2017-2018 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

English, Secondary Education Certification BA


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Please also refer to Teacher Education Programs  section for other important information.

Secondary Education Certification
Degree BA, English
Department Chair Patrick L. Hamilton, PhD

The secondary education program in English (ENG/SECED) is designed to prepare teachers of English for Grades 7-12. A unique aspect of the program is that it prepares teachers to effectively deal with students with disabilities who are likely to be included in their classes. It is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and leads to a PA Instructional I certificate. The University’s recommendation and the successful completion of other requirements established by the state, including meeting the pass scores specified by PDE on the required battery of certification tests, qualify graduates for a PA Instructional I certificate. Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification which facilitates certification in other states. States’ requirements vary; graduates should determine what they have to do to become certified in a state other than Pennsylvania.

Pre-service teachers in the ENG/SECED program must successfully complete the University’s liberal arts Core Curriculum, a content major in English, and series of Teacher Education Department courses. ENG/SECED majors must satisfactorily complete a series of field/practicum experiences that begin during the first year and continue every semester until graduation. By graduation, our pre-service teachers will have spent approximately 750 hours in community classrooms. During students’ final semester, they must complete two seven-week student teaching assignments (two separate placements).

Students in the English/Secondary Education have two academic advisors. The TED advisor is responsible for advising related to Education courses and field/practicum experiences. The content area advisor is responsible for advising related to the University Core and content major requirements. Each semester, students must meet with both advisors prior to registration to facilitate course selection and receive approval to register. The student is ultimately responsible for the selection and registration of courses.

Requirements for student completing degree requirements in May 2013 or later.

The secondary education program in English (ENG/SECED) prepares students to teach English at the junior-level and high-school level. In addition to providing the necessary knowledge base in language and literature, the program gives students the skills to identify and assist those with learning disabilities and to use technology effectively in the classroom. The program is fully approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and leads to a teaching certificate valid in Pennsylvania for grades 7 through 12, which is transferable to many other states.

Students in English/Secondary Education must complete the same requirements for the English major , with the following exceptions:

  1. As ENG/SECED students are required to take University Writing Seminar as an English course (ENG 151 ), within their six (6) credits of English electives, ENG/SECED students should take three (3) credits from the following menu of courses in order to maintain the current total number of credits within this specialization:

    ENG 245 British Literature I 
    ENG 246 British Literature II 
    ENG 247 American Literature I 
    ENG 248 American Literature II 
     
  2. The English Department will offer Shakespeare under the new designation ENG 401 Major Author(s) ; ENG/SECED students will be required to take Shakespeare when offered as ENG 401 Major Author(s) .

Sequence of Required Courses


First Year


Sophomore Year


First Semester


Total Credits 15

Total Credits 18

Junior Year


First Semester


Total Credits 17

Second Semester


Total Credits 15

Senior Year


First Semester


Second Semester


Total Credits 16

Total Required for Graduation 127 Credits


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