Degree Programs

We offer a number of degree and emphasis options to prepare you for the classroom. Gain expertise in your field of study and learn methodologies of teaching in theory and practice. Find the program that fits you!

At East Texas A&M, we offer you opportunities to learn developmentally appropriate pedagogy for children in early childhood through sixth-grade settings and graduate with your educator certificate. As part of the curriculum, you will be placed in a real world elementary school classroom and be paired with an experience mentor teacher.

Our programs through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction provide students with education in general elementary, bilingual and special education.

Your final two semesters are comprised of intensive field-based mentoring, training and practice teaching in a public school setting.

Clinical Teaching I Semester

During your second to last semester, you report to your field placement with a single cooperating teacher for two full days each week and attend weekly seminars.

Clinical Teaching II Semester

During your final semester, you report to your field placement five full days each week including eight seminar days scheduled throughout the semester. You are also assigned a field supervisor from your seminar team, who will visit you in your field placement and serve as a liaison between East Texas A&M and the public school setting.

In order to teach elementary school students in a specific topic, such as physical education, drama, art, or music, or work with kids with special needs, you may choose to pursue one of our all-level programs. All-level programs provide you with opportunities to teach subjects at any grade level (early childhood -1 2th grade). Your degree will be through the department related to your chosen topic. As part of your emphasis, you will also take a number of courses through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Clinical Observations

Before your residency, you will take a clinical observations course (SED 300) where you will learn from real-world classroom situations.

Clinical Teaching

During your final semester, you will participate in a real world classroom with a veteran teacher with experience in your area of study.

Theatre (BA/BS) Teaching Emphasis

In our program, you'll have the opportunity to study acting, directing, and production alongside educational topics like pedagogy and classroom management. Courses may cover stage management, costume design and multicultural theatre. A teaching residency offers experience that can support your path toward teaching theatre at the secondary level (grades 7–12).

Music Education (BM)

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree, combined with professional education requirements, provides students with the information and skills to be a music educator at all levels and prepares them to take the exams for teacher certification in Texas. Though students are prepared to teach instrumental and vocal music at all grade levels, the curriculum allows them to select one of three areas of emphasis: (1) elementary general—preparation for teaching general music in the elementary grades, (2) secondary choral—preparation for organizing and directing choral organizations at the secondary level; or (3) secondary instrumental—preparation for directing bands and orchestras at the secondary level.

Our middle-level programs help you design curriculum for young adolescents in grades 4-8. We provide you with leadership skills and best practices for being a successful teacher of adolescents. As part of the curriculum, you will be placed in a real-world elementary middle school classroom and paired with an experienced mentor teacher.

Your final two semesters are comprised of intensive field-based mentoring, training and practice teaching in a public school setting.

Internship Semester

During your second-to-last semester, you report to your field placement with a single cooperating teacher for two full days each week and attend weekly seminars.

Clinical Teaching Semester

During your final semester, you report to your field placement five full days each week, including eight seminar days scheduled throughout the semester. You are also assigned a field supervisor from your seminar team, who will visit you in your field placement and serve as a liaison between East Texas A&M and the public school setting. 

You can earn a degree in education and seek one of the middle-level certifications in order to teach middle school in your particular subject area.

  • English/Language Arts/Reading (4-8)
  • Mathematics (4-8)
  • Mathematics/Science Combination (4-8)
  • Science (4-8)

In order to teach middle school students in a specific topic, such as physical education, drama, art, or music, or work with kids with special needs, you may choose to pursue one of our all-level programs. All-level programs provide you with opportunities to teach subjects at any grade level (early childhood to 12th grade). Your degree will be through the department related to your chosen topic. As part of your emphasis, you will also take a number of courses through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Clinical Observations

Before your residency, you will take a clinical observations course (SED 300) where you will learn from real-world classroom situations.

Residency Semester

During your final semester, you will participate in a real world classroom with a veteran teacher with experience in your area of study.

Theatre (BA/BS) Teaching Emphasis

In our program, you'll have the opportunity to study acting, directing, and production alongside educational topics like pedagogy and classroom management. Courses may cover stage management, costume design and multicultural theatre. A teaching residency offers experience that can support your path toward teaching theatre at the secondary level (grades 7–12).

Music Education (BM)

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree, combined with professional education requirements, provides students with the information and skills to be a music educator at all levels and prepares them to take the exams for teacher certification in Texas. Though students are prepared to teach instrumental and vocal music at all grade levels, the curriculum allows them to select one of three areas of emphasis: (1) elementary general—preparation for teaching general music in the elementary grades, (2) secondary choral—preparation for organizing and directing choral organizations at the secondary level; or (3) secondary instrumental—preparation for directing bands and orchestras at the secondary level.

High school teachers specialize in one or two subjects and see many students throughout the day. Our programs help you to be highly knowledgeable in your field as well as in pedagogy and methodologies of teaching.

