2002-2003 Undergraduate Catalog College of Education - General Information

Dean * Robert Moulton

Associate Dean * Michael A. Morehead

Associate Dean and Director of Educational Research Center * Patrick (Rick) Scott

Associate Dean * Jozi De León

Undergraduate Advisement Center Coordinator * Margo M. Trevino

Undergraduate Advisement Center Adviser * Brad C. Mazdra  

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Dance

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training Education

Bachelor of Science in Education--Majors in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education with endorsements in Bilingual Education, Business Education, Foreign Languages, General Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Education, Social Studies, TESOL; Major in Special Education; Major in Communication Disorders

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

Associate Degree--Education Paraprofessional, option in Early Childhood
 

The College of Education provides undergraduate students with a broad general education and professional teacher training.

General Requirements

1. Complete at least 132 acceptable credits, including a minimum of 55 credits in courses numbered 300 or above with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above.

2. Students in teacher preparation programs must pass the New Mexico Teacher Assessments Basic Skills test prior to Admission to education courses numbered above 299.

3. Satisfy the general education requirements. Detailed programs are available in the College of Education Advisement Center. General education requirements will be individually planned for those students with an ACT composite standard score of 25 (85th percentile) or a 1020 SAT score (84.1 percentile).

4. Students in teacher preparation programs must be officially admitted to the Teacher Education Program. See requirements under Admission to the Teacher Education Program and Competitive Admission Process.

5. Be officially admitted to student teaching during the senior year. Requirements are below.

6. Prior to student teaching, complete teaching field requirements, and pass the Content Knowledge and General Knowledge portions of the New Mexico Teacher Assessments test.

7. Students must complete all professional education courses and all courses in the student's teaching field or major with a grade of C or better.

8. All students, including transfer students, must complete the last 30 semester credits required for the baccalaureate degree on the New Mexico State University campus. The four-year Servicemen's Opportunity College Program students are not exempt from this regulation.

9. Each student must possess the academic ability, character, and attitude suitable for teaching. A student who, in the professional judgment of the faculty and staff, does not possess these qualifications may be examined by a Selective Review Committee. The committee may recommend any of a variety of actions, ranging from remedial procedures to withdrawal from the Teacher Education Program.

10. Students with a bachelor's degree seeking teacher licensure must meet all admission criteria for the Teacher Education Program and be admitted to the Graduate School.

In addition, if faculty at any time determine that a student is weak in a particular skill, the College of Education may require remedial procedures in areas such as mathematics, composition, speaking, or other skills needed for success in public school teaching.

The above requirements are established for those seeking a teaching license. Other programs in the college such as Athletic Training, Nonlicensure, Physical Education, and Communication Disorders have specific requirements. Check in the advisement office or appropriate departments for program information.

Competitive Admission Process

Applicants who successfully complete the minimum requirements for admission will be reviewed by the Teacher Education Program admission committee. The admission committee will base admissions decisions on applicants' academic qualifications, written communication, faculty recommendations for the student and the student's portfolio.

Applicants should be aware that admission to the Teacher Education Program is competitive and is based upon available faculty resources. Posted GPA and basic skills test scores are minimums which are necessary to be considered for admission by the Teacher Education Program committee and do not ensure admittance into programs. Applicants are encouraged to develop a strong student portfolio, achieve the highest GPA possible, and present the portfolio in a professional manner.

Suggested Program of Study

Requirements of a general nature and for each endorsement are available in the advisement center of the college. It is imperative that students, especially those new to the campus, report frequently to the advisement center to have their programs carefully and continually monitored in line with newly developing requirements.

All students henceforth will pursue a baccalaureate program leading to a Level I Teaching License. Preparation for this license includes 55 credits of general education, a professional block of course work of 36 credits in elementary education or 30 credits in secondary education, teaching field specialty blocks or endorsements of from 24 to 54 credits, and the remainder in electives. Students are urged to acquire as many endorsements to the initial license as possible. General education courses can be counted again within the endorsement areas when appropriate.

General Education Requirements

1. Twelve to thirteen credits in English (language arts)

2. Twelve credits in history, including American history and western civilization

3. Six credits in mathematics

4. Six credits from among the following social sciences: government, economics, sociology, anthropology, geography

5. Twelve credits in science from among the following sciences: biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy

6. Six credits in fine arts.

NOTE: Lists of specific courses that meet these requirements are available in the Education Advising Center.

