The Bachelor of Science in Secondary General Science Education program at Mount Aloysius consists of liberal arts course requirements required for all Mount Aloysius students, major courses, and education courses totaling 120 semester hours which can be completed in four years. Academic content area courses and required electives are clearly documented. Upon successful completion of coursework and requirements for the teacher certification process, the student is eligible for recommendation to the State for Instructional Level I certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

General Science education students take the same science courses as other General Science baccalaureate students at Mount Aloysius College.  The General Science education program is designed to be completed in four years.

The General Science Program ensures that all necessary pedagogical and learning methods are taught in twelve (12) credit hours of professional education/psychology courses and eighteen (18) credit hours of secondary education methods courses.  This program builds on the existing major in General Science.  The additional requirements for Secondary General Science Education Certification fulfill state requirements for secondary programs.  The students are required to take thirty (30) credits in the education sequence, and an additional math course.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ADMISSION

All students interested in teacher certification will enter into their desired major program (Biology, General Science, English or History/Political Science) until all requirements for admission into the education department have been met. The following requirements for academic preparation and performance must be successfully met prior to admission into a certification program.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: 

• Earn a minimum of forty-eight (48) credits and have sophomore standing.
• Successful completion (a grade of “C” or better) in the following coursework:
  • six (6) hours in communication/writing (EN 110/111)
  • six (6) hours in college level mathematics (according to the requirements of the content major)
  • Mount Aloysius College Foundation Course (CLS 101)
  • pass PY 221 Educational Psychology
  • pass PY 204 Child Development and Adolescence
  • pass PY 221 Educational Psychology
• Successfully pass the PRAXIS Core Battery tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
• Complete other courses as specified in the College Core Curriculum and content major as directed by the student’s major. 
• In compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Education Guidelines meet a minimum overall GP A of 3.0.
• Successful Interview. (see Secondary Education Student Teaching Handbook)

ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING
STUDENT TEACHING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• A GP A of 3.0 or better. 
• Successful completion of all PRAXIS exams as listed above. 
• A grade of "C" or better in all education courses.
• A completed application to Student Teaching and Data Sheet. 
• An essay describing the student's interest in and preparation for a career in teaching
• Successful completion of all required education courses
• Successful completion of all field experiences
• Current Act 34 and 151 Clearances (Request for Criminal Record and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance) and FBI Federal Criminal History Records for Prospective Employees (fingerprinting).
• Completed Health Appraisal including TB test.

DEGREE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of Content Discipline and PRAXIS Exams.
• A successful exit interview with College faculty and local school district administrators.
• A portfolio that demonstrates that the student has met each of the learning principles identified in Chapter 354.33, Professional Competencies of the Pennsylvania Department of Education General Standards.
• A satisfactory evaluation from the College supervisor on the state-wide performance evaluation and inventory of student teachers (PDE 430).
• Successful completion of all student teaching assignments.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE PRAXIS EXAMS

• Praxis bulletins and test information can be obtained from any education faculty member.  Please see your advisor or any education faculty member for guidance and assistance regarding any facet of the PRAXIS exam.
• Students should carefully read the bulletin to avoid problems in registering for the test and to mark test dates so that tests can be completed as required for admission into the department.

CLEARANCES

The Education Department requires all students enrolled in a certification program to develop and maintain a sound professional record. Students applying to the Education Department must submit a Pennsylvania State Police "Request for Criminal Record" and the "Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance" for review.

Copies of these reports will be kept on file in the department. If individuals have offenses on the report, they may not be allowed to participate in practicum experiences or student teaching depending upon the policy of the public school district with which the College has a working relation and to which they are assigned. This will mean they may not be able to complete a certification program and be recommended by the department's certification officer for certification. If offenses show on these reports, students should see their Education department advisor to discuss their situation and possibly consider other career options.

TRANSFER STUDENTS ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All transfer students interested in Secondary Education certification are subject to all current requirements for entrance to, retention in, and completion of the Secondary Education certification program including the GPA requirements.

Because of the nature of our certification programs, many education credits completed elsewhere will not be transferable. The transfer of education credits will be evaluated individually to be sure they meet the standards as addressed in the education coursework at Mount Aloysius College. The transfer of field experiences will be evaluated individually.

STUDENT ADMISSION WITH COMPLETED BACHELOR DEGREES

Students who desire Secondary Education certification and who already have a bachelor's degree will be admitted into the program after having completed one semester of course work, demonstrating through transfer or Mount Aloysius coursework successful completion of college level mathematics and communications courses. Applicant must pass the PRAXIS Core Battery tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Transfer students with bachelor degrees must complete all coursework as specified in the program.