College of Education - Undergraduate

Admissions Requirements

Academic Policies
Due to stringent requirements being set forth by the State of Michigan Department of Education, students pursuing initial certification, first or second renewal of their provisional certification, additional endorsement, school counseling license, professional or administrator certification are now being held to a higher standard. Students who have certain misdemeanors, multiple misdemeanors or a felony may be denied and/or not recommended for any level of certification by GVSU College of Education and/or State of Michigan. If a student is recommended to the Michigan Department of Education for provisional certification, additional endorsement, school counseling license, professional or administrator certification, the conviction could have an adverse effect on being granted a certificate. If a certificate is granted, there is no guarantee of employability.

Effective Fall 2009 (transfer students review transition information)

The COE is a secondary admissions unit. Admission requirements are those that appear in the catalog at the time of unit application. Unless otherwise noted, all requirements must be complete at the time of COE application.

In keeping with National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) guidelines and unit policies, Undergraduate Teacher Education considers students who fulfill the following criteria:

1. Academic Achievement

a. An established 2.7 Grand Valley GPA overall and in the teaching major, minor, and Education major/professional program. Some teaching majors may require a higher GPA*. Consult the catalog. The minimum Grand Valley GPA must be established by the time of application.

  1. Most general education requirements completed
  2. Sufficient progress in the teaching major as determined by the major advisor
  3. Sufficient progress in the minor as determined by the major advisor
  4. At least one meeting completed with assigned College of Education Advisor
  5. All remaining requirements met

b. Secondary Review Process: An established 2.699 - 2.50 Grand Valley GPA overall and in the teaching major, minor and Education major/professional program. Some majors may require a minimum 2.8 GPA.

  1. Most general education requirements completed
  2. Most requirements in the teaching major completed as determined by advisor
  3. Subject area and certification tests taken and passed during the semester application is submitted. (e.g. Sept. applicants take the October or November test; Feb. applicants take the January or April tests).
    • Secondary candidates take the teaching major and minor tests.
    • Elementary candidates take the elementary test and teaching major test. Special Education candidates take the elementary test only.
  4. Two meetings completed with assigned Education Advisor, including a signed Secondary Review Process form submitted with application.
  5. All remaining application requirements met.


2. Michigan Basic Skills Test

A passing score in each of the three areas of reading, mathematics, and writing as established by the Michigan Department of Education. Students may take the test during the semester of application.

3. Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses may be in progress during the semester of application, but preference will be given to candidates who have completed the requirements at the time of application. A cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better must be established in these three courses, with no grade lower than C and none of these courses recorded as credit or no credit.

  1. EDF 315 Diverse Perspectives on Education
  2. EDI 337 Introduction to Learning and Assessment  (elementary and secondary general education students only)
  3. PSY 301 Child Development

Additional required prerequisites for elementary and special education candidates:

  1. ENG 308 Teaching Reading: The Necessary Skills
  2. MTH 221 or 222 or 223 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I or II or III

4. Advisor Recommendations

One from the teaching major advisor/department (Elementary and Secondary General Education only) and another from a College of Education advisor.

5. Positive Recommendation

One from an individual who can address the candidate's ability as a prospective teacher.

6. Experience

Documentation of 25 hours of experience with children or youth. The experience must be with the age group for which the applicant intends to seek certification. This would rule out, for example, working in the university tutoring center. Special education candidates should have experience working with persons with disabilities, e.g., camp experience, Special Olympics, respite care. For additional options, contact the Community Service Learning Center.

7. Academic Progress

Completion of at least 60 semester credits and junior status.

8. University Requirements

Completion of university course requirements or test equivalents in Writing 150 and Mathematics 110.

9. Negative TB Test Report

Current at the time of application.

10. Felony Conviction Statement

Review procedures for those who have been convicted or pled no contest to a felony or certain misdemeanors are available from the College of Education. Conviction or a plea of no contest may cause the candidate to be denied for admission, field placement, or final certification. Review Academic Policy above.

11. Copies of degree analysis and current course listings of classes being taken at another college or university.

12. Two copies of current resume on plain white paper.

All admissions decisions will be rendered by the Dean of the College of Education based on faculty recommendations.

Occasionally, an outstanding candidate who does not meet GPA requirements, may be considered for Secondary Review admission based on other rigorous performance standards.

 

Page last modified February 3, 2013