For students who decide late in their undergraduate careers or after they graduate to pursue certification as teachers, the department offers a sequence of courses, consisting of 21 credits, which leads to an Initial Certificate. This sequence provides an integrated program that includes the coursework and field experience necessary to meet state requirements for initial certification in adolescent education in a specific academic subject area.

Upon completing the Initial Certificate program, students will be recommended for initial certification provided they have also completed the required 36 credits in their major and met all other state requirements for initial certification. The program enables students to begin teaching and gain the experience necessary for professional certification while they complete the coursework required for the master’s degree.

Students who earn the Initial Certificate will automatically become eligible for matriculation in the Master of Science in Education program in their major area.

Students who complete the course and credit requirements for the master’s program in their respective areas will have met the educational requirements for both professional certification and the degree of Master of Science in Education.