I am very excited about a career as a teacher and want to change my major to Education. How do I  make an appointment with an academic advisor in the College of Education?

The Office of Student Services requires that students interested in changing their major to Pre-Education first complete the General Information Session (GIS) on-line. The GIS gives students a broad overview of the College’s teacher preparation program and the requirements for admission. By completing the GIS, you will be better prepared to meet with an academic advisor, who can then assist you personally by addressing your individual needs. To complete the on-line GIS, visit the GIS website.  After completing this session you will be given instructions regarding how to schedule an advising appointment.

When should I apply to the College of Education’s Teacher Preparation Program?

The College of Education is an upper-division, professional college (junior standing is required). Most students will apply early in the second semester of their sophomore year. Deadlines for admission are the second Friday in February for Fall admission, and the second Friday in September for Spring admission. Our application process is completed on-line.

What are the general requirements for admission to the College of Education?

Students applying for admission to the teacher preparation program must have a strong GPA; documented experience working with children, particularly with groups of children from different racial and ethnic groups in the Southwest; excellent oral and written communication skills, critical thinking skills, and interpersonal skills; and the ability to meet the standards of the teaching profession.

What is the first step in the application process?

The College of Education’s application process is completed on-line. After you have declared your major as a pre-education student and met with an academic advisor in the College of Education, you should read the application instructions. It is very important that you read through these instructions before creating an account and starting the application process. There is a $20 application fee that must be paid before your on-line application will be submitted to the College.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement for admission to the College?

Yes, there is. Students applying to the teacher preparation program must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for admission to the College of Education, either in their transfer coursework, in their U of A coursework, or in a combined GPA score of transfer and UA coursework. Students with a cumulative GPA below a 2.50 are not eligible for admission to the program. Keep in mind, however, that meeting the minimum requirement of a 2.50 GPA does not guarantee admission to our program.

What kind of experience with children is necessary to apply to the College of Education?

The College of Education is looking for evidence that you have a commitment to the profession of teaching. This evidence can be in the form of documented paid or volunteer experiences in your local community, in the school system or in another setting with school-age children. Babysitting, parenting or non-documented experience will not apply. Additionally, the College requires that every student applying for admission have at least 10 hours of experience in a public or charter school classroom during regular school hours.

What is cross-cultural experience, and how do I obtain it?

One of the requirements for admission to the College of Education is evidence that you have an understanding of and the ability to work with members of different racial and ethnic groups represented in Arizona and the Southwest. This may be demonstrated by documented experiences with school-age children from target or non-target racial, ethnic or cultural groups or self-reported sustained association with target groups.

Does the college offer any special programs that would help me gain the multicultural experience and experience with children that I need?

The College of Education administers WordCats*MathCats, a work-study program where students are placed in classrooms to provide reading and math tutoring to elementary school students. The program offers paid positions to university students, and is a great way to gain experience, contribute to the local community and make a difference in the life of a child. More information about this program, including an application, can be obtained in the Student Services area.

Is there a writing proficiency component to the application?

The application process includes a written essay that is factored into your admission. Additionally, students who do not make a grade of B or better in second semester English must pass the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA). For College of Education students, passing the Mid-Career Writing Assessment requires that a student retake ENGL 102 and earn a grade of B or better; complete three writing workshops at the Writing Skills Improvement Center; OR complete a Writing Emphasis Course with a grade of B or better. For more information about meeting the MCWA requirements, please talk to your academic advisor.

How long does the program take to complete?

The length of your program will vary according to your academic background. An advising plan should be completed with your advisor after you have attended a General Information Session. The advising plan will give you an idea of the length of time it will take to complete your program. A rough estimate is two years for undergraduates and three full-time semesters for post-baccalaureate students.

What is the post-baccalaureate program?

The post-baccalaureate program is a non-degree certification program designed for those already holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Programs are offered for both elementary (K-8) and secondary (7-12) education.