Teacher Certification in Secondary Education
Certification programs are available to both adult students who hold a bachelors degree, and to certified teachers who wish to add new areas to their current certification. Programs leading to secondary education certification are available in the following areas:
- Art (K-12)
- Biology (7-12)
- Business, Computer and Information Technology (K-12)
- Chemistry (7-12)
- Citizenship Education (7-12)
- Earth/ Space Science (7-12)
- English (7-12)
- Foreign Language - French, Spanish (K-12)
- General Science (7-12)
- Mathematics (7-12)
- Music (K-12)
- Social Science (7-12)
Certification Requirements
Candidates for teacher certification in secondary education through Mercyhurst College must either complete, or show evidence that they have already completed, course requirements in three areas: the Liberal Core, the Subject Area Core, and the General Education Core.
Candidates must also meet minimum GPA requirements, obtain state mandated legal clearances, complete a student teaching experience, and pass the required PRAXIS exams.
| Course Requirements* | |
| Number | Name |
|---|---|
| Liberal Core | |
| MATH 108 | Math Problem Solving |
| HDFR 110 | Human Growth and Development |
| ENGL | College Writing |
| ENGL | Literature |
| Subject Area Core | |
| These requirements vary according to the area of certification sought by the student, e.g. biology, English, world languages, art, etc., and the number of courses in the area of certification that the student has already completed at the undergraduate or graduate level. | |
| General Education Core | |
| EDUC 201 | Foundations of Education |
| EDUC 300 | Methods of Teaching |
| EDUC 302 | Educational Psychology |
| EDUC 474 | Secondary Internship |
| EDUC 475 | Student Teaching |
Student Teaching
A 12 week student teaching experience (EDUC 475) is required, and is offered in the fall and spring terms during the day. Students must meet the minimum requirements for student teaching, which include Act 34 and 151 clearances, an FBI fingerprinting clearance and a 3.0 GPA.
Praxis Exam
All students seeking education certification must complete the core battery PRAXIS I exams in Reading, Writing and Math.