Degree Plans

Dreeben School of Education

Teacher Education is a valued program of study at the University of the Incarnate Word because it so directly addresses the mission to which the University is committed. The emphasis of the program incorporates a broad liberal arts education as a foundation for the more in-depth focus on academic teaching specializations and the body of knowledge associated with the teaching/learning process. The program prepares individuals for a profession in which they can affect society and mankind in significant, positive ways.

Programs of Study

NOTE: Students seeking certification from the University of the Incarnate Word Program will be subject to any additional or new requirements which may be set forth by legislative mandates or by the State Board for Educator Certification.

Baccalaureate degrees are offered with or without certification in Interdisciplinary Studies (EC-grade 4) and All Level certification. Secondary subject area fields are offered without certification at the Baccalaureate level. Secondary certification (grades 8-12) is offered at the Post-Baccalaureate level. Programs leading to baccalaureate degrees with certification are State Board of Educator Certification approved and are designed to prepare students for initial certification and teaching in elementary and/or secondary schools.

Under the direction of the School of Education faculty, students can prepare for initial certification and teaching at the elementary (Interdisciplinary) level, secondary level (major/minor with certification), or for kindergarten through twelfth grade (all-level). See advisor for details.

At present, the University of Incarnate Word offers certification in the following areas and at the following levels. (Other fields may be available in the future.)

Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS)

IDS is an EC-4 teaching program resulting in certification for kindergarten through fourth grade. A student following this course of study will take the general education core, the interdisciplinary major, specialization course work in reading and early childhood education, a pre-professional course, and the professional development sequence. At the end of the completed program, and upon successful completion of applicable ExCET examinations, the student will apply to be certified to teach self-contained EC-grade 4 classes.

Secondary Certification A SECONDARY teaching program resulting in certification for eighth through twelfth grades is available. A student following this course of study will take the general education core, course work in a major/minor, pre-professional courses, and the professional development sequence (The professional development sequence must be taken at the graduate level). At the end of the completed program, and upon successful completion of applicable ExCET examinations, the student will apply to be certified to teach eighth through twelfth grades within either or both of their specialization fields.

The following specializations are available: English Language Arts; History; Science; Life Sciences; Physical Sciences; Mathematics; Physical Sciences/Mathematics

All Level Teaching (ALVT)

ALVT is an ALL-LEVEL teaching program resulting in certification for kindergarten through the twelfth grade. A student following this course of study will earn either a B.A., B.M., or B.S., depending on the specialization chosen. A student following this course of study will take the general education secondary core, specialization course work, pre-professional courses, and the professional development sequence. At the end of the completed program, and upon successful completion of applicable ExCET examinations, the student will apply to be certified to teach elementary through high school-level students (Kindergarten through 12th grade) within the chosen field of study.

The following specializations are available to ALVT majors: Physical Education.

Note: Specific course work related to each All-Level specialization is outlined under relevant headings.

The University of the Incarnate Word offers programs approved by the State Board for Educator Certification and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.