General Requirements for Admission to the Graduate School

Please refer to admission information in the Graduate School section of this Catalog.

Graduate Certificate Program Admission Requirements

1. An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution
2. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75  (For alternative ways to demonstrate academic competence, contact the Office of Teacher Education Advising and Licensure (TEAL))
3. A North Carolina teaching license in Elementary Education (Grades K-6) OR Middle Grades Education (Grades 6-8) and certified in Middle Grades Mathematics
4. Three recommendations from persons knowledgeable of the candidate’s interaction with children or youth, including a current administrator at the school in which the candidate works
5. Clear criminal background check
6. Apply online at http://graduateschool.uncc.edu

Early Entry Program

Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree.  See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements.  Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies  section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.

Certificate Requirements

• ELED 6311 - Number Systems and Operations: K-5 Mathematical Tasks (3)
• ELED 6312 - Geometry and Spatial Visualization: K-5 Assessment (3)
• ELED 6313 - Algebraic Reasoning: K-5 Discourse and Questioning (3)
• ELED 6314 - Rational Numbers and Operations: K-5 Learning Trajectories (3)
• ELED 6315 - Data Analysis and Measurement: K-5 Classroom Interactions (3)
• ELED 6316 - Mathematical Modeling: K-5 Leadership (3)

Clinical Field Experiences

Most courses require students to develop their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in public school/agency settings. During the Graduate Certificate in Elementary Mathematics Education program, all students are expected to complete clinical experiences in elementary school settings.

Clinical field experiences provide opportunities for helping all students learn, including children with exceptionalities and students from diverse ethnic/racial, linguistic, gender, and socioeconomic groups. During clinical experiences, students apply theories and understandings gained in coursework, analyze P-12 student learning, and develop the ability to positively impact all learners. Each course in the program requires 20 clinical hours. These structured experiences can take place in multiple settings such as neighboring schools or districts, after-school programs, or in the schools and classrooms in which the candidates work.

Candidates who are lateral entry teachers and teacher assistants must move beyond their own classrooms and schools for at least two clinical experiences. Alternative settings must be approved by the instructor. A limited number of clinical experiences may be approved in significantly different classrooms within their school of employment. Employed candidates are encouraged to seek assistance and support from their administrators.

Advising

All students are assigned an advisor upon formal admission to the program. Students should consult with their advisors at least once each semester.

Licensure

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate, students will be recommended for the North Carolina Standard Professional I teaching license. For this license, students are required to complete an electronic licensure portfolio that is created during coursework and student teaching.

Program Approval

All teacher education programs at UNC Charlotte are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education has been approved by North Carolina State Board of Education.

Total = 18 Credit Hours