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 A&M-Commerce, you'll 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 prepare students 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. 

Internship Semester

During your second to last semester, you report to your field placement with a single cooperating teacher for tow 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 A&M-Commerce and the public school setting. 

Education (BA/BS) Bilingual or ESL Emphasis (Grade EC-6)

Develop in-depth understanding of multicultural learning environments and learn to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students with our interdisciplinary studies bachelor's degree program. If you seek to become a bilingual teacher, who provides instruction in both Spanish and English, this program requires Spanish literacy. If you seek to become an ESL teacher, who provides instruction in English, you do not need foreign language literacy.

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 prepare you to teach the subject at any grade level (early childhood-12th grade). Your degree will be through the department related to the subject you will teach. 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

Our program equips you with the acting, directing and production skills needed for the high school classroom. You’ll take courses in stage management, theatre operations, costume design and lighting. Gain insight into modern theatre and theatre of varying cultures through our course offerings. Our combined theatre and education program prepares you for a career in teaching. You’ll take courses in pedagogy, learning processes and development, and classroom management. After completing a teaching residency, you’ll be certified to teach theatrical arts 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 prepare you to design curriculum for young adolescents in grades 4-8. We provide you with leadership skills and best practices to be successful as a teacher of adolescents. As part of the curriculum, you will be placed in a real world elementary middle school classroom and be paired with an experience 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 tow 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 A&M-Commerce 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. You can also pursue one of the ESL infused programs in order to teach middle school in second language subject areas.

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

Education (BA/BS) Bilingual or ESL Emphasis (Grade EC-6)

Develop in-depth understanding of multicultural learning environments and learn to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students with our interdisciplinary studies bachelor's degree program. If you seek to become a bilingual teacher, who provides instruction in both Spanish and English, this program requires Spanish literacy. If you seek to become an ESL teacher, who provides instruction in English, you do not need foreign language literacy.

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 prepare you to teach the subject at any grade level (early childhood-12th grade). Your degree will be through the department related to the subject you will teach. 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

Our program equips you with the acting, directing and production skills needed for the high school classroom. You’ll take courses in stage management, theatre operations, costume design and lighting. Gain insight into modern theatre and theatre of varying cultures through our course offerings. Our combined theatre and education program prepares you for a career in teaching. You’ll take courses in pedagogy, learning processes and development, and classroom management. After completing a teaching residency, you’ll be certified to teach theatrical arts 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 prepare 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 the subject you will teach. As part of your teaching emphasis you will also take a number of courses through the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. At the culmination of your degree you will be placed in a real world classroom and be paired with an experience 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.

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.

Computer Information Systems (BSCIS) Teaching Emphasis

Our comprehensive program gives you the tools needed to excel as a data scientist and STEM educator. You’ll study a wide range of programming, database technologies, data structures and computer networks. This program prepares you for the classroom by offering courses in technology-infused curriculum, roles and responsibilities of STEM educators, and pedagogy. After graduating, you’ll be ready to teach computer science at the secondary level (grades 7-12).

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).

Agricultural Science and Technology (BS) Teaching Emphasis

You will gain competencies in technical and production agriculture as well as methods and techniques for teaching and planning courses. Additionally, you will learn to organize and conduct on-farm agricultural instruction and demonstration programs for schools and the community at large. Indoors or outdoors, you'll spread important, life-sustaining skills to future generations.

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.

History (BA/BS) Teaching Emphasis

Through this degree you will become trained in the discipline of history. Students will gain knowledge of the human past, practice historical research and writing and learn to analyze and interpret evidence and historical interpretations. This program orients these skills toward the knowledge needed to teach history at the 7-12 grade levels.

In order to teach highschool 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 prepare you to teach the subject at any grade level (early childhood-12th grade). Your degree will be through the department related to your subject. As part of your emphasis you will also take a number of courses through the department of Curriculum & 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

Our program equips you with the acting, directing and production skills needed for the high school classroom. You’ll take courses in stage management, theatre operations, costume design and lighting. Gain insight into modern theatre and theatre of varying cultures through our course offerings. Our combined theatre and education program prepares you for a career in teaching. You’ll take courses in pedagogy, learning processes and development, and classroom management. After completing a teaching residency, you’ll be certified to teach theatrical arts 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 in a specific topic, you may choose to pursue one of our all-level programs. All-level programs prepare you to teach the subject at any grade level (early childhood-12th grade). Your degree will be through the department related to your subject. 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 experience mentor teacher.

Today’s elementary classroom is filled with culturally and linguistically diverse students. 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. Learn creative approaches for preparing students for their future in a culturally diverse world.

  • 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 Residency

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. You will gain confidence in the classroom and acquire 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.

Computer Information Systems (BSCIS) Teaching Emphasis

Our comprehensive program gives you the tools needed to excel as a data scientist and STEM educator. You’ll study a wide range of programming, database technologies, data structures and computer networks. This program prepares you for the classroom by offering courses in technology-infused curriculum, roles and responsibilities of STEM educators, and pedagogy. After graduating, you’ll be ready to teach computer science at the secondary level (grades 7-12).

Kinesiology and Sports Studies (BS)

The bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and sports studies prepares students for employment in a wide variety of settings in the fitness industry, in the sports and allied health field, rehabilitation clinics, sports teams, and more. The Human Performance track is designed to prepare individuals for graduate school (e.g. kinesiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy).

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).

Agricultural Science and Technology (BS) Teaching Emphasis

You will gain competencies in technical and production agriculture as well as methods and techniques for teaching and planning courses. Additionally, you will learn to organize and conduct on-farm agricultural instruction and demonstration programs for schools and the community at large. Indoors or outdoors, you'll spread important, life-sustaining skills to future generations.

  • 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.

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.

History (BA/BS) Teaching Emphasis

Through this degree you will become trained in the discipline of history. Students will gain knowledge of the human past, practice historical research and writing and learn to analyze and interpret evidence and historical interpretations. This program orients these skills toward the knowledge needed to teach history at the 7-12 grade levels.

In order to teach high school elective 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 prepare you to teach the subject at any grade level (early childhood-12th grade). Your degree will be through the department related to your subject. 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

Our program equips you with the acting, directing and production skills needed for the high school classroom. You’ll take courses in stage management, theatre operations, costume design and lighting. Gain insight into modern theatre and theatre of varying cultures through our course offerings. Our combined theatre and education program prepares you for a career in teaching. You’ll take courses in pedagogy, learning processes and development, and classroom management. After completing a teaching residency, you’ll be certified to teach theatrical arts 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.

Elementary to Middle School

Elementary to Middle School

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Contact Us

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