K-12 Education

classroom with teacher instructing students

K-12 Education Degree

About the k-12 education program

Missouri Southern State University's Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) and Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) K–12 Education programs prepare future educators to teach specialized subjects across kindergarten through 12th grade. These programs combine subject-area expertise with professional education coursework, hands-on classroom experiences, and teacher preparation.

Students can choose from a variety of K–12 certification areas, including:

Art Education
Music Education – Instrumental
Music Education – Vocal
Physical Education
Spanish Education

Students pursuing Elementary Education may also expand their teaching credentials through pathway options that include additional K–12 certifications:

Is the K-12 Education Degree Right for You?

If you're passionate about making a difference through teaching and helping students succeed, an education degree can prepare you for a meaningful career in the classroom.

This program is a great fit if you:

Want to inspire students and share your passion for a specific subject or grade level.
Enjoy working with learners of all ages, from early childhood through high school.
Are interested in becoming a licensed teacher and making a positive impact on student success.
Want to help students achieve their academic, personal, and lifelong goals.
Thrive in a career that combines communication, leadership, and service.

What You'll Learn in the k-12 Education Degree

Through coursework, field experiences, and student teaching, you'll gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to become an effective educator.

In this program, you'll learn how to:

Design engaging lessons that align with state learning standards and meet the needs of diverse learners.
Apply effective teaching strategies that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and student success.
Create positive, inclusive classroom environments that encourage learning and personal growth.
Assess student progress using a variety of evaluation methods to guide instruction.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
Reflect on your teaching practices and develop the professional skills needed for teacher certification and lifelong learning.

K-12 Education Careers

A degree in K-12 Teacher Education prepares you for a rewarding career helping students learn and grow.

Graduates often pursue careers as:

Art Education
Music Education – Instrumental
Music Education – Vocal
Physical Education
Spanish Education

Hands-on classroom experiences help you build teaching skills, gain real-world experience, and prepare for a successful career in education. Many graduates also continue their education through master's programs in areas such as educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, or school administration.

Curriculum & courses

The Teacher Education curriculum combines foundational education coursework, subject-area preparation, and hands-on classroom experiences to prepare you for teacher certification. Students complete coursework specific to their chosen teaching area along with clinical field experiences that provide real-world practice in local schools.

Explore curriculum requirements and course details for each content area:

Art Education
Physical Education
Spanish Education
Music Education – Instrumental or Vocal

Program Format, Location & Schedule

Format: On-campus program with classroom instruction, field experiences, and student teaching opportunities.
Location: Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri.
Schedule: Full-time and part-time options may be available based on course availability and student needs.
Time to Degree: Most students complete the program in approximately four years of full-time study.

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