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College of Education

Admissions

ADMISSION CRITERIA

Application is usually made during the sophomore year. Admission criteria include:


  1. Completion of 30 credit hours of course work including Orientation to Teaching (TCED 1200) or an equivalent course;
  2. Evidence of general academic ability, as indicated by a GPA of 2.65 in all core curriculum requirements and by an overall GPA of 2.65;
  3. A grade of C or better in core curriculum courses required in English, speech communication, and mathematics;
  4. Scores on the PRAXIS I of 172 in reading and mathematics and 174 in writing. Students with lower scores may take specific remedial study in the UALR Center for Developmental Skills or the Department of Rhetoric and Writing. If PRAXIS I is taken by computer different equivalents apply. They must document readiness before retaking the sections of the examination failed. Students are limited to three attempts to pass all subtests on the PRAXIS I. Students who fail to meet admission standards may appeal to the Admission, Retention, and Exit Committee. The committee will review carefully a student’s academic record in those areas of weakness identified by the test.
  5. Approval of the advisor or chairperson of the Department of Teacher Education.

Applicants will be notified of action taken on their applications after information has been assembled considered by the College’s Admission, Retention, and Exit Committee. Appeals may be made to this committee, but decision of this committee will be final.

 

Those desiring information should contact the associate dean of the College of Education at 569-8691.

 

RETENTION IN THE PROGRAM

To retain an approved status in teacher education program, after admission a student must:

  • Maintain a grade point average of 2.65 in all courses required in general education, professional education, the teaching field; and maintain a grade of C or better on all courses required in professional education and in the teaching field.

ADMISSION TO THE PROFESSIONAL SEMESTER

Students must apply for the professional semester for the fall semester by March 15, and for the spring semester by October 15. Approval for admission to the professional semester is made by the Admission, Retention, Exit Committee. Professional semester admission requirements include:

  1. Admission to the teacher education program and retention of all standards required for admission to program;
  2. Completion of, or enrollment in, all required courses in the major teaching field and professional education
  3. Being within 12 credit hours of graduation after completing the professional semester (124 hours minimum with 45 upper-level hours required);
  4. Approval of advisor and appropriate departmental chairperson;
  5. Possession of insurance against liability for not less than $100,000. This insurance is available through private insurance vendors or by joining the Student Arkansas Education Association (SAEA);
  6. Provision of evidence of a recent negative TB skin test or X-ray; and
  7. Agreement not to register for more than four credit hours in evening, correspondence, or weekend courses during the professional semester.

If admission is denied, an appeal may be made to the college’s Admission, Retention, and Exit Committee. Decisions of this committee are final.

 

TEACHER LICENSURE

Teacher Licensure Application for initial licensure is made to the Office of Teacher Certification by providing a completed certification application form, an official UALR transcript showing the date the degree was granted, official transcripts from all other institutions attended, and appropriate PRAXIS I scores.

Persons desiring licensure as teachers of adult education, art, business education, English, foreign language (French, German, Spanish), mathematics, music, science (biology, chemistry, physical science, physics), social studies, or speech must complete the MEd program requirements given in the UALR Graduate Catalog under the College of Education. For questions about licensure or Praxis Exams please contact the COE Licensure Officer at 501-569-3113.

 

Persons holding or who are eligible for licensure as early, middle or secondary school teachers may be certified in additional fields by completing the minimum state requirements for each additional endorsement field. 
 Persons seeking licensure in education who are completing majors in other fields must meet all College of Education requirements and prerequisites.

Updated 5.19.2010