Graduate Teacher Certification Programs
The Graduate Teacher Certification programs enable candidates to meet requirements (36 credits) to become certified as public school teachers while applying some of the earned credits toward an advanced degree. Candidates who have completed bachelors’ degrees in fields other than teacher education may enter the graduate program to obtain a teaching certificate. The Graduate Education program offers approved programs for the preparation of teachers for the elementary grades (1–6) and for the secondary grades (7–12) in the academic areas of English, history and social studies, mathematics, general science, biology, chemistry, and Spanish. Course offerings in the Farrington College of Education may also provide certified teachers with the opportunity to obtain additional teaching endorsements.
Required Courses
The graduate program for Teacher Certification requires the completion of 36 credits in professional studies, including a semester of student teaching. In a typical planned program of study, 21 credits of professional studies may be applied toward fulfillment of the master’s degree requirements.
Initial Certification
Candidates admitted to the elementary- or secondary-school certification program must complete the courses listed below. The courses are grouped in sequentially-ordered blocks. It is recommended that candidates progress sequentially through the program, completing the courses and field experiences in a block before enrolling in courses scheduled in the next block. Candidates must complete all 10 prerequisite courses before entering student teaching. Candidates must complete the courses in their program with an average grade of B or better. Candidates for initial certification may need to fulfill additional course requirements in the appropriate academic content area.