Secondary Education: English

Degree Conferred: Certification only

The Program

The certification program in Secondary Education English is designed for an individual who holds a baccalaureate degree and wants to become certifi ed to teach English in Pennsylvania secondary schools (grades 7-12). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students who successfully complete all requirements will be recommended for the Secondary English Instructional I teaching certifi cate. Course work is required in both English and education.

Admission Requirements

An applicant must present a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credits (approximately), and shall have 6 credits in college level mathematics and 6 credits in college level English (3 credits composition and 3 credits literature).

Additionally, prospective students must successfully complete the three tests that comprise the Praxis I tests, published by the Educational Testing Service. Registration and testing information is available online.

An applicant whose native language is not English is required to submit acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of at least 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), or 80 with a 20 on the speaking portion of the Internet-based test (iBT). For more information visit the Graduate Degree Programs Bulletin Application and Admission Procedures. The scores must be submitted before the application will be considered.

Application Process

Apply Online

Applicants are required to submit the following:

• a completed online application;
• two copies of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended;
• passing scores on the Praxis I tests (reading, writing, and mathematics);
• an application fee.

Program Notes

A minimum grade of C is required in all courses for certifi cation; however, a 3.0 grade-point average is required to be eligible for student teaching.

Before being placed for student teaching, students must demonstrate writing competency through preparing a writing portfolio. Information is available in the School of Humanities office.

Other Questions

If you have additional questions, please contact Graduate Admissions, 717-948-6250, or the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, 717-948-6213.

Program Requirements

The English certifi cation program requires students to take English and education courses. All courses required for certification, including an intensive fi eld experience, must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to student teaching. The program requirements listed below will assist students in planning a program of study. Students should examine their undergraduate transcripts to determine which courses may have already been completed that would satisfy the listed requirements.

EDUCATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS (27 Credits)

• EDUC 313 FIELD OBSERVATION/PARTICIPATION (2)
• EDUC 314 LEARNING THEORY AND INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES (3) (EDUC 313 and EDUC 314 must be taken concurrently and are offered fall term only.)
• EDUC 315 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS IN EDUCATION (3) (Offered spring term only) (Certification students must enroll in the section reserved for prospective secondary teachers.)
• EDUC 322 ADOLESCENT LITERATURE AND DEVELOPMENTAL READING (3) (Offered spring term only)
• EDUC 416 TEACHING SECONDARY ENGLISH AND HUMANITIES (3) (Offered fall term only)
• EDUC 395 STUDENT TEACHING (12)
• EDUC 435 NEEDS OF SPECIAL LEARNERS (1) (EDUC 395 and EDUC 435 must be taken concurrently.)

English Course Requirements (39 Credits) (Effective Fall 2002)

• Undergraduate Composition (6 credits)
• ENGL 100 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ANALYSIS (3) (Offered spring term only)
• American Literature Survey (3 credits)
• British Literature Survey (3 credits)
• ENGL 200W INTRODUCTION TO CRITICAL READING (3)
• ENGL 444 SHAKESPEARE (3) (Offered spring term only)
• ENGL 470 RHETORICAL THEORY AND PRACTICE (3) (Offered fall term only)
• 300 - 400 Level American Literature (at least 3 credits)
• 300 - 400 Level British Literature (at least 3 credits)
• World Literature (3 credits)
• 2 additional literature courses (6 credits)
• Students must also successfully complete a writing portfolio (2)

For a list of courses, visit the web.

Please note: This page is not a part of the official Penn State Graduate Bulletin.