College of Social Science and Education
Greenville University has been preparing educators to teach God’s children in our culturally diverse world since 1929. This legacy continues today as we prepare future teachers to create classroom environments that promote cooperation and responsibility, support self-worth, affirm the dignity of all students, and stimulate learning. We focus our programs around robust, practical classroom experiences.
In keeping with the institutional mission, preparing teachers to address character education and the social and emotional learning needs of their students in their classrooms is a significant marker in our program. This preparation is accomplished with our faith and learning integration, which is embedded into each of our programs.
The education program is accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education, which participates in an interstate licensure agreement with 37 other states and the District of Columbia. In 2014, Greenville University received accreditation under the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) standards. Now, Greenville University is accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Institutional memberships include the American and Illinois Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Illinois Association of Colleges for Teacher Education in Private Colleges, the American and Illinois Association for School, College and University Staffing, and the Association of Christian Schools International.
The Master of Arts in Education is designed for teachers and others who wish to continue their professional development by earning an advanced degree. This program does not lead to licensure; however, it may in some cases lead to an additional endorsement. Admission is contingent upon graduation from an accredited institution of higher learning.
The Master of Arts in Teaching degree, where students major in Elementary Education, is designed to prepare individuals to teach grades one through six. This unique program is taught online but does require field experience in many of the classes as well as a professional semester. This is an Illinois licensure program.