Academic Programs Catalog

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education

1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.
   
   The completion of Mathematics 201 referenced in item 2. b. (3) below may also satisfy the University Mathematics requirement.
   
   The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Elementary Education major is met by completing Teacher Education 301A or 301B and Teacher Education 404A or 404B. Those courses are referenced in item 2. below.
   
   The completion of Teacher Education 101 and Teacher Education 102 in item 2.a. below may also satisfy the University’s requirement for Integrative Studies in the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences area.
    
   The completion of Teacher Education 341 and Human Development and Family Studies 321 and Human Development and Family Studies 321L in item 2. a. and 2. c. below or Teacher Education 341 and History 301 or History 302 in item 2. a.  and 2. c. below may also satisfy the University’s requirement for Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities area.
   1. The following requirements for the major:

      a.	Professional Education Courses (15 credits):
      	(1)	All of the following courses (15 credits):
      		CEP	240	Diverse Learners in Multicultural Perspectives					3
      		TE	101	Social Foundations of Justice and Equity in Education					3
      		TE	102	Pedagogy and Politics of Justice and Equity in Education					3
      		TE	341	Teaching and Learning of (Bi)Multilingual Learners					3
      		TE	371	Justice and Equity Seminar I					1
      		TE	471	Justice and Equity Seminar III					1
      		TE	472	Justice and Equity Seminar IV					1
      b.	Elementary Education Courses (12 credits):
      	(1)	Both of the following courses (6 credits):
      		TE	202	Engaging Elementary Learners with Mathematics					3
      		TE	348	Reading and Responding to Children's Literature					3
      	(2)	Literacy
      		One of the following courses (3 credits):
      		TE	301A	Children's Literacy Development PK-3 (W)					3
      		TE	301B	Children's Literacy Development 3-6 (W)					3
      	(3)	Mathematics (3 credits):
      		MTH	201	Elementary Mathematics for Teachers I					3
      c.	One of the following concentrations (41 or 42 credits):
      	Prekindergarten through Grade Three (41 credits):
      	All of the following courses:
      	HDFS	320	Interaction with Children in Groups						3
      	HDFS	320L	Interaction with Children-Laboratory						1
      	HDFS	321	Curriculum for Children (W)						3
      	HDFS	321L	Curriculum for Children-Laboratory						1
      	TE	330	Science Curriculum for Young Learners (PK-3)						3
      	TE	331	Social Studies for Young Learners (PK-3)						3
      	TE	403A	Teaching of Science to Diverse Learners (PK-3						3
      	TE	404A	Teaching of Social Studies to Diverse Learners (PK-3) (W)						3
      	TE	405A	Teaching Literacy to Diverse Learners (PK-3)						3
      	TE	405B	Teaching Literacy to Diverse Learners II (PK-3)						3
      	TE	406A	Teaching Mathematics to Diverse Learners I (PK-3)						3
      	TE	406B	Teaching Mathematics to Diverse Learners II (PK-3)						3
      	TE	481	PK-3 Internship I						3
      	TE	482	PK-3 Internship II						6
      	Grade Three through Grade Six (42 credits):
      	(1)	One of the following United States history courses (3 credits):
      		HST	301	Indigenous-European Encounters in North America					3
      		HST	302	Revolutionary America					3
      	(2)	One of the following arts integration courses (3 credits):							3
      		TE	430	Introduction to Arts in the Classroom					3
      		TE	431	Learning Through Drama					3
      		TE	432	Learning Through Movement					3
      	(3)	All of the following courses (36 credits):							3
      		TE	204	Engaging Elementary Learners in Science: Culture and Equity					3
      		TE	332	Science Curriculum for Upper Elementary Learners (3-6)					3
      		TE	333	Social Studies for Upper Elementary Learners (3-6)					3
      		TE	403B	Teaching of Science to Diverse Learners (3-6)					3
      		TE	404B	Teaching of Social Studies to Diverse Learners (3-6) (W)					3
      		TE	405	Teaching Literacy to Diverse Learners I (3-6)					3
      		TE	405C	Teaching Literacy to Diverse Learners II (3-6)					3
      		TE	406	Teaching Mathematics to Diverse Learners I (3-6)					3
      		TE	406C	Teaching Mathematics to Diverse Learners II (3-6)					3
      		TE	484	3-6 Internship I					3
      		TE	485	3-6 Internship II					6
      d.	English as a Second Language (25 to 29 credits):
      	Completion of this requirement satisfies the course requirements for the additional endorsement in English as a Second Language. ESL can be waived by completion of Birth-Kindergarten endorsement for Prekindergarten through Grade 3 students. Students pursuing the English as a Second Language Endorsement are advised that proof of proficiency in an additional language equivalent to two semesters of study is required for this endorsement.
      	(1)	All of the following courses (16 credits):
      		LLT	307	Methods of Second and Foreign Language Teaching					3
      		LLT	346	Pedagogical English Grammar for English Teachers					3
      		TE	101	Social Foundations of Justice and Equity in Education					3
      		TE	341	Teaching and Learning of (Bi)Multilingual Learners					3
      		TE	342	Teaching Methods for (Bi)Multilingual Learners					3
      		TE	503	Internship in Teaching Diverse Learners in Additional Endorsement Areas					1
      	(2)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
      		LLT	361	Second and Foreign Language Learning					3
      		LLT	362	Child Second Language Acquisition					3
      	(3)	One of the following courses (3 credits):
      		TE	301A	Children's Literacy Development PK-3 (W)					3
      		TE	301B	Children's Literacy Development 3-6 (W)					3
      	(4)	Complete either (a) or (b) and (c) (3 to 7 credits):
      		(a)	LLT	322	English as a Second Language Perspectives in Context				3
      		(b)	LIN	200	Introduction to Language				3
      			or
      			LIN	401	Introduction to Linguistics				4
      			and
      		(c)	ANP	420	Language and Culture				3
      e.	Optional Additional Teaching Endorsements
      	Students may elect to complete one or more optional disciplinary teaching minor(s), in addition to the required grade band concentration and English as a Second Language requirements. The following disciplinary teaching minors are available for prospective elementary school teachers.
      		Arabic
      		Chinese
      		French
      		German
      		Japanese
      		Spanish
      		Requirements for the disciplinary teaching minors can be found in the section Requirements for the Disciplinary Teaching Minors in the section on TEACHER CERTIFICATION, below. Students wishing to complete an optional disciplinary teaching minor should schedule an appointment with the College of Education Advising Office.

