Secondary Graduate Certification Program
This program is designed for those candidates who have completed the baccalaureate degree and desire initial certification at the secondary level. Candidates are admitted upon recommendation of departmental advisors and progress through summer, fall and spring as a cohort. The certification program requires completion of 21 graduate semester credit hours and the successful completion of appropriate State examinations. A full public school year internship and the opportunity to apply all coursework toward the Master of Education degree are unique features of this program. The candidate may, upon approval by the department and a cooperating school district, serve as an intern in a full-time salaried teacher of record position, in a part-time salaried teaching position, or as a paid substitute teacher. All candidates will serve a full public school year internship whether in a salaried or non-salaried position.
Prerequisites
Completion of the following prior to the first summer session:
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.75.
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Course List Code Title Semester Credit Hours Nine (9) semester credit hours 9 Understanding Special Populations Teaching and Schooling in Modern Society Teaching Skills II - Coursework for one teaching field as approved by the teaching field advisor.
- Pass the appropriate content area TExES exam.
Course of Study for Secondary Certification at the Post-Baccalaureate Level
Enrollment in the following courses is limited to candidates pursuing initial secondary certification in the post-baccalaureate program.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Semester Credit Hours | |
| BESL 622 | Teaching English as a Second Language | 3 |
| TEED 602 | Contemporary Perspectives on Education | 3 |
| TEED 649 | Instructional Strategies in Academic Specialties in Middle and Senior HS: Principles & Applications | 3 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Fall | ||
| TEED 682 | Seminar | 3 |
| TEED 684 | Professional Internship 2 | 3-6 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 6-9 | |
| Spring | ||
| TEED 682 | Seminar | 3 |
| TEED 684 | Professional Internship 2 | 3-6 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 6-9 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 21-27 | |
- 2
Candidates in a one-half time paid or non-paid internship may, with approval of an advisor, enroll in 3 credit hours of approved coursework, providing it does not interfere with the internship day.
Recommendation for Certification. Upon successful completion of the three prerequisite courses, the teaching field plan (minimum of 24 credit hours) during the summer, fall and spring semesters, a demonstrated competency in speech and technology, and passing scores on all State-required examinations, candidates will be recommended for certification.
NOTE: To complete the Master of Education degree, candidates will enroll in Teaching, Learning and Culture foundation courses and courses in their teaching field(s) as approved by their graduate advisory committee. The department also offers a “certification only” option for secondary certification. Contact the TLAC office for information.
Secondary Certification through the aggieTEACH Program
Students interested in pursuing a secondary education minor should contact their content area undergraduate advising office. They can also meet with the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture Secondary Education (SEED) Minor program coordinator. Details can be found at the aggieTeach Secondary Education webpage.