Already a Wildcat? Join the College of Education
If you’re already a University of Arizona student, you don’t apply to the College of Education as a whole — you apply to a specific program or major within the college. Many current Wildcats change or add a major in education every semester. This page explains how to make that switch, highlights popular majors, and details programs requiring professional admission.
How to Switch to a College of Education Major
- Review the College of Education Majors and identify the program that fits your goals.
- Meet with a College of Education academic advisor to discuss your interests, eligibility, and next steps.
Popular Majors for Current Wildcats
Many UA students discover a passion for education after starting at the university. Some of the most common programs students transfer into include:
- Leadership and Learning Innovation B.S. — Prepare for careers in informal education, leadership, and community-based learning.
- Early Childhood Education B.S.E. — Focus on birth-to-age-8 teaching and development.
- Elementary Education B.S.E. (ESL and Bilingual tracks) — Train for K-8 teaching with a focus on multilingual learners.
- Mild to Moderate Disabilities B.S.E. (Special Education Teaching) — Learn to support students with diverse learning needs.
- Deaf Studies (Interpreter & Non-Interpreter Tracks) — Gain expertise in American Sign Language and Deaf culture.
Programs Requiring Professional Admission
Several College of Education majors have a two-step process:
1. Admission to the University of Arizona and declaration of a pre-education or related major.
2. Separate application for Professional Admission to the upper-division or certification phase.
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education (ESL and Bilingual)
- Mild to Moderate Disabilities (Special Education Teaching)
- Deaf Studies (interpreter and non-interpreter tracks)
Professional Admission usually occurs once you’ve completed specific prerequisites (such as core education courses, GPA minimums, or ASL proficiency) and are ready for field experiences or student teaching.
See our Professional Admissions page for more information.
Steps for Current Wildcats Interested in Professional Admission
- Check Prerequisites: See the program page for GPA, course, and testing requirements.
- Meet with an Advisor: Plan your timeline for professional admission and field placements.
- Stay on Deadlines: Each program has its own application window — mark your calendar for priority dates.
- Prepare Materials: Some programs require essays, recommendation letters, or verification of field hours.
Deadlines & Advising
Because deadlines vary by program, work with your advisor early to identify:
- Professional Admission application dates.
- Any certification testing requirements (if applicable).
- Prerequisite completion timelines.
Visit our Scholarships page for funding deadlines and opportunities specific to your program.
Need Help?
Our advising team can help you explore majors, understand prerequisites, and prepare for professional admission.
• Contact a COE Advisor
• Email: coe-edadvise@arizona.edu.
• Call: (520) 621-1461