Professional Education Courses

I. Assumptions

A. All students will take a course in developmental psychology.

B. Field experiences will be interwoven throughout most courses.

C. All students, during their program will complete at least three Extended Field Experiences.

II. Professional Education Courses Required of All Students Seeking Elementary, Secondary Licensure, or Early Childhood

C EP 210, Educational Psychology 3

EDLT 368, Integrating Technology with Teaching 2

EDUC 181, Field Experience I 1

EDUC 315, Multicultural Education 3

EMD 250, Introduction to Education 2

SPED 350, Survey of Programs for Exceptional Learners 2

Student Teaching 9

Student Teaching Seminar 3

III. Professional Education Courses Required of All Students Seeking Early Childhood Education

ECED 259, Field Experience K-3 1

ECED 351, Literature Development in ECED 3

ECED 405, Home Center School Collaboration 3

ECED 440, Science/Math Curriculum 3

ECED 441, Language Arts/Social Studies 3

SPED 450, Working with Young Children (3-8) 3

ECED 451, Play/ECED Curriculum 3

ECED 452, Teaching Language/Minority Child 3

FCCS 447, Infant Development and the Family, or SPED 464, Working with Young Children with Special Needs, Birth-Two 3

RDG 350, Reading Process/Methods and Math 3

SPED 451, Assessment of Young Children, Birth-Eight 3

SPED 360, Curriculum, Methods, and Materials for Special Education 3

IV. Professional Education Courses Required of Elementary Teachers

EDUC 450, Early Childhood Education 3

EDUC 451, The Science Curriculum 3

EDUC 452, The Math Curriculum 3

EDUC 453, The Language Arts Curriculum 3

EDUC 454, The Social Studies Curriculum 3

RDG 360, Elementary School Literacy I 3

RDG 361, Elementary School Literacy II 3

SPED 360, Curriculum, Methods, and Materials for SPED 3

V. Professional Education Courses Required of Secondary Teachers

EDUC 281, Field Experience II 1

EDUC 381, Field Experience III 1

EDUC 475, Contemporary Issues in Education 3

RDG 414, Content Area in Literacy 3

SPED 480, Diagnostic Assessment for Teachers of Secondary Students 3
One of the following courses:
EDUC 460, Methods of Language Arts 3
EDUC 461, Methods of Social Studies 3
EDUC 462, Methods of Mathematics 3
EDUC 463, Methods of Science 3
EDUC 464, Methods of Foreign Language 3
EDUC 466, Methods of Physical Education 3
EDUC 467, Methods of Teaching Business Education 3

DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in Education
MAJOR: Elementary Education

General education and professional education are similar for all degree programs in the College of Education. Students should meet with an adviser to plan appropriate general education courses for an elementary education major.

Language Arts Teaching Field Elementary (24 credits)

RDG 360, Elementary School Literacy I 3

RDG 361, Elementary School Literacy II 3

ENGL 363, Literature for Children and Young Adults 3

ENGL 211G or 311G 3

COMM 253G or 265G 3

Language Arts electives (ENGL, RDG, THTR, COMM, or LING) 9

Social Studies Teaching Field Elementary (24 credits)

ANTH elective 3

ECON elective 3

GEOG elective 3

HIST 101G, HIST 102G, HIST 211G, or HIST 212G 3

HIST 201G or HIST 202G 3

HIST U.S. elective 3

HIST world elective 3

SOC elective 3

Science Teaching Field Elementary (24 credits)

BIOL elective 3

CHEM elective 3

GEOL or GEOG elective 3

PHYS elective 3

Twelve credits in science from the general education requirements on degree plan 12

Mathematics Teaching Field Elementary (24 credits)*
Core Courses:
MATH 111, Fundamentals of Elementary Mathematics I 3
MATH 112G, Fundamentals of Elementary Mathematics II 3
STAT 251, Statistics for Business and the Behavioral Sciences 3
Choose 15 credits from the following:
MATH 115, Intermediate Algebra 3
MATH 142G, Calculus for the Biological and Management Sciences I 3
MATH 185, College Algebra 3
MATH 313, Fundamentals of Algebra and Geometry 3
EDUC 452, Methods of Teaching Elementary School Mathematics 3

*Students with consent of an adviser and the mathematics department may take higher level math classes.

