According to "College Crunch," a college resource website, Michigan State University ranks as the top education program in the United States. There is a great deal of experience, research and information from experienced teachers used to shape the University's curriculum. Once the curriculum and teaching structure for students is created, a professional development school at the University evaluates the curriculum's relevance and effectiveness. The undergraduate programs available for students include special, secondary, kinesiology and elementary education. There are 20 education majors and 30 minors offered at Michigan State. If students want to fulfill all requirements for the program they must complete the teaching certification and a one year internship.
Michigan State University
250 Hannah Administration Building
East Lansing, Michigan 48824-0590
517-355-8332
msu.edu
The education program undergraduate faculty at Penn State averages about 2,696 students at 20 campuses and 22 teacher preparation areas. These areas grant state certification at the elementary and secondary levels. The Penn State website also claims that 98 percent of graduates are employed within a year of graduation with salaries starting as much as $51,685. The graduate program includes 11 areas: all programs ranked in the top 20 according to the U.S. News and World Report. A few of the programs are: Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Administration/Supervision, Education Policy and Student Counseling/Personnel Services.
Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802-1294
814-865-4700
psu.edu
The Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of Education has five departments offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. The areas of specialization include human and organizational development, special education, leadership policy and organizations, psychology and human development and teaching and learning. Some of the requirements of students include choosing a second major and a fifteen week student teaching course. The program has been reported to be very rigorous.
The undergraduate program helps students develop skills in group dynamics, systems theory and organizational structure. The Special Education program mandates students obtain about 500 hours of experience in classrooms. The honors program is renowned for giving students the opportunity to work with professors on research pertinent to their career goals.
The master's program is well known for the availability to do critical research on: educational reform, public policy on the administration of schools, behavior disorders and performance assessment of K-12 public school leaders. The doctorate programs place emphasis on: Human and Organizational Development, Leadership, Policy and Organizations, Psychology, Special Education and Teaching and Learning.
Vanderbilt University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
2305 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
615-322-2561
vanderbilt.edu/