansas teacher licensure.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degrees
• Early Childhood Education
• Health and Physical Education
• Middle Childhood/Early Adolescence Education
• Secondary Education (with content areas in Art, Business Education, Life Science & Earth Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, English, Music Education, Speech, Social Studies, and Foreign Languages)
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degrees
• College Student Personnel (CSP)
• Educational Leadership
• Elementary Education
• Instructional Improvement
• Instructional Technology
• Secondary Education
• School Counseling & Leadership
• Teaching, Learning, and Leadership
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
1605 Coliseum Drive
Russellville, AR 72801
(479) 964-3217
lhamilton@atu.edu
http://www.atu.edu/education/student-learning.php
Harding University
Cannon-Clary College of Education
Expanding beyond Searcy with professional centers in North Little Rock and Rogers in Arkansas, the Cannon-Clary College of Education is committed to offering online and hybrid degree programs that open access to teaching licensure statewide. Through a Christ-centered view, the College prepares professionals to provide top-quality instruction and support to students’ learning.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education (P-4)
• Middle-Level Education (4-8)
• Secondary Education (7-12) – within content areas of Art, Biology, Drama/Speech, English, Family and Consumer Sciences, French, Health, Mathematics, Music, Physical Science, Social Studies, or Spanish
Master’s Degree Programs
• Master of Arts: Excellence in Teaching (MA:ET)
• M.Ed. Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL)
• M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
• M.Ed. Educational Leadership
• M.Ed. Reading
• M.S.E. Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Age 8)
• M.S. Educational Technology
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
915 East Market Avenue
Searcy, AR 72143
(501) 279-4242
education@harding.edu
http://www.harding.edu/education
Henderson State University
Teachers College
Committed to “preparing professionals for progressive communities,” the Henderson State Teachers College offers accredited teaching degree programs to develop educators with the 21st century skills needed to succeed in our diverse technological world. As home to the Davis-Baker Preschool, all programs include clinical practicum to receive the best educational experiences in a real-world classroom.
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) Programs
• Art Education
• Elementary Education
• Middle School Education
• Music Education
• Physical Education
• Social Sciences Education
Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) Programs
• Advanced Instructional Studies
• Early Childhood Special Education
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Instructional Facilitator
• Middle School Education
• Physical Education
• Reading
• Special Education
Graduate students can also choose to pursue an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership to become a district-level leader fully online.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
1100 Henderson St.
Arkadelphia, AR 71999
(870) 230-5367
harrisj@hsu.edu
http://www.hsu.edu/teachers-college/
John Brown University
College of Education
At John Brown University, the College of Education is nationally accredited to provide bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that equip classroom teachers with the skills for leadership roles in local school systems. As a distinctly Christian community, the College inspires educators to extend the light of God through their work with His children.
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education
• English
• Mathematics
• Music Education
• Social Studies
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs
• Curriculum and Instruction: Teachers as Leader
• Curriculum and Instruction: TESOL
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
2000 West University St.
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
(479) 524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
http://www.jbu.edu/education/
Ouachita Baptist University
Huckabee School of Education
As the 173rd best national liberal arts college by the U.S. News and World Report, Ouachita Baptist University is home to the Huckabee School of Education in Arkadelphia. Within a close-knit Christ-centered community of small class sizes, the School is dedicated to grow future servant leaders to combine a love for God with learning.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Programs
• Educational Foundations
• Early Childhood Education (P-4)
• Middle School Education (4-8)
• Secondary Education (7-12) – with emphasis in Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, Kinesiology, Mathematics, Music Education, Social Studies, Spanish, Speech Communication, or Theatre Arts
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
410 Ouachita St.
Arkadelphia, AR 71998
(870) 245-5154
bruningm@obu.edu
http://www.obu.edu/education/
Southern Arkansas University
College of Education
Currently recognized for having the 136th best online graduate education programs by the U.S. News and World Report, the College of Education at SAU is based in beautiful Magnolia to prepare teachers, administrators, coaches, trainers, and counselors. All programs emphasize pre-service professional clinical experience through partnerships with local school districts in the unique Southwest Educational Renewal Zone.
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) Programs
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• Early Childhood Education (P-4)
• Middle School Education (4-8)
• Physical Education (K-12)
• Secondary Education (7-12) – with a specialization in Agricultural Education, Business Administration, English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, or Music
Master’s Degree Programs
• Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
• M.Ed. Educational Administration and Supervision
• M.Ed. Kinesiology – Coaching
• M.Ed. Library Media and Information Specialist
• M.Ed. School Counseling
• M.Ed. Special Education – Early Childhood Instructional Specialist (P-4), Instructional Specialist (4-12), or Gifted and Talented (P-12)
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
100 East University St.
Magnolia, AR 71753
(870) 235-4057
azmohdzain@saumag.edu
http://web.saumag.edu/education/
University of Arkansas
College of Education and Health Professions
As the University of Arkansas’ second largest college with more than 5,200 students, the College of Education and Health Professions (COEHP) uniquely trains both school teachers and health educators. According to the U.S. News and World Report, the COEHP is distinguished as the 86th best education school with the 42nd best online graduate education degrees nationally.
