Education

Bachelor of Arts

The Education Department (Teacher-Preparation Program) is designed for students who wish to pursue certification leading to licensure in Elementary Education (K-6, Multi-Subjects), Secondary Education (5-Adult Content Specialization), and/or Special Education. Students pursuing secondary certification (Grade 5-Adult) complete coursework in three areas: (1) core curriculum, (2) the professional education component, and (3) content specialization. Students majoring in Secondary Education will choose an emphasis in English, General Science, Math, or Social Studies. Those who wish to pursue certification in Elementary Education will major in Elementary Education (LSEE). Early field experiences in local schools complement content-rich University coursework, leading successful candidates to initial certification in West Virginia with reciprocity to most other states. 

Licensure Offerings 

• Elementary Education (K-6, Multi-Subjects) 
• Secondary Education (5-Adult): English; General Science; Math; Social Studies
  Teacher Candidates seeking licensure in English and General Science will complete a dual major: one in Secondary Education and the other in English or General Science.
• Special Education – Multi-Categorical (K-6 or 5-Adult) 

Endorsement Offerings 

• Special Education – Multi-Categorical (K-6 or 5-Adult)- may be added onto any content license major or may be a stand-alone major. 

Admission to Education Program Requirements

Student must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Exams in order to be accepted into the Education Department. Additionally, students must possess and subsequently maintain a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 2.5 overall. Once admitted to the Education Department, students must maintain an average of a 3.0 GPA in the major, as well as in Education and Psychology courses. Also, prior to student teaching, students must pass the praxis content exams.

In order to obtain teacher certification in West Virginia, students must successfully complete all required national Praxis examinations through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and complete an undergraduate teacher preparation program. Upon completion of the program the student will be able to demonstrate competency in the following standards: 

• West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards 
• International Society for Technology in Education Standards 
• Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium 

---

Education Areas of Study

For further information on curriculum requirements and four-year plans of study, please select the area of interest below:

Elementary Education

K-6

Multi-subjects

Secondary Education

5-Adult

English

General Science

Math

Social Studies

Special Education

K-6 or 5-Adult

Multi-categorical