Chair's Message
Welcome from the Chair, Department of Education
Choosing a career in education is choosing a life of purpose, impact, and hope. At Southwestern Oklahoma State University, our Department of Education is honored to walk beside you as you prepare to change lives—one student, one classroom, one community at a time.
From our very beginning, teacher preparation has been at the heart of SWOSU’s mission. Today, that legacy continues in vibrant, student-centered programs that prepare future teachers, counselors, administrators, school psychologists, and psychometrists who are ready to lead in real classrooms and real schools.
Why Study Education at SWOSU?
In the Department of Education, you are known by name. Our classes are intentionally designed to be:
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Student-centered and engaging – You’ll experience hands-on, practical coursework that connects theory to what really happens in classrooms.
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Taught by caring, experienced faculty – Our professors bring many years of public school experience and are deeply committed to mentoring and supporting you.
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Flexible and relevant – Whether you are an undergraduate preparing to be a classroom teacher or a graduate student earning a Master of Education or additional certifications, you’ll find pathways that fit your career goals.
High Quality… and Cost Effective
We know that cost matters. SWOSU is proud to offer low tuition and fees compared to many regional and national institutions, making a high-quality education degree truly cost effective. Our goal is to help you gain the professional knowledge, skills, and credentials you need—without a lifetime of overwhelming debt.
Accredited and Respected
Quality matters when it comes to your professional preparation. The Department of Education is fully accredited by:
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The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA)
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The Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Accreditation is granted at the initial and advanced licensure levels, with the current accreditation status effective from Spring 2021 through Fall 2027, and the next site visit scheduled for Spring 2027.
Our P–12 school partners consistently tell us that SWOSU graduates are classroom-ready, collaborative, and committed. They know that when they hire a SWOSU educator, they are bringing in a professional who builds relationships, embraces diverse learners, and is ready to make a difference from day one.
A Tradition of Excellence, A Future of Impact
We are proud of the tradition and excellence that permeate the preparation of our educators—and even more proud of the impact our graduates are making in schools and communities across Oklahoma and beyond.
If you are passionate about helping others, excited by the idea of empowering students to learn and grow, and looking for a supportive, affordable, and high-quality pathway into the profession, I invite you to explore our programs.
Please feel free to contact me or any of our faculty members with questions. We would be delighted to talk with you about how SWOSU can help you become the educator you are meant to be.
Together, we are preparing the next generation of difference-makers in education.
Marla Pankratz, Ed.D.
Chair, Department of Education
Hibler Education Center 110B
580.774.3277