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) Programs
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• Career and Technical Education
• Childhood Education (P-4)
• Communication Disorders
• Educational Studies
• Kinesiology (P-12 Teaching)
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs
• Adult and Lifelong Learning
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership
• Educational Technology
• Higher Education
• Physical Education
• Secondary Education (with concentration in Career and Technical Education)
• Special Education (with or without ASD Certificate)
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
Education Building Room 324
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 575-3208
tecsmith@uark.edu
http://coehp.uark.edu/9309.php
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Department of Teacher Education
As a regional leader in research, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan public institution that provides flexible learning programs to more than 12,000 future innovators. UALR’s Department of Teacher Education is particularly committed to helping graduates become 21st century leaders in high-demand educational careers with students of all ages.
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education (P-4)
• Middle Childhood Education (4-8)
• Secondary Education (7-12) in Art, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Foreign Language, History, Mathematics, Music, Drama, Physical Education, or Physics
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Administration and Supervision
• Middle Childhood Education
• Reading Specialist
• Secondary Education
• Special Education: Instructional Specialist (P-4) or (4-12)
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
2801 South University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 569-3124
jsburgin@ualr.edu
http://ualr.edu/teachered/
University of Arkansas at Monticello
School of Education
First established in 1909 to serve the state’s southeastern region, the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s School of Education is accredited to prepare students for the time-honored profession of teaching by addressing the challenges of educating diverse P-12 students in today’s evolving technological world.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degrees
• K-6 Elementary Education
• Middle Childhood Education
• Physical Education (with Exercise Science option)
• Teaching and Learning
Master’s Degrees
• Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) – Teacher Leader, Content, and Special Education tracks
• Master of Educational Leadership
• Master of Physical Education and Coaching
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
346 University Ct.
Monticello, AR 71655
(870) 460-1062
dossp@uamont.edu
http://www.uamont.edu/Education/
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
School of Education
As the second oldest public university in Arkansas and the 6th top public school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is home to an accredited School of Education focused on basic and advanced programs leading to improved classroom instruction within P-12 school environments.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education (P-4)
• Middle School Education (4-8) – Language Arts & Social Studies or Math & Science
• Secondary Education (7-12) – Agriculture, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, English, Human Science, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, or Social Studies
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education (P-4)
• Secondary Education (7-12) – English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, or Social Studies
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
1200 University Drive
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
(870) 575-8256
carrollf@uapb.edu
https://www.uapb.edu/academics/school_of_education/curriculum_and_instruction.aspx
University of Central Arkansas
College of Education
Considered one of Arkansas’ premier educator preparation colleges with a 90% acceptance rate, the College of Education at UCA is strongly dedicated to offering exemplary programs that develop the content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and professional dispositions needed to help all students learn within the 21st century.
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) Programs
• Early Childhood Education (P-4)
• Middle School Education (4-8)
• Secondary Education (7-12) – Art, Math, Science, English, Social Studies, Family Studies, Music, KPED, and World Languages
• Special Education (K-12)
Graduate Degree Programs
• M.S.E. Advanced Studies in Teacher Leadership
• M.S. College Student Personnel
• M.S. Instructional Technology
• M.S. Library Media and Information Technologies
• Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
• M.S.E. Reading
• M.S.E. Special Education – Collaborative Instructional Specialist or Gifted and Talented
• Ed.S. Educational Leadership (District Administration)
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035
(501) 450-3175
dianap@uca.edu
http://uca.edu/education/departments/
University of the Ozarks
Pat Walker Teacher Education
Standing proudly as the 6th best college and 4th best value school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report, the University of the Ozarks prides itself on preparing effective teachers in the Pat Walker Teacher Education Program. In order to positively contribute to the intellectual development of young people, each program provides an unequaled combination of subject content knowledge and professional teaching experience.
Undergraduate Programs
• Business Education Major
• Early Childhood Education Major
• Early Childhood Education Minor
• Education Minor
• Physical Education Major
• Physical Education Minor
• Secondary Education Minor
• Special Education Minor
• Coaching Endorsement
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
415 North College Avenue
Clarksville, AR 72830
(479) 979-1221
jhart@ozarks.edu
http://admissions.ozarks.edu/academics/majors/edu/default.asp
Williams Baptist College
Education Department
As a four-year Christian liberal arts institution with a warm Christ-centered community of over 500 students in Walnut Ridge, Williams Baptist College is named the 51st best college in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. In the Education Department, the Williams Teacher Education Program (WTEP) prepares professionals who can effectively communicate, integrate, and care for students in P-12 schools.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Programs
• Art Education (P-12)
• Early Childhood Education (P-4)
• Health & Physical Education (P-12)
• Mid-Level Math & Science (4-8)
• Mid-Level Language, Literature & Social Studies (4-8)
• Music Education (P-12)
• Secondary English Education (7-12)
• Secondary Social Studies Education (7-12)
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
60 Fulbright Avenue
Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
(870) 759-4127
bbaine@wbcoll.edu
https://www.wbcoll.edu/departments_majors/education_department.aspx
When you choose to enroll in one of these accredited programs at the top teaching colleges in Arkansas, you will have the credentials to join the ranks of over 74,000 certified teachers within the state’s borders who are making a difference in shaping the minds of our next generation.
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