Elementary Education Endorsement Areas (18-24 credits)

Elementary Education majors are encouraged to complete a minor or endorsement area in an academic area. A list of concentration areas is available in the Education Advisement Center.

Bilingual/TESOL Endorsement

Students interested in a bilingual or TESOL endorsement should contact the advisement office. These endorsements can now be included in an undergraduate degree program without significant additional hours required.

Foreign Language Requirements

All elementary education majors are required to take six to eight credits of Spanish or obtain certification of a working knowledge of a Native American language.

DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in Education
MAJOR: Secondary Education

General education and professional education requirements are similar for all degree programs in the College of Education. Students should meet with an adviser to plan appropriate general education courses for a secondary education major. In addition, students must complete a broad teaching field. Further information on the following teaching fields is available from the Education Advisement Center.

Business Education (36 credits)

ACCT 251, Management Accounting, or BOT 120, Accounting Procedures I 3

ACCT 252, Financial Accounting, or BOT 121, Accounting Procedures II 3

BCS 338, Business Information Systems 3

BLAW 317, Business Law I, or BLAW 316, Legal Environment of Business 3

BOT 101, Keyboarding Basics (or any higher level typewriting course) 3

BOT 106, Business Mathematics 3

BOT 203, Office Equipment and Procedures I 3

BOT 211, Information Processing I 3

ECON 201G, Introduction to Economics, ECON 251G, Principles of Macroeconomics, ECON 252G, Principles of Microeconomics 3

I B 351, International Business 3

MGT 309, Human Relations in Business 3

MKTG 303, Principles of Marketing 3

French Education (30-35 credits*)

FREN 111, Elementary French I 4

FREN 112, Elementary French II 4

FREN 211, Intermediate French I 3

FREN 212, Intermediate French II 3

FREN 313, Composition and Grammar I 3

FREN 314, Composition and Grammar II 3

FREN 325, Intermediate Conversation 3

FREN 352, French Phonics 3

FREN 378, Studies in Francophone Culture 3

FREN 300 or above elective 6

*Due to previous experience, students may be able to start beyond the elementary or intermediate levels. Elective credits in French will be substituted to make a minimum in the field of 30 credits.

German Education (30-35 credits*)

GER 111, Elementary German I 4

GER 112, Elementary German II 4

GER 211, Intermediate German I 3

GER 212, Intermediate German II 3

GER 313, Intermediate Composition and Grammar I 3

GER 391, History of the German Language 3

GER 325, German Conversation I, or GER 425, German Conversation III 3

GER 362, German Studies, or GER 363, Austria and Switzerland 3

GER 331, German Lyric Poetry, GER 341, German Folklore and Culture, and GER 371, German Short Story 9

*Due to previous experience, students may be able to start beyond the elementary or intermediate levels. Elective credits in German will be substituted to make a minimum in the field of 30 credits.

Language Arts (44 credits)

Students must complete all of the core courses and one of the subject areas.

Core Courses

COMM 253G, Public Speaking , or COMM 265G, Principles of Human Communication 3

COMM 384, Interpersonal Communication 3

COMM 376, Communication and Culture 3

ENGL 211G, Writing in the Humanities and Social Sciences, or ENGL 311G, Advanced Composition 3

ENGL 251 or ENGL 252, Introduction to American Literature 3

ENGL 338G, 339G, 341G, or 394G, multicultural literature 3

ENGL 401, 402, 403, or 404, English/American literature 3

ENGL 408 or ENGL 409, Shakespeare 3

ENGL 416, Approaches to Literature 3

ENGL 451, Practicum in Grammar 3

ENGL 470, Approaches to Composition 3

LING 200G, Introduction to Language 3

JOUR 105G, Mass Communication 3

THTR 360, Creative Dramatics 3

One of the following courses: ENGL 220, Imaginative Writing; ENGL 304, Creative Writing: Prose; ENGL 306, Creative Writing: Poetry 3

One of the following areas:

Communication Studies

COMM 351, Persuasion Theory 3

COMM 353, Advanced Public Speaking or COMM 425, Small Group Communication 3

English (two of the following four courses)

