Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Degree/Certification Programs

General Statement

The Department of Teaching and Learning is designed primarily to provide professional education for teachers. Undergraduate certification areas include:

Agriculture Education, 6-12
Visual Arts K–12
Biology 6–12
Chemistry 6–12
Early Childhood Pre K–3
Elementary Education K-5
English 6–12
Government 6–12
Health and Wellness K-12
History 6–12
Instrumental Music K-12
Mathematics 6–12
Physical Education K-12
Vocal Music K-12

*Note: 6-12 and K-12 licensure areas should contact the Teacher Certification office for licensure & program requirements.

Elementary Education (K-5)

The Elementary Education program specifically prepares students for a teaching license in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade. This certification from the Tennessee Department of Education qualifies individuals to teach at these levels and be hired by public school systems in the state.

Degree Requirements

An accumulation of 120 credit hours and a minimum 2.75 GPA, including:
The general education core courses
Content and knowledge courses
Professional education courses
Student teaching (i.e., Residency I), included in the professional education hours
Completion of the Senior Exit Exam

Eligibility for Admission to the Teacher Certification Program

Admission application form (Signed by Advisor)
Completion of at least 31 semester hours of coursework, including:
(ENGL 1010, ENGL 1020, EDCI 2420, EDCI 2010, plus appropriate sequence of freshman math and science courses)
Minimum GPA of 2.75
Program of Study: 4-year plan indicating all course completion grades (Signed by Advisor)
TBI/FBI Background Security Clearance (VECHS Waiver and Privacy Act Form)
Proof of Liability Insurance
Autobiography
Teaching Philosophy (first draft)
Professional resume, including URL to LinkedIn page
Two disposition assessment forms from professor and/or education-related employer
TSU unofficial transcript
Passing Praxis CORE Academic Skills of Educators, unless you have an ACT score (+21) or SAT score (1080+). The qualifying scores for Praxis Core Reading, Writing, and Math are 156, 162, and 150, respectively. If you need to take Praxis CORE, please seek testing assistance (study guide, practice tests, and free test vouchers) from the GRACIE-OTL lab located in Room 212, Clay Hall.

*Note: If the applicant has attended other schools/universities, please request an official copy of the transcript (with GPA) to be sent directly to the Office of Teacher Education and Student Services (TESS). Students must also complete a written application through the TESS office before being formally admitted to the program, usually during the sophomore year.

For More Information

Dr. Donghyun Kang
Office: 209C Clay Hall
Phone: (615) 963-5465
Email: dkang@tnstate.edu