A man and a woman of color, smiling under the shade of trees in the Claflin University

Teacher with eyeglasses, talking with her student inside a classroom with a projector screen.

A smiling student wearing a bonnet hat with classmates in the background.

Claflin University

About

Claflin University is located in the small city of Orangeburg, South Carolina, and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church. Among numerous accolades, Claflin is ranked the #1 HBCU in the state, and for its 11th consecutive year, the University is in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Top 10" of the Nation’s Best HBCUs.

As the oldest HBCU in the state of South Carolina, Claflin University’s commitment to teacher education has been consistently strong since its founding. It has produced teachers, principals, superintendents, and numerous other educational professionals who have made significant contributions to the myriad of classrooms and other educational contexts within the state of SC and across the United States.

The School of Education offers undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Middle Level Education; PK-12 and Secondary Education Programs.

College or University
Orangeburg

Institution Links

I can honestly say Claflin was one the best decisions I have made.

Chelsey Williams

The people and opportunities that I have encountered at Claflin University have changed my life in a positive way that has helped to mold me into a driven, focused, intelligent, and poised young woman. I am thankful that I chose Claflin University.

Diamond Taylor

My experience at Claflin was everything that I needed.... Claflin gave me the HBCU experience and more.

Travon Johnson

I can honestly say Claflin was one the best decisions I have made.

Chelsey Williams

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Claflin University

Bachelor’s & certification

Undergraduate Teacher Certification Program

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48 months
Program Duration
In-person, Online, Hybrid
Program Format
Pre-Test Required
Yes

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

The goal at Claflin University is to prepare teacher candidates with an understanding of human values, a firm grounding in technology and a commitment to teaching, research and service. Graduates of the teacher education program are conscious and service-oriented leaders who are strong supporters of children and education, using research findings, best practices and ethics to guide decision-making. Claflin is committed to technology and embracing a wide range of cultures and perspectives.

The Education program is designed to provide sufficient training and experiences in content, professional knowledge, pedagogy and to enable graduates to perform successfully in the field of education. The School of Education and its K-12 Partners collaboratively offer experiences to support candidates in enhancing their development and demonstration of knowledge, skills, content and dispositions which they learn from their courses and field and clinical experiences. The program is committed to providing students with the most realistic experiences possible for a smooth transition into their own classrooms.

Upcoming Deadlines

Deadlines
Program Start

Rolling Deadline
Fall 2026
Rolling Deadline
Winter 2026
Rolling Deadline
Spring 2026
Rolling Deadline
Summer 2026

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Application Fee & Annual Tuition

Learn how to get$100 Back
and apply for a$1000 Scholarship

$28,900
In State Tuition
$28,900
Out of State Tuition
$30
Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at Claflin University have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Claflin University to see if you can, too!

Amount

Description

Up to $28,936

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

$28,936 The Presidential Scholars Scholarship: This scholarship is available to outstanding high school seniors committed to academic excellence. Students should be active in community service and leadership roles. Minimum SAT of 1200 or ACT 27.

$5000 Claflin University Honors College Scholarship: Available to incoming freshmen with high academic achievements and leadership potential. Minimum SAT score of 1100 or ACT 24.

$7500 Academic Incentive Award: Available to incoming freshmen with strong GPA, SAT Test scores of 1000 or higher/ACT equivalent. Students must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.

$3000 United Methodist Scholarships "Double Your Dollars": For full-time students who have been members of a United Methodist Church for at least one year.

Up to $2,500 per year

Student Loans, Payroll Deduction

$2,500 United Methodist Loans: For active members of the United Methodist Church for at least one year prior to application.

Up to $2000 per year

Work Study, Working While Still Enrolled

Work study opportunities are available or the candidate can choose to find employment while enrolled.

Amount Varies

Call Me Mister

Call Me MISTER is a collaboration between Claflin University and Clemson University to recruit, train, and certify elementary teachers in the public schools of South Carolina. The mission of Call Me MISTER (acronym for Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) Initiative is to increase the pool of available teachers from a wider range of backgrounds, particularly among the State’s lowest performing elementary schools.

The Call Me MISTER program is contributing to the talent pool of excellent teachers by identifying and supporting young men who are actively shaping the future by teaching children. The program provides: book assistance, performance-based stipends, an academic support system to help ensure success, and a cohort system for social and cultural support to designated program participants according to student progress in the program. Applications are reviewed once per academic year on a competitive basis. Interested students must have declared elementary education or early childhood education as a major, demonstrated record of high scholastic achievement, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. Apply Today!

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Certifications

Early Childhood Education Pre-K-3
Elementary Education 2-6
English Language Arts 9-12
Language Arts 5-8
Mathematics 5-8
Mathematics 9-12
Music / Choral Pre-K-12
Music / Instrumental Music Pre-K-12
Music / Piano Pre-K-12
Music / Strings Pre-K-12
Music Pre-K-12
Science 5-8
Social Studies 5-8
Visual Arts Pre-K-12

Program Semesters/Steps Overview

Program Hallmarks

Stats

Gender

Male
Female

32%

68%

Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaskan Native
Asian
Black
Hispanic/Latino
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
White
Two or more races

93%

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit Claflin University's website to learn more and apply.

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