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St. Olaf College

About

Founded in 1874 by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants, St. Olaf is a nationally ranked private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota, just 45 minutes from the Twin Cities. Its 300-acre residential campus houses 95 percent of its 3,040 students. St. Olaf meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need; 99 percent of students receive need-based aid and 79 percent earn merit scholarships. Known for strong music programs (including the St. Olaf Choir), global engagement opportunities (62 percent of the Class of 2022 studied away), and top majors like biology, economics, psychology, math and music.

The St. Olaf Teacher Education program prepares undergraduates to become licensed teachers in K–12 music (instrumental, vocal, and general classroom), and secondary English, math, science or social studies, with teaching opportunities in Hawaii, Mexico, India and the Twin Cities. You can explore student testimonials here.

  • College or University
  • Northfield

Institution Links

  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Online Application
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Bachelor’s & certification

Teacher Education Program

Start Checklist

  • 48 months

    Program Duration

  • In-person

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

To complete the Teacher Education program, you’ll major in both a content area and education. You’ll begin education coursework in the fall of your sophomore year and typically student teach as a senior. Teaching licenses are available for kindergarten- grade 12 in music, or secondary grades in English, math, social studies and science. (Elementary licensure isn’t offered.) 

As an education major, you'll be prepared to become a skilled, thoughtful and licensed teacher. The program combines courses in the liberal arts, your chosen subject area, and teaching methods to help you grow as an educator. You’ll learn to make ethical decisions in the classroom and develop leadership skills that will serve you throughout your career.

If you major in education, you’ll also major in one of the following areas: English, mathematics, biology, chemistry or physics. The Education Department also supports two stand-alone majors: a B.A. in Social Studies Education and a B.M. in Music Education. 

Most education majors go on to teach in kindergarten- grade 12, either in the U.S. or abroad. Many also pursue graduate study in areas like special education or counseling. St. Olaf is nationally recognized for producing graduates who go on to earn advanced degrees in teaching and educational leadership.

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Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at St. Olaf College have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with St. Olaf College to see if you can, too!

Amount
Description

Varies

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

As a student pursuing teacher licensure at St. Olaf, you have access to several financial aid resources:
Licensure Fee Assistance: If you have financial need, you can receive help covering your teacher licensure fees.
The Berger Fund: During student teaching, you can apply for funding to help with housing, food, clothing, transportation and other basic expenses.
The Opportunity Fund: If you’re student teaching in an urban area, you may qualify for additional support through this fund.

Varies

Work Study, Working While Still Enrolled

St. Olaf offers work-study positions to students who meet need-based criteria or have special skills.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Certifications

Communication Arts and Literature (Grades 5-12)
Mathematics (grades 6-12)
Music: Instrumental and Classroom Music (grades k-12)
Music: Vocal and Classroom Music (grades k-12)
Science: Chemistry (grades 5-12)
Science: General Science (grades 5-8)
Science: Life Sciences (grades 5-12)
Science: Physics (grade 9-12)
Social Studies (grades 5-12)

Stats

Gender

  • Male

  • Female

    40%

    60%

Ethnicity

  • American Indian or Alaskan Native

  • Asian

  • Black

  • Hispanic/Latino

  • Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander

  • White

  • Two or more races

    0%

    4%

    0%

    4%

    0%

    86%

    5%

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit St. Olaf College's website to learn more and apply.