(9-12 Licensure Preparation)
The Department of Humanities offers the major in Secondary English Education. The program requires candidates to complete 30 credits in specialty area courses in the Department of Humanities and 44 credits in professional studies courses in the Department of Education.
The specialty area courses allow candidates to use technology, and view concepts, principles, and theories from multiple perspectives, as they demonstrate their analytical, cognitive, and communicative skills. Through exposure to theory and theory development in professional studies courses in concert with clinical and practicum experiences, candidates develop their own theory and philosophy of education and are able to make effective application to practical settings. The broad content knowledge of the University core includes content knowledge in communication, mathematics, science, history, philosophy, literature, and the arts. Courses in these disciplines introduce students to such traditional forms of scholarly inquiry as the research paper, the oral and written report, and scientific methods in a laboratory setting. Upon the completion of the English Education Program which is aligned with the North Carolina Standards for Teachers, candidates become competent teachers of grades 9-12 with 21st Century knowledge, skills, and dispositions.
Students who wish to pursue a teaching degree in English for grades 9-12, must enroll in the English Education program. This program leads to initial certification in North Carolina after satisfactory completion of all course and test requirements. All Students must apply for formal admission to the Teacher Education program. The admission process is outlined in the departmental handbook. All professional studies are web-enhanced and many of these courses are delivered online. Students must also pass PRAXIS I or be exempt from the exam before they will be eligible to apply for formal admission to the Teacher Education Program. Students are exempt from the PRAXIS I Exam if they have high SAT or ACT scores (see the department for actual scores).
English Education 9-12 Licensure
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Education is designed for students who wish to pursue a teaching degree at the secondary level. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all professional and specialty area courses. This curriculum places emphasis on literary, oral, written and visual composition, and problem-solving strategies. Students develop skills needed to interact with young adults in grades 9-12.