Your degree will be through the department related to your chosen topic. As part of your teaching emphasis, you will also take several courses through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. At the culmination of your degree, you will be placed in a real-world classroom and be paired with an experienced mentor teacher.

The goal of our LeoTeach initiative is to recruit, educate and retain highly-qualified STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teachers who use best practices with their students.

Clinical Observations

Before your residency, you will take a clinical observations course (SED 300) where you will learn from real world classroom situations.

Clinical Teaching

During your final semester, you will participate in a real world classroom with a veteran teacher with experience in your area of study.

Chemistry (BS) Teaching Emphasis

There is a growing need for STEM educators. A degree in chemistry with a teacher certification will allow you to combine your passion for chemistry and the classroom. You’ll take courses in general and organic chemistry, physics, and biology. Our program offers specialized teaching courses for chemistry teachers including roles and responsibilities for STEM educators, technology-infused curriculum, and project-based learning in STEM. You’ll be required to complete a teaching residency senior year. After graduating, you’ll be certified to teach science at the secondary level (grades 7-12).

Physics (BA/BS) Teaching Emphasis

There is a growing need for STEM educators. A degree in physics with a teaching emphasis takes your knowledge to the high-school classroom. You’ll take courses in electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics and modern physics. Our program offers specialized education classes in teaching and learning physics, science and math education theory, and project-based learning in STEM. Once graduated, you’ll be certified to teach physics at the secondary level (grades 7-12).

Biological Sciences (BS) Teaching Emphasis

This program supplies students with the skills needed for a career as a life science teacher for grades 7-12. The program will provide students with a comprehensive overview of biological sciences while teaching students how to channel their knowledge directly into a classroom environment. This program allows students to combine an interest in biology with the passion of influencing and shaping the lives of the next generation.

Clinical Observations

Before your residency, you will take a clinical observations course (SED 300) where you will learn from real-world classroom situations.

Clinical Teaching

During your final semester, you will participate in a real-world classroom with a veteran teacher with experience in your area of study.

History (BA/BS) Teaching Emphasis

This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to inspire the next generation as a history teacher. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of history. Explore the human past, hone your skills in historical research and writing, and master the art of analyzing and interpreting evidence and historical perspectives.

In order to teach high school students in a specific topic, such as physical education, drama, art, or music, or work with kids with special needs, you may choose to pursue one of our all-level programs. All-level programs provide you with opportunities to teach subjects at any grade level (early childhood – 12th grade). Your degree will be through the department related to your topic. As part of your emphasis, you will also take a number of courses through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Clinical Observations

Before your residency, you will take a clinical observations course (SED 300) where you will learn from real-world classroom situations.

Residency Semester

During your final semester, you will participate in a real-world classroom with a veteran teacher with experience in your area of study.

Theatre (BA/BS) Teaching Emphasis

In our program, you'll have the opportunity to study acting, directing, and production alongside educational topics like pedagogy and classroom management. Courses may cover stage management, costume design and multicultural theatre. A teaching residency offers experience that can support your path toward teaching theatre at the secondary level (grades 7–12).

Music Education (BM)

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree, combined with professional education requirements, provides students with the information and skills to be a music educator at all levels and prepares them to take the exams for teacher certification in Texas. Though students are prepared to teach instrumental and vocal music at all grade levels, the curriculum allows them to select one of three areas of emphasis: (1) elementary general—preparation for teaching general music in the elementary grades, (2) secondary choral—preparation for organizing and directing choral organizations at the secondary level; or (3) secondary instrumental—preparation for directing bands and orchestras at the secondary level.

Hispanic Studies (BA) Teaching Emphasis

Our program encourages and equips Spanish educators. No matter your proficiency level, we have language courses designed for you. You’ll study the history, politics, social structures and traditions of Spain and Latin America. Our combined Spanish and teaching program prepares you for the high school classroom. You’ll take courses in methods for teaching Spanish, issues in Spanish literature and culture, and Hispanic linguistics. After graduating, you’ll be certified to teach Spanish at the secondary level (grades 7-12).

In order to teach students in all grades on a specific topic, you may choose to pursue one of our all-level programs. All-level programs provide you with the opportunities to teach subjects at any grade level (early childhood – 12th grade). Your degree will be through the department related to your topic. As part of your emphasis, you will also take a number of courses through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. At the culmination of your degree, you will be placed in a real-world classroom and be paired with an experienced mentor teacher.

Today’s elementary classroom is filled with students from many cultures and who speak various languages. As an elementary school teacher, you can make a difference in their education by challenging them with innovative learning experiences while they acquire English as one of their languages.

Take your content expertise to the next level as you integrate learning English with content areas at the upper elementary and middle school level.

  • 4-8 Math ESL
  • 4-8 Science ESL
  • 4-8 English/Language Arts/Reading ESL

As you earn your degree in curriculum and instruction, consider adding either the TESOL or bilingual/ESL minor. Explore the basics of English as a second language as you learn to create, deliver and assess content from a holistic, bilingual paradigm.

