Post Baccalaureate Accelerated Teacher Education Program

Elementary Education

Academic Requirements

To become certified in Elementary Education, students must select two academic minors from the following four content areas listed below, and complete twelve (12) credits in each of the remaining two content areas (these two areas are known as the "planned program" areas):

1. English Minor (21 credits)

2. Math Minor (20-24 credits)

3. Natural Science Minor (24 credits)

4. Social Studies Minor (28 credits)

If students have not met these minor requirements as part of their undergraduate degree, then they must complete these minor courses in addition to the professional studies requirements of the ACE Program. In order to determine outstanding course requirements in each of the above areas, students are required to bring copies of their transcripts (from community colleges and universities) to their advising appointment.

Professional Studies Coursework:

The final component of the program, is the completion of the Professional Studies courses. These courses prepare students to become introspective teachers who are reflective in the decisions that they make, and who are able to interact with their environments in a meaningful and responsive way. Students will continually evaluate theory and practice as they work in the University classroom and the field classroom. Note: Students have the option of completing the Professional Studies courses in one of two ways -- either the "ACE Program," which is an intensive, one year accelerated program or the "Traditional Program," which consists of completing the Professional Studies courses in four consecutive semesters.  All students admitted into the Teacher Education Program must maintain a GPA of 2.50 in the Professional Studies courses to remain in the Teacher Education Program.

Note: Grades of "D" may not be used to fulfill any of the minor, planned program, or Professional Studies Requirements.

The College of Education sets up the schedule of ACE courses offered each semester to ensure that accelerated students can complete the required coursework in one year. Students do not draw up their own schedules.

Additional Required Courses:

* Psychology 310 (3) Child Psychology
* Psychology 317 (3) Educational Psychology

* Recommended to be taken prior to beginning ACE Program or may be taken at any time during the Traditional Certification Program.