Information about current admission requirements and the admission application process can be found at http://education.msu.edu/academics/undergraduate/. MSU undergraduates generally apply during the first semester of the sophomore year, although they may apply later.

To be considered for admission to the Teacher Certification Program, an applicant must:

1. Have earned a minimum of 28 credits.
2. Have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.
3. Have successfully completed any required developmental course work.
4. Have disclosed any prior convictions or civil infractions and provided required court documents as necessary.
5. Have passed all portions of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Professional Readiness Examination (PRE) or meet established criteria using approved alternative pass measures.
6. Have completed all aspects of the application process before the published deadline.

Teacher Certification at Michigan State University is housed in the College of Education. In order to be certified as a teacher at Michigan State University, candidates must have an acceptable subject matter teaching major and also complete all relevant teacher education course work. Candidates will also have to pass state certification tests and meet other state and program requirements. Interested candidates should schedule a meeting with the College of Education Student Affairs Office for more details.

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education

Arabic

Biology

Chemistry

Earth Science

Economics

(Available only to students pursuing a major in comparative cultures and politics, international relations, political theory and constitutional democracy, social relations and policy, interdisciplinary studies in social science, interdisciplinary studies in social science: social science education, or history with a teacher certification option)

English

English as a Second Language

Students pursuing the English as a Second Language Endorsement are advised that proof of proficiency in an additional language equivalent to two semesters of study is required for this endorsement.

French

German

History

Japanese

Mathematics-Elementary

Mathematics-Secondary

Physics

Political Science
(Available only to students pursuing a major in Comparative Cultures and Politics, International Relations, Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, Social Relations and Policy, Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science: Social Science Education, or History with a teacher certification option.)

Psychology

Spanish-Elementary

Spanish-Secondary

This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, but it is not currently eligible for federal student loans.

The Master of Science degree in Integrated Secondary Science Education is designed for persons who want a broad background in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics and to understand the interrelationships between these disciplines. This program is designed primarily for people who plan to teach science (life science, chemistry, earth and space science, or physics) in secondary schools.

Admission

To be admitted into the Master of Science Degree in Integrated Secondary Science Education students must:

1. have a bachelor’s degree in biological science, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, geology, or physics;
2. have an undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of 2.50.

The Master of Arts degree program in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) is designed principally for persons who wish to acquire advanced professional knowledge related to teaching and curriculum with diverse learners in K-12 schools.