Hispanic Studies (BA) Teaching Emphasis

Our program encourages and equips Spanish educators. No matter your proficiency level, we have language courses designed for you. You’ll study the history, politics, social structures and traditions of Spain and Latin America. Our combined Spanish and teaching program prepares you for the high school classroom. You’ll take courses in methods for teaching Spanish, issues in Spanish literature and culture, and Hispanic linguistics. After graduating, you’ll be certified to teach Spanish at the secondary level (grades 7-12).

Make the world a better place one future STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professional at a time. As a teacher, you can empower your students through hands-on learning. TEA reports that the second-highest percentage of future STEM jobs in the United States will be in Texas.

Bring math and science to life for your students. You have the opportunity to ignite their curiosity with engaging lessons and real world applications when you share your excitement for math and science.

  • Mathematics
  • 4-8 Science
  • 4-8 Math/Science Combination

ESL OPTIONS allow you to strengthen your students’ literacy skills by incorporating English language learning opportunities into math and science learning experiences.

  • 4-8 Math ESL
  • 4-8 Science ESL

Take your expertise in the sciences to the next level as a secondary teacher. Your students are exploring their interests as they prepare for life beyond education. By guiding them in your chosen science field, you have the opportunity to show them the options that await them.

Field-based Clinical Teaching

Work under the guidance of teaching professionals with our field-based, residency program. You will have the chance to intern in a local educational setting during your final year. We create opportunities for you to gain confidence in the classroom and the skills needed for your first-year teaching experience. As part of your degree program, you will receive course credit for this internship. In addition to the classroom experience, some of our students have participated in industry internships.

Mathematics (MS) Teaching Emphasis

The graduate program in mathematics prepares you for employment as an educator on various levels, additional study at the doctoral level or one of the many non-academic areas in which mathematicians work. Graduate work in mathematics leading to the master’s degree is offered with an emphasis in actuarial science, algebra, analysis, biological mathematics, combinatorics, coding theory, differential equations, differential geometry, image analysis and processing, or probability-statistics.

Biological Sciences (BS) Teaching Emphasis

This program supplies students with the skills needed for a career as a life science teacher for grades 7-12. The program will provide students with a comprehensive overview of biological sciences while teaching students how to channel their knowledge directly into a classroom environment. This program allows students to combine an interest in biology with the passion of influencing and shaping the lives of the next generation.

Chemistry (BS) Teaching Emphasis

There is a growing need for STEM educators. A degree in chemistry with a teacher certification will allow you to combine your passion for chemistry and the classroom. You’ll take courses in general and organic chemistry, physics, and biology. Our program offers specialized teaching courses for chemistry teachers including roles and responsibilities for STEM educators, technology-infused curriculum, and project-based learning in STEM. You’ll be required to complete a teaching residency senior year. After graduating, you’ll be certified to teach science at the secondary level (grades 7-12).

  • English/Language Arts/Reading
  • History
  • Social Studies

Clinical Observations

Before your residency you will take a clinical observations course (SED 300) where you will learn from real world classroom situations.

Clinical Teaching

During your final semester, you will participate in a real world classroom with a veteran teacher with experience in your area of study.

History (BA/BS) Teaching Emphasis

This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to inspire the next generation as a history teacher. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of history. Explore the human past, hone your skills in historical research and writing, and master the art of analyzing and interpreting evidence and historical perspectives.

In order to teach high school electives or elementary school specific topics, such as physical education, drama, art, or music, or work with kids with special needs, you may choose to pursue one of our all-level programs. All-level programs provide you with opportunities to teach subjects at any grade level (early childhood to 12th grade). Your degree will be through the department related to your topic. As part of your emphasis, you will also take a number of courses through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Clinical Observations

Before your residency, you will take a clinical observations course (SED 300) where you will learn from real-world classroom situations.

Clinical Teaching

During your final semester, you will participate in a real world classroom with a veteran teacher with experience in your area of study.

Theatre (BA/BS) Teaching Emphasis

In our program, you'll have the opportunity to study acting, directing, and production alongside educational topics like pedagogy and classroom management. Courses may cover stage management, costume design and multicultural theatre. A teaching residency offers experience that can support your path toward teaching theatre at the secondary level (grades 7–12).

Music Education (BM)

The Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree, combined with professional education requirements, provides students with the information and skills to be a music educator at all levels and prepares them to take the exams for teacher certification in Texas. Though students are prepared to teach instrumental and vocal music at all grade levels, the curriculum allows them to select one of three areas of emphasis: (1) elementary general—preparation for teaching general music in the elementary grades, (2) secondary choral—preparation for organizing and directing choral organizations at the secondary level; or (3) secondary instrumental—preparation for directing bands and orchestras at the secondary level.

Closer than you think

In addition to our main campus in Commerce, Texas, we also offer most of our degrees at locations across East Texas.

Advisors

Our faculty advisors are available to help with any questions you have on your academic journey.

Contact Us

  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011
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