To meet State of Illinois requirements, the programs will vary slightly depending upon whether the candidates primary objective is to teach middle school or high school. While the requirements for certification are independent of the requirements of a degree, all candidates must earn a Bachelor's degree before being certified.
Certification requires successful completion of an extensive list of courses and experiences.
The undergraduate student should be aware that the additional course work beyond the major required by certification will not permit the student to complete certification in 8 semesters. Additional hours may be required if the student has not had the necessary high school courses in chemistry and mathematics to allow direct entry into Chemistry 210 and either Math 211 or 229. There are two State mandated and administered test that must be taken and passed before a teaching certificate will be issued. The first is the Basic Skills test. This test may be taken at any time, and may be repeated, if necessary.