The master’s program in teaching and curriculum consists of (1) designated areas of integrated, practice-centered inquiry in professional, disciplinary, and foundational studies and (2) sustained, simultaneous inquiry in both university and public–school settings. The program is designed for certified teachers and other educators who wish to continue their professional studies in teaching and curriculum.

Students may choose any of the following areas to complete a 9-credit concentration in the MATC:  Educational Technology, Educational Psychology, K12 Administration, Sociocultural Perspectives, Math/Science, ESL, Literacy, or Kinesiology (Sports Coaching).

In lieu of completing a 9-credit concentration, students may choose to complete a Graduate Specialization in either Literacy and Language Instruction or K12 English as a Second Language (ESL).  The Specializations also prepare students for additional endorsements.  The Literacy Graduate Specialization can result in a BT (Reading) or BR (Reading Specialist) endorsement. The ESL Graduate Specialization provides preparation to earn a K12-level endorsement in ESL.

Applicants who have completed the MSU Teacher Certification Intern Year (TCIY) may have 9 credits (TE 801, TE 802, and TE 804) transferred in to meet degree requirements.  All course work, including MSU and external transfer courses, must be completed within 5 (five) years.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below. 

Admission

Applications for admission to the master's program are reviewed by faculty who look for evidence of appropriate preparation for advanced disciplinary and professional study at the master's level and the likelihood of academic success, as indicated by an applicant's prior educational record, work experience, statement of professional goals, letters of recommendation, and an assigned professional essay.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Teaching and Curriculum

The program is available only online and under Plan B (without thesis).  Students must complete 30 credits distributed as follows:

The doctoral program in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education (CITE) is designed for individuals  who are interested in and show promise of becoming scholars and leaders in the domains of curriculum, instruction, and teacher education at the Pre-K–12 level, in out-of-school spaces, or in local, state, regional, national, or international institutions or agencies. The program is characterized by its interdisciplinary and interinstitutional perspectives on problems and issues of educational practice, as well as its commitment to educational justice and to addressing critical challenges faced by children, students, families, and communities. The program combines internationally renowned faculty, an interdisciplinary approach, exposure to multiple ideas, and flexibility in study through a variety of focal areas to create a one-of-a-kind learning experience tailored to students’ goals and commitments. The program is designed to facilitate doctoral students’ enactment of the Departments Core Principles in their scholarship, teaching, and service/outreach. 

CITE doctoral students link their areas of concentration with one or more of the following: Comparative and Global Studies, Critical Studies, Curriculum, History and Social Studies Education, Language and Literacy, Mathematics Education, Race, Culture, and Equity in Education, Science Education, Teachers and Teacher Learning, Urban Education, or Other Areas of Interest.

Students who are enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education in the Department of Teacher Education may elect a specialization in language and literacy. For additional information, refer to the statement on Graduate Specialization in Language and Literacy below.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Persons who hold degrees in a wide range of disciplines may apply for admission to the doctoral program. Applicants with limited backgrounds in education, however, may be required to complete collateral work in this field. Applicants must submit a sample of scholarly writing.

Review of applicants focuses on their study and experience in education, on the compatibility between their professional goals and the doctoral program, and on their potential for successful advanced degree work.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education

Students must complete the following courses:

The Graduate Certificate in Children’s and Young Adult Literature is designed to provide in-service elementary and secondary teachers with materials and methods for teaching international children’s and young adult literature.  The focus of the program is on multimodal texts, exploration of the kinds of conversations that surround pieces of literature, and whether those texts are written for children, adults, or both.  The program aids understanding classics and awards winners in children’s and young adult literature by and about people and communities who have been and continue to be marginalized by and underrepresented in the school curriculum in the United States. The graduate certificate is available only online.

Admission

Students must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in the College of Education at Michigan State University and  must complete the Intent to Enroll form on the program Web site.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Children’s and Young Adult Literature

Students must complete 9 credits from the following courses:

The Graduate Certificate in Elementary STEM Education is designed to provide in-service elementary teachers with knowledge about student learning and engagement and instructional practices in STEM disciplines. The primary focus of the program is understanding inquiry-oriented practices across STEM disciplines. The graduate certificate is available only online.