ENGL 421, Advanced Study in a Literary Period or Movement 3

ENGL 422, Advanced Study in a Literary Form or Genre 3

ENGL 423, Advanced Study in a Major Author 3

ENGL 424, Advanced Study in a Major Text 3

Journalism and Mass Communication

JOUR 110, Introduction to Mass Media Writing 3

JOUR 210, Print Newswriting 3

Theatre Arts

THTR 110 , Acting I 4

THTR 130, Script Analysis I 3

THTR 284, Stage Management 3

Math Education (37 credits)

MATH 191, Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 3

MATH 192, Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 3

MATH 279, Introduction to Finite Math 3

MATH 280, Introduction to Linear Algebra 3

MATH 291, Calculus and Analytic Geometry III 3

MATH 331, Introduction to Modern Algebra 3

MATH 332, Introduction to Modern Analysis 3

MATH 459, Euclidean Geometry 3

C S 171, Algorithmic Computations 4

STAT 371, Statistics for Engineers and Scientists 3

MATH 275G, Spirit and Evolution of Mathematics 3

STAT 251, Statistics for Business and the Behavioral Sciences 3

Physical Education (K-12) (36 credits)

PE P 185, Introduction and Foundations 3

PE P 195, Theory and Techniques of Athletics 1

PE P 210, Theory and Technique of Aquatics 1

PE P 308, Theory and Technique of Fitness Programs 1

PE P 311, Organization and Administration 3

P EP 341, Motor Development 3

PE P 342, Motor Learning 3

PE P 363, Theory and Technique of Lifelong Outdoor Leisure Activities 1

PE P 392, Theory and Technique of Sports and Games I 1

PE P 393, Theory and Technique of Dance and Rhythms 1

PE P 394, Theory and Technique of Sports and Games II 1

PE P 411, Tests and Measurements 3

PE P 455, Adapted Physical Education 3

PE P 465, Senior Seminar 1

SP M 271, Anatomy I 3

SP M 305, Biomechanics 3

SP M 308, Exercise Physiology 3

SP M 308L, Exercise Physiology Lab 1

Science (51-58 credits)

Students must complete all of the core courses and one of the four composite areas.

Core Courses

BIOL 111G and BIOL 111L, Natural History of Life and Lab 4

BIOL 313, Structure and Function of Plants or BIOL 222, Zoology 3/4

CHEM 111, General Chemistry I 4

CHEM 112, General Chemistry II 4

GEOL 111G, Survey of Geology 4

GEOL 297, Historical Geology 3

PHYS 208, Physics by Inquiry I, and PHYS 209, Physics by Inquiry II, or PHYS 211/L General Physics I/Lab, and PHYS 212/L, General Physics II/Lab* 8

*Physics teachers should follow the physics composite in lieu of PHYS 211 and PHYS 212.

Composite Areas (complete one of the following areas):

Life Sciences (23 credits)

BIOL 301, Ecology 3

BIOL 305, Principles of Genetics 3

BIOL 311/BIOL 311L, General Microbiology and Lab 4

BIOL 313, Structure and Function of Plants or BIOL 322, Zoology 3/4

BIOL 467, Evolution 3

MATH 115, Intermediate Algebra 3

MATH 142G, Applied Math for Biological and Social Sciences 3

Earth Sciences (28 credits)

ASTR 110G, Introduction to Astronomy 4

GEOG 257, Introduction to Meteorology, or GEOG 357, Climatology 3

GEOG 281, Map Use 3

GEOL 295, Environmental Geology, or GEOL 360, General Geochemistry 3

GEOL 310, Mineralogy 3

GEOL 315, Geology of National Parks 3

GEOL 353, Geomorphology 3

MATH 115, Intermediate Algebra 3

MATH 142G, Applied Math for Biological and Social Sciences, or MATH 180, Trigonometry 3

Chemistry (21 credits)

BCHE 341, Survey of Biochemistry 4

CHEM 211, Organic Chemistry 4

CHEM 371, Analytical Chemistry 4

CHEM 356, Inorganic Chemistry 3

CHEM 431, Physical Chemistry 3

Physics (32 credits) (Physics courses listed below should be taken instead of core physics courses)

ASTR 110G, Introduction to Astronomy 4

C S 187, Java Programming 3

MATH 191, Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 3

MATH 192, Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 3

PHYS 151, Introduction to Computational Physics 3

PHYS 215 and PHYS 215L, Engineering Physics I and Lab 4

PHYS 216 and 216L, Engineering Physics II and Lab 4

PHYS 217 and 217L, Heat, Light, and Sound, and Lab 4

PHYS 315 and 315L, Modern Physics 3

Social Studies (58-67 credits)

Students will complete all of the Distributive Core and one of the seven concentration areas.

