To develop effective, ethical educators with a passion for learning. The graduate programs in the School of Education reflect the complexity of Education as a professional field and, thus, require a holistic approach to the admissions process. No one criterion or set of criteria adequately predicts the probability of a student's success in these graduate programs or the professional endeavors that they are studying. With this in mind, the University Admissions standards stated in the graduate catalog will be used as a benchmark. In addition to the University standards, the School of Education understands that the serious responsibility educators assume in the lives of children requires consideration of the applicants legal and ethical conduct and emotional stability.
Graduate education assumes competence and knowledge at a baccalaureate level.
The School of Education asks that all applicants provide evidence of sufficient undergraduate preparation and competence for the degree sought. The Major in Elementary Education is focused on instructional leadership in the classroom. Prerequisites usually include completion of a bachelor's degree and initial teacher certification. However, a student who is pursuing a program of studies leading to initial teacher certification and who already possesses a bachelor's degree, may major in Elementary or Secondary Education with Initial Teacher Certification. In such cases, course work associated with the teaching specializations is generally done at the undergraduate level.