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Dec 30, 2024
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Undergraduate Catalog | 2021-2022 Previous Edition
Middle Grades Education, B.A.
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 Return to: Academic Programs (by college)
The B.A. program in Middle Grades Education qualifies graduates for the Standard Professional 1 (SP1) Professional Educator’s License in two of the following four content areas in grades 6-9: English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies. Graduates of the program are prepared to meet the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards and the ten Interstate New Teachers Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) Standards for new teachers in Content Pedagogy, Student Development, Diverse Learners, Multiple Instructional Strategies, Motivation and Management, Communication and Technology, Planning, Assessment, Reflective Practice, and School and Community Involvement. Graduates have specific coursework and clinical experiences in a variety of settings in order to learn and apply evidence-based knowledge and practices in the field of adolescent development and middle grades education.
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Admission Requirements (Pre-Education Foundational) (6-7 credit hours)
Freshmen and Transfers
Minimum criteria for Admission to the MDSK program:
- Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of a C by the end of the semester of application:
- An overall GPA of 2.7
- A passing score on the PRAXIS Core exam or acceptable alternatives (SAT or ACT scores)
- 30 credit hours
- Pass a criminal background check (completed at time of application in TEAL)
- Signed Statement of Commitment to Professional Dispositions
- Approval of the Chair (or his or her designee) of the department that offers the program
Declaration of Major: The Middle Grades Education major is intended to be started in the second semester of Sophomore year; students should plan to declare the major no later than the first semester of the Sophomore year. Students must complete an “Application for Admission to a Teacher Education Program” in the Office of Teacher Education Advising and Licensure (TEAL) in the Cato College of Education. Students must apply for admission to a specific teacher education program and complete the admissions process in order to enroll in any professional education courses at the 3000 level or above.
Degree Requirements
The Major in Middle Grades Education leading to the B.A. degree requires a minimum of 120-125 credit hours.
General Education Courses (31-35 credit hours)
These course requirements vary with a student’s academic concentration. In some concentrations, courses may count for both Gen Ed and the requirements of the concentration.
For details on required courses, refer to the General Education program . Students in this major should plan on taking the following courses that meet general education requirements and also satisfy courses in the major:
Science Concentration
Select any two courses listed in the concentration to meet both Natural Science and concentration requirements.
Mathematics Concentration
Select the following to meet both Mathematics and Logical Reasoning and concentration requirements:
Core Courses (14 credit hours)
Select two of four academic concentrations to complete - the combinations may include: math/science; math/English; math/social studies; science/English; science/social studies; or English/social studies. Admission to Teacher Education and advisor approval are required in order to register for any of the following courses.
Methodology Courses (6 credit hours)
Select two of the following methodology courses that align with the intended areas of licensure:
Lab Courses (2 credit hours)
With each of the selected content-specific methods courses above, candidates are expected to co-enroll (as corequisite courses) in a content-specific section of the following lab course. B.A in Middle Grades Education candidates are, therefore, expected to enroll in two sections of the following lab course across the program (once in the Spring of their Junior year and once in the Fall of their Senior year).
Assessment Courses (4 credit hours)
Select two of the following assessment courses that align with the intended areas of licensure:
Internship (12 credit hours)
A yearlong internship (YLI) is a requirement for completion of the major. This YLI must begin one semester prior to student teaching. An application is required for admission to the YLI and must be completed early in the semester prior to beginning the internship (see the Office of School and Community Partnerships website for YLI application deadlines). Student teaching is required the last semester upon completing all other coursework required for the major. Student teaching requires an additional application, that students meet all GPA requirements, and includes the undergraduate advisor’s recommendation.
During the first semester of the senior yearlong internship, students spend one day per week in an assigned classroom while completing coursework on campus. During the second semester of the internship, students complete full-time student teaching in the same classroom. Applications for this Yearlong Internship are due two semesters before student teaching. Students must enroll in the following student teaching internship course in addition to applying to student teach. See the Office of School and Community Partnerships website for more information.
Unrestricted Elective Courses
As needed to complete the credit hours required for graduation.
Additional Requirements
The successful completion of this degree program includes meeting the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s licensure requirements for certification. Consequently, additional requirements must be completed during the student’s program and are listed below. Since state licensure requirements often change, additional work may be required to complete the program with a teaching license.
Planning Sheet
All education students are tracked through their program with a Program Planning Sheet. The original planning sheet is uploaded to the advising system and lists all courses taken, transfer hours, General Education and minor requirements met, and courses remaining in the program. Note that the University requires that the minimum number of credits in a degree program is 120 credit hours.
Clinicals
Some courses in the professional program include a clinical requirement where students complete specific activities or designated hours in an appropriate setting. Clinicals are designed to expose students to diverse school demographics, locations, and programs.
Degree Total = 120 Credit Hours
Grade Requirements
Minimum Grades/GPA:
- Minimum GPA of 2.7 to declare major
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 must be maintained to remain enrolled
- Grades in professional education and concentration courses must be C or above
- Minimum overall GPA in professional education and concentration courses must be 2.75
Recommendation for licensure must include:
- A grade of A or B in student teaching with recommendation from Cooperating Teacher, University Supervisor, and Principal
- A score of “Proficient” or “Accomplished” on all criteria for state-required electronic evidences, including licensure testing requirements
Academic Advising
The Middle Grades Education major has a very structured curriculum. Freshmen and Sophomores who intend to major in Middle Grades Education are classified as Pre-Education majors in Middle Grades Education. During the pre-education phase, students are advised by TEAL advisors regarding General Education and Academic Concentration courses to meet the requirements for admission to the Middle Grades Education major.
Upon completion of the education prerequisite courses, students apply for admission to the MDSK program as majors. Upon admission to full-standing in the program, students are advised through the MDSK Advising Center where they plan the remainder of their program of studies (typically the Junior and Senior years).
Honors Program
For details about the Honors Program in Education, visit the program page .
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