The college emphasizes a diverse liberal arts background, academic specialization and professional experiences to prepare teachers who are outstanding practitioners and enthusiastic role models for lifelong learning. Students admitted to the college's Professional Development Program at the end of their sophomore year have proven their commitment to the profession through self-initiated field experiences and academic performance. They spend the majority of their junior and senior years working and learning in cooperating public schools, under the shared guidance and expertise of master teachers and college professors. Students document their learning and professional growth through the development of a portfolio which serves as a valuable self-marketing asset. The teacher preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
National accreditation helps pave the way for reciprocal certification in other states.
Students use the latest technology to measure and analyze human movement, development and deviation, and work with children with special needs to help develop appropriate and responsive programs. The physical education division also conducts the award-winning National Youth Sports Program, providing students the opportunity to gain valuable organizational and educational skills, while helping economically disadvantaged children. The family itself is studied in its various forms, for example, single parents, two-parent families and foster families. Current concern with issues such as family violence, teen pregnancy and the impact of gender stereotypes on individual growth and development underscores the importance of study in this field. Students concentrate either in the study of children in early childhood environments or in the study of individual and family development.