School of Education

Mission

The mission of the North Carolina Central University’s School of Education is to prepare educator professionals to serve and inspire excellence in teaching, administration, counseling, technology and other related services to meet the needs of a diverse population. Through course work, field experience, professional development, and exposure to diverse communities, the School of Education will develop leaders who promote social justice and dedicate themselves to the well-being of a global community.

Degree Programs in the School of Education

The School of Education offers degrees in the following undergraduate majors:

Licensure Programs at NCCU

The School of Education (SOE) in conjunction with the College of Health and Sciences (CHS), College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CASH), and the School of Library Information Sciences (SLIS) offers initial and advanced licensure pathways. Specific programmatic information can be found on the respective websites, as indicated below.

Undergraduate

Candidates pursuing an undergraduate degree in education must be formally admitted to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) before taking any restricted courses. Candidates should consult with the coordinator for program requirements.

Early Childhood Education (B-K) (SOE)

Candidates can earn an initial teaching license in Birth to Kindergarten. A non-licensure pathway also exists for students interested in child development and family relations. 

Elementary Education (K-6) (SOE)

Candidates pursuing an initial teaching license are required to complete a concentration of 18-24 hours in one of the following areas:

• English as a Second Language
• English Literature
• English Writing
• Mathematics (general)
• Social Science

Middle Grades (6-9) (SOE)

Candidates are required to complete a concentration of 24 hours each in two of the following areas:

• Language Arts
• Social Studies

Secondary (9-12)

Candidates can receive an initial teaching license in the following content/concentration areas:

• English (CASH)
• Comprehensive Science (with degrees in Biology Chemistry, Geography, or Physics) (CHS)
• Comprehensive Social Studies (with a degree in History) (CASH)

Special Subject Areas (K-12)

Candidates can receive an initial license in the following content areas:

• Dance (CASH)
• Spanish (CASH)
• Music (CASH)
• Physical Education (CASH)
• Theater Arts (CASH)

University Policies for Undergraduates

The undergraduate teacher education programs adhere to the University’s policies in the following areas: Registration, Grading System, Academic Dismissal, Repeating Courses, Changing Grades, Changing Majors, Transfer Credit, Course Withdrawal, Institutional, Withdrawal, Maximum and Minimum Course Loads, and Degrees with Distinction. See the Academic Regulations section of this catalog for additional information on undergraduate policies and procedures. Additionally, candidates are required to maintain a 2.7 GPA for admission to the TEP and throughout the program and earn a C or better in their professional studies, major, and concentration coursework (see Admissions).

Academic Advisement

Students who wish to pursue teaching/education as a profession should seek advisement early in their academic careers. Incoming freshman and transfer students are initially advised in the University College until sufficient credits are earned to progress to their respective Colleges or Schools. Those who choose early childhood education, elementary or middle grades education as a major are transferred to advisors in the School of Education. Advisement for education majors is provided by chairpersons, program coordinators, graduation specialists, and faculty of academic departments. When appropriate, academic advisors and program coordinators assist education majors in formal admission into the TEP. See Admissions (below).

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Undergraduate education programs follow the University’s policies for admission. Generally, during the first two years, students complete the University’s General Education Curriculum (GEC). Students are eligible for formal admission to the TEP, once the applicant has completed:

1. All course work in the GEC.
2. Course work with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7;
3. Two English (ENG 1110 and 1210) and one speech (MSCM 1250) requirements in the General Education Curriculum with at least a minimum grade of “C” in each course;
4. The Praxis Core at a level required by the N. C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) (for the SAT/ACT alternatives, please see the program coordinator)
5. The TEP application (available through the electronic portfolio platform).

Graduation and Licensure

In addition to the University’s requirements for graduation, students seeking North Carolina licensure must do the following:

1. Maintain a 2.7 GPA throughout the program and earn a C or better in their professional studies, major, and concentration coursework;
2. Complete a professional education program at NCCU, including student teaching;
3. Earn passing scores on the specialty area tests of the Pearson/Praxis II prior to student teaching,
4. Complete edTPA (Education Teacher Performance Assessment) during student teaching;
5. Receive the recommendation for licensure from the program coordinator in the licensure area; and
6. Complete the NCDPI online licensure portal application and pay the applicable fee.

To obtain licensure information, students should visit the School of Education website (www.nccu.edu/soe) before contacting the NCCU licensure officer. Specific specialty area and education requirements may be obtained from the respective program coordinator.

Specialty Area Tests (Pearson/Praxis II)

All candidates are expected to pass required specialty area exams, as determined by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, prior to student teaching.  Candidates are expected to upload their exam scores in the electronic portfolio before they begin their level 2 student teaching internship. (See the Field Placement Coordinator for deadlines).

edTPA

All candidates seeking initial licensure are expected to complete the edTPA portfolio assessment during student teaching. For licensure recommendation, candidates will be expected to meet the minimum score, as established by NCDPI (See the edTPA Coordinator for additional information and support).

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