Admission

Students who wish to complete the graduate certificate and are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in the College of Education at Michigan State University must complete the Intent to Enroll form on the program Web site.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Elementary STEM Education

Students must complete three courses from at least two of the categories below (9 credits):

The Graduate Certificate in English Language Learner Education is designed for students in doctoral programs who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of the multiple complexities in educating English Language Learners (ELL) including the influence of the socio-historical, local, and policy contexts and the challenges of teaching learners with diverse levels of English proficiency and prior formal schooling experiences in both English as a second language and content-area classrooms. The graduate certificate provides an overview of the different sociocultural, socio-historical, and sociopolitical factors that influence ELL education; demonstrates different theories, methods, and program models in English as a second language teaching, bilingual education, and content-area teaching; stresses the importance of affirming the linguistic and cultural diversity of ELL’s; and offers the knowledge-base and skills in ELL education that students can apply in their own research and teaching in the field of education.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in English Language Learner Education students must be pursuing a doctoral degree program within the College of Education and must complete the Intent to Enroll form on the program Web site.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in English Language Learner Education

Students must complete 12 credits from the following:

The Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods is designed for doctoral students enrolled in College of Education doctoral programs. It focuses on enhancing doctoral students’ theoretical and practical preparation and expertise in conceiving, designing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting qualitative research studies as well as preparing them to teach both introductory and advanced courses in qualitative research methods when assuming faculty positions elsewhere.

Admission

Students must be currently enrolled in a doctoral program in the College of Education at Michigan State University and must complete the Intent to Enroll form on the program Web site.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods

Students must complete 15 credits from the following:

The Graduate Certificate in Science Education, which is administered by the Department of Teacher Education in the College of Education, is designed for doctoral students who are interested in developing expertise in science education across and within a range of theoretical and methodological perspectives. Cognition, sociocultural, and feminist-critical perspectives along with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies are studied.

Persons who hold degrees in a wide range of disciplines may apply for admission to the certificate program. Applicants without sufficient science or science education background will be required to complete collateral course work or demonstrate proficiency through other means. Collateral course work will not count towards the certificate program. Review of applicants focuses on their study and experience in science and education, on the compatibility between their professional goals and the certificate program, and the potential for successful advanced degree work.

With approval of the College of Education, the certificate is available as an elective to any qualified student who is enrolled in a Doctor of Philosophy degree program in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Natural Science, or the College of Education.  Students must complete the Intent to Enroll form on the program Web site. Students must meet the requirements of the certificate specified below, in addition to the requirements for the student’s Doctor of Philosophy degree program.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Science Education

The Graduate Specialization in K-12 English as a Second Language, which is administered by the Department of Teacher Education in the College of Education, is designed for students who aspire to become endorsed to teach English as a Second Language at the elementary and/or secondary level in a K-12 setting.

Admission

Students must be currently enrolled in the Master of Arts degree in Teaching and Curriculum, the Master of Arts degree in Education, or the Master of Arts degree in Special Education at Michigan State University and must complete the Intent to Enroll form on the program Web site. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the graduate specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s degree.  The planned program of courses meets the content knowledge requirements set for by the Michigan Department of Education for the K-12 Endorsement in English as a Second Language (NS).

Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in K-12 English as a Second Language

Students must complete 23 credits from the following:

The Graduate Specialization in Language and Literacy Education, which is administered by the Department of Teacher Education, is designed for students who aspire to be scholars, curriculum developers, and policy leaders in literacy at school, district, state, national, and international levels. The specialization focuses on literacy theory, research, and education. It is for students who wish to address issues of language and literacy development, literacy use, literacy instruction, literacy contexts of social, cultural, and linguistic differences, and the possibilities of transforming how people read and take action in their worlds.

The graduate specialization is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology, the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education or the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Special Education. Students must complete the Intent to Enroll form on the program Web site. Students must meet the requirements of the specialization specified below, in addition to the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology or the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education or the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Special Education. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the doctoral degree.

For further information visit the Language and Literacy Web site at: http://education.msu.edu/academics/graduate-specializations-certificates/.

Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Language and Literacy Education 

The Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction, which is administered by the Department of Teacher Education in the College of Education, is designed for students who aspire to develop strong expertise in literacy and language instruction. The specialization is available only online.

The specialization is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in master’s degree programs in the College of Education at Michigan State University. Students must complete the Intent to Enroll form on the program Web site. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s degree.

Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Literacy and Language Instruction

Students must complete the following (21 credits):

The Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership prepares well-qualified teacher leaders for Michigan and beyond by providing relevant, online programming options for educators interested in building expertise in teacher leadership. Students who successfully complete the certificate will qualify for a Michigan Advanced Professional Education Certificate from the Michigan Department of Education. The certificate is available only online and is available to graduate students at Michigan State University. Student who wish to complete the certificate must complete the Intent to Enroll form on the program Web site.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership

Students must complete 12 credits from all the following: