If you're reading this, we’re assuming you’re here because you want to one day become an educator who inspires and helps students thrive in the classroom and in life. First of all, that’s amazing! We need more people like you in classrooms shaping the students of tomorrow. Secondly, you’re probably interested in learning more about colleges and universities with great Education and Teaching programs—and this is a fantastic place to start your search.
All the colleges and universities on this list are schools in the Western US known for their Education programs that prepare future educators for life inside and outside the classroom. Better yet, all the schools here are easy to connect with. Just click the green “Connect Me” button below any school and your CollegeXpress profile information will be sent directly to the college—then they’ll reach out to you. Who knows? Your dream school could be just a scroll away.
Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University is a nondenominational Christian institution on a 26-acre campus in Lakewood, Colorado—only 10 miles from Denver. With an enrollment of over 7,000 students, a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and Education programs in the 98th percentile nationwide, CCU lets students major in a subject area instead of Education and supplement their major with Education courses. The University also makes it possible for students to complete 800 hours of fieldwork throughout their four years for thorough teacher preparation.
Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine is a Lutheran university on a 70-acre campus in Irvine, California—50 miles south of Los Angeles. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, CUI’s School of Education offers everything from a Liberal Studies program to an EdD in Leadership. The School’s professional programs include Elementary Education with a Multiple Subject Credential, Secondary Education with a Single Subject Credential, Special Education–Education Specialist with a Mild-Moderate Credential, and more.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno Pacific University is a private Mennonite liberal arts university in Fresno, California. FPU offers students more than 100 areas of study—concentrated into 39 majors and 40 minors—including Education programs for elementary, middle, and high school teaching. The University also offers Education students opportunities to pursue certifications for mild/moderate disabilities, moderate/severe disabilities, and early childhood special education.
Pacific University
Pacific University is a private university on a 55-acre campus in Forest Grove, Oregon—25 miles west of Portland. With over 1,800 undergraduate and 2,000+ graduate students on campus, the University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Education & Learning; a Bachelor of Elementary Education & English Language Learning; a Master of Arts in Education; a Master of Arts in Teaching with concentration options in Special Education and STEM/ESOL; and a Master of Education with a concentration option in Visual & Function Learning. Education students benefit from resources like the Child Learning & Development Center, Early Learning Community, and Zane’s Playroom.
Whitworth University
Whitworth University is a private Presbyterian liberal arts university in Spokane, Washington. Whitworth offers more than 100 majors and programs—including Elementary Education, Reading Instruction, School Counseling, Special Education, and more—to a student body of more than 2,700 who benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The liberal arts curriculum gives students the broad knowledge base, analytical and communication skills, and multicultural literacy needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing schools and agencies.
Want to learn about other great places to earn your Teaching degree? Explore and connect with more colleges across the country on our featured Education School Profiles page!
