(B.A.) in Middle Childhood Education
Prepare to teach grades 5–9 with specialized expertise in two content areas and the skills to inspire young learners.
Shape confident learners.
Become an impactful middle school educator.
Middle school students need teachers who can engage, motivate, and guide them through critical years of growth. At West Liberty University, you’ll combine professional teaching preparation with deep content knowledge and meaningful classroom experiences that prepare you for licensure and a rewarding career in education.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Total Credits: Approximately 120 credit hours*
Outcome: Eligibility for West Virginia Middle Childhood Education (Grades 5-9) Certification
Format: On-campus
*Credit totals may vary slightly based on selected content areas.
Program
Overview
Middle Childhood Education is designed to prepare highly qualified teachers who understand the academic, social, and developmental needs of young adolescents. Through a combination of professional education coursework, content-area specialization, and extensive field experiences, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to support learner success in grades 5-9.
Who This
Program Is For
Future Middle School Teachers
Students who are passionate about working with adolescents and want to make a meaningful impact during a formative stage of educational development.
Subject Matter Enthusiasts
Students who enjoy mathematics, science, English, or social studies and want to share their passion for learning through teaching.
Community-Focused Leaders
Individuals interested in mentoring young people, fostering growth, and becoming positive role models in schools and communities.
Education Advocates
Students who are committed to creating engaging, inclusive learning environments that help diverse learners succeed.
Career Changers Exploring Education
Individuals seeking a rewarding profession that combines leadership, service, and lifelong learning.
What
You’ll Learn
Graduates gain the professional knowledge, classroom experience, and content expertise needed to teach effectively in middle school settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based instruction, adolescent development, assessment, classroom management, and content-area specialization.
Instructional Design & Teaching Practice
- Develop lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards
- Design engaging learning experiences for diverse learners
- Apply assessment strategies to improve student outcomes
Adolescent Development & Classroom Leadership
- Understand the developmental needs of middle school students
- Build positive learning environments and classroom culture
- Implement effective classroom management strategies
Content Expertise & Inclusive Education
- Develop advanced knowledge in two teaching disciplines
- Utilize literacy and content-area reading strategies
- Support learners with exceptionalities through inclusive practices
Curriculum
Overview
The curriculum balances general education requirements, professional education coursework, content-area specialization, and extensive field experiences. Students complete teacher preparation courses while developing expertise in two concentration areas selected from Mathematics, General Science, English, or Social Studies.
Program Structure
General Education Foundation
- University general studies requirements
- Communication, mathematics, humanities, and sciences
Professional Education Core
- Foundations of Education
- Educational Psychology
- Instructional Technology
- Exceptionalities and Inclusive Practices
- Methods and Materials for Middle School Education
Content Area Specializations
- Choose two emphasis areas:
- Mathematics
- General Science
- English
- Social Studies
Field Experiences & Residency
- Residency Semester I
- Residency Semester II (Student Teaching/Professional Semester)
- Professional Seminar and School Law
Required Prerequisites Include:
- EDUC 100: Introduction to Professional Education
- EDUC 207: Foundations of Education
- EDUC 290: Instructional Technology
- EDUC 301: Educational Psychology
- SPED 241: Introduction to Exceptionalities
- Additional program admission requirements as outlined in Teacher Education policies
Admission Requirements
Students must meet Teacher Education Program admission standards before progressing into advanced professional coursework and residency experiences. Multiple admission points ensure candidates are academically prepared and ready for increasingly responsible classroom experiences.
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for teacher licensure and careers in public, private, and educational settings serving students in grades 5-9. The program also provides a strong foundation for future leadership roles, graduate study, curriculum development, and educational administration.
- Middle School Mathematics Teacher
- Middle School Science Teacher
- Middle School English Language Arts Teacher
- Middle School Social Studies Teacher
- Educational Program Coordinator
- Academic Intervention or Support Specialist
Through rigorous coursework, supervised field experiences, and residency placements, students graduate prepared to meet professional teaching standards and pursue state licensure requirements. The combination of content expertise and classroom experience helps graduates enter the profession with confidence and credibility.
Admission
Requirements
Admission to the Teacher Education Program is a structured process designed to ensure candidates are prepared for professional coursework, classroom experiences, and eventual teacher licensure. Students progress through multiple admission points before graduation and certification.
Requirements:
- Admission to West Liberty University
- Completion of Teacher Education Program application
- Satisfaction of Admission Point requirements outlined in the Teacher Education Student Policy Manual
- Required prerequisite coursework completed or in progress
- Eligibility for Residency Semester admissions
- Meet program academic standards established by the College of Education and Human Performance
Application Deadline:
Refer to the Teacher Education Program admission schedule and current academic catalog.
Applicants are evaluated according to established Teacher Education Program policies and admission benchmarks at each progression point. Successful candidates demonstrate academic readiness, professionalism, and potential for success in educational settings.
Advisors are available to help students plan prerequisites and prepare strong applications.
Cost, Aid
& Affordability
West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.
Students may be eligible for:
- Federal and state financial aid
- Institutional scholarships
- Program-specific or need-based assistance
Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.
Steps to
Enrollment
- Apply to West Liberty University
- Declare your Middle Childhood Education (B.A.) major
- Meet with an academic advisor and review your degree pathway
Admissions counselors and program advisors are here to support you at every step.
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.