Nov 10, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Post Bachelor Certificates


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Program Requirements

The Certification-Only Program: Alternative Path to Certification consists of 27 credit hours of course work, plus an additional 6 credit hours of either an academic internship or a teacher internship (student teaching).  At this time, the Certification-Only Program does not offer any courses online. You are required to take at least one course each semester while enrolled in the program and you have up to 3 years to complete the program. We offer classes in the afternoon or evening, usually from 5:00 p.m. to 7:50 p.m., and classes are typically held one day a week. This allows our candidates to work full-time and still be able to obtain certification through the Certification-Only Program.

There are specific steps you must take to be enrolled in and accepted into the Certification-Only Program:

  • Be accepted into the University;
  • Pay your tuition;
  • Complete the program requirements;
  • Receive your official prescription
Candidates in this program do not participate in a formal graduation upon completion of the program. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will receive their certification only.

Admission Requirements

Once you are officially accepted into the University as an undergraduate candidate, you are required to pass with a “C” or better both the classroom management course (EDCI 430 , EDCI 439 , or EDCI 450G ) and the reading content course (READ 309  or READ 410 ) specific to your certification area. These courses provide you with 80 hours of “classroom readiness,” which is required by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). These courses must be completed prior to official acceptance in the Certification-Only Program-Path to Alternative Certification. 

To be officially accepted into the Certification-Only Program, a candidate must fulfill all requirements listed.

  • Candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Candidates must have at least a 2.5 Cumulative GPA or higher.
  • Candidates must have passing scores on ONE of the following: pass all 3 parts to the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators in reading, writing, and mathematics OR pass the ACT with a Composite of 22 or higher OR pass the SAT of 1030 or higher. Register for the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators by visiting ETS-Registration, Test Dates and Centers.
  • Candidates must pass the Praxis II subject-specific content knowledge exam required for their certification area. Register for the Praxis content knowledge test by visiting ETS-Registration, Test Dates and Centers.
  • Candidates must pass with a “C” or better the classroom management course and reading content course specific to their certification area.
  • Candidates must submit a one-page summary of educational and work experiences.
  • Candidates must submit one-page summary essay outlining reasons for and commitment to teaching.
  • Candidates enrolling into Health & Physical Education are required to have at least 15 credits in Health or Kinesiology courses prior to admission into the program.
  • Candidates enrolling into Instrumental Music Education must meet all of the following music requisite requirements:
    1. Music Theory: Music Theory II or equivalency exam
    2. Keyboard Skills: Piano II or equivalency exam
    3. Instrument: Audition passed at level of a barrier exam
    4. Ensemble Experience: highly recommended for major instrument
  • Candidates enrolling into Vocal Music Education must meet all of the following music requisite requirements:
    1. Music Theory: Music Theory II or equivalency exam
    2. Keyboard Skills: Piano II or equivalency exam
    3. Vocal: Audition passed at level of a barrier exam
    4. Ensemble Experience: highly recommended for major instrument

Official Prescription

An official prescription will be written by the Office of Student Services after you have successfully completed all of the listed requirements. An official prescription allows you to apply for a Practitioner’s License (PL2), or a temporary license, through the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). A Practitioner’s License (PL2) gives you the temporary authority to teach while completing the remainder of the courses in the Certification-Only Program.

Clinical Experience Handbook

The Clinical Experience Handbook serves as a pacing guide to help the intern, cooperating teacher, school administrator, and/or university supervisor determine an appropriate calendar or timeline to ensure the completion of all requirements for the Certification-Only Program.
 

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