Juniors and seniors can request late drops in their College Student Affairs Office, regardless of what department teaches the class. If you plan to teach at the elementary level, you may major in elementary education in the College of Education and declare two disciplinary minors or you may select an approved teaching major and apply to the College of Education for admission to the elementary teacher certification program. Students interested in teacher certification should consult an adviser in the College of Education about the application process as soon as they know they want to earn a teaching certificate. Students usually apply for the teacher certification program early in the sophomore year and must take the State of Michigan basic skills tests in advance and submit an application form and essay. I ve heard many people don t get into the teacher certification program.
Admission is competitive.
Students with high grade point averages, experience working with children in a teaching or tutoring capacity, and a clear, well-written essay on their academic and professional goals are most competitive. Selecting teaching majors or minors that are in high demand might also be helpful. Failure to get into the teacher certification program is not necessarily a reason to transfer to a different school. Some students who initially are not accepted into the teacher certification program are later accepted to a post-BA certification program either at MSU or elsewhere. A class is full, but I d really like to get into it.