Distributive Core (40 hours)

ANTH 201G, Introduction to Anthropology, or ANTH 202G, Introduction to Archaeology and Physical Anthropology, or ANTH 203, Introduction to Language and Cultural Anthropology 3

ECON 251G, Principles of Macroeconomics 3

ECON 252G, Principles of Microeconomics 3

GEOG 111G, Geography of the Natural Environment 4

GEOG 112G, World and Regional Geography 3

GOVT 100G, American National Government, or GOVT 110, Introduction to Political Science 3

GOVT 360, International Relations 3

SOC 101G, Introductory Sociology 3

HIST 101G, Roots of Modern Europe 3

HIST 102G, Modern Europe 3

HIST 201G, Introduction to Early American History 3

HIST 202G, Introduction to Recent American History 3

One of the following, based on the concentration area chosen: GEOG 325, Geography of New Mexico, HIST 261, History of New Mexico, or GOVT 353, New Mexico Politics 3

Concentration Areas:

Geography (24 hours)

GEOG 120G, Survey of Geography 3

GEOG 257, Introduction to Meteorology, or GEOG 357, Climatology 3

GEOG 281, Map Use 3

GEOG 325, Geography of New Mexico 3

Two of the following: GEOG 361G, Economic Geography, GEOG 363G, Cultural Geography, GEOG 365G, Urban Geography, or GEOG 467, Transportation Geography 6

Two of the following: GEOG 328, Latin America, GEOG 331G, Europe, GEOG 327, Australia 6

Government (24 hours)

GOVT 110G, Introduction to Political Sciences, or GOVT 150G, American Political Issues, or GOVT 160G, International Political Issues 3

One course in four of six areas (12 credits): (1) GOVT 340's or 440's; (2) GOVT 350's or 450's; (3) GOVT 360's or 460's; (4) GOVT 370's or 470's; (5) GOVT 380's or 480's; (6) GOVT 390's or 490's 12

GOVT electives (300 or above) 9

History (18 hours)

HIST elective, U.S. history (300 or above) 6

HIST elective, world history (300 or above) 6

HIST elective (300 or above) 6

Sociology (24 credits)

SOC 351, Sociological Theory 3

SOC 352, Social Research I 3

SOC 371, Race and Ethnic Relations 3

SOC 381, Individual and Society 3

SOC 392, Juvenile Delinquency 3

SOC electives (300 or above) 9

Anthropology (24 credits)

ANTH 301, Cultural Anthropology 3

ANTH 315, Introduction to Archaeology 3

ANTH 320, Anthropological Linguistics 3

ANTH 350, Anthropological Theory 3

ANTH 355, Physical Anthropology 3

ANTH elective (300 or above) 9

Sociology/Anthropology (24 credits)

SOC 351, Sociological Theory 3

SOC 352, Social Research I 3

SOC 371, Race and Ethnic Relations 3

SOC 381, Individual and Society 3

ANTH 301, Cultural Anthropology 3

ANTH 315, Introduction to Archaeology 3

ANTH 320, Anthropological Linguistics 3

ANTH 355, Physical Anthropology 3

Spanish Education (30-35 credits*)

SPAN 111, Elementary Spanish I 4

SPAN 112, Elementary Spanish II 4

SPAN 211, Intermediate Spanish I 3

SPAN 212, Intermediate Spanish II 3

SPAN 313, Spanish Grammar 3

SPAN 314, Spanish Composition 3

SPAN 325, Advanced Conversation, or SPAN 327, Advanced Oral Language 3

SPAN 340, Introduction to Spanish Linguistics 3

SPAN 350, Introduccion a Estudios Chicanos 3

SPAN 380, Introduction to Literature 3

SPAN 388, Survey of Spanish-American Literature to Modernismo, or SPAN 389, Survey of Spanish-American Literature since Modernismo 3

*Due to previous experience, students may be able to start beyond the elementary or intermediate levels. Native speakers of Spanish may not be eligible for some sections. Please check the course descriptions for details. Elective credits will be substituted to make a minimum in the field of 30 credits.

DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in Education
MAJOR: Special Education

General education requirements are similar for all degree programs in the College of Education. Students should meet with an adviser to plan appropriate general education courses for a special education major. Students may get a dual license in special education and elementary education or in special education and secondary education.

Professional Education Courses (36 credits)

SPED 215, Orientation to Special Education and Communication Disorders 2

SPED 350, Survey of Programs for Exceptional Learners 3

SPED 360, Curriculum, Methods, and Materials for Special Education 3

SPED 459, Approaches to Classroom Management for Exceptional Learners 3

SPED 463, Assessment of Exceptional Learners 3

SPED 470, Life Span Development and Transition in Special Education 2

SPED 481, Practicum in Special Education 2

Two of the following courses: SPED 458, Mental Retardation: An Introduction; SPED 466, The Learning Disabled Student; SPED 467, Behavior Disorders 6

SPED 482, Student Teaching 12

All special education students will choose a developmental psychology course (C EP 110G) and EMD 101.

OPTIONS:

All special education students must choose one of the following options:

Dual License in Elementary Education (50 credits)

Complete the Language Arts Teaching Field or Requirements for Elementary Education majors 24

Complete the Elementary Education Major Requirements 18

C D 360, Language Acquisition 3

EDUC 489, Elementary School Practicum 3

RDG 371, Instruction for Special Reading Needs 3

Dual License in Secondary Education (48 credits)

Complete first teaching field requirements in one area 36 (min.)

C D 360, Language Acquisition 3

EDUC 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, or 467, Secondary Methods (take course appropriate for teaching field 3

EDUC 489, Secondary School Practicum 3

RDG 371, Instruction for Special Reading Needs 3

Special Education and Focal Areas (Early Childhood-Special Education, Developmental Disabilities, or Counseling and Educational Psychology) (48credits)

Complete a second teaching field 24 (min.)
C D 360, Language Acquisition 3
RDG 371, Instruction for Special Reading Needs 3
Additional course work in one area of ECED-SPED, DD, or C EP. (See an adviser for details.) 18

Minors

The college offers minors in counseling, coaching, early childhood, dance, and physical education. Those interested in the counseling area with a view eventually to enter this professional specialty should contact the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology for advice.

Cooperative Education Program
Cooperative Education Program students work in public schools while meeting their certification requirements. The possibility of student teaching in an international setting enhances this option. Qualified students may earn financial assistance through this program. For details, contact:

Director, Cooperative Education
College of Education
NMSU
P O Box 30001,
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001

Transfer Students

Transfer students will have their transcripts evaluated by the Registrar's Office and must meet all basic skills requirements, as well as be admitted to the Teacher Education Program through the formal application procedures. (See "Admission to the Teacher Education Program" below.)

Students with Degrees Seeking Certification Only

All students who already have degrees and who are seeking licensure must be admitted through a graduate licensing program. Details are available in the advisement center.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Even though students declare their majors when they enter New Mexico State University, teacher candidates are not officially admitted to the Teacher Education Program until they formally apply and meet the following requirements:

1. A cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.50

2. Must complete 55 credit hours

3. Complete appropriate program prerequisites. See College of Education Advisement Center for specific program prerequisites.

4. Demonstration of competence in reading, mathematics, and composition by passing the Basic Skills component of the New Mexico Teacher Assessments test

5. Submit a portfolio for admission to the Teacher Education Program.The portfolio will be reviewed by faculty. Admission to TEP is contingent on faculty approval. See the COE Advisement Center for further clarification.

Competitive Admission Process

Applicants who successfully complete the minimum requirements for admission will be reviewed by the Departmental Admission Committee. The admission committee will base admissions decisions on the applicants' academic qualifications, written communication, faculty recommendations, and the student's portfolio.

Applicants should be aware that admission to the Teacher Education Program is competitive and is based upon available faculty resources. Posted GPA, basic skills test scores and other prerequisites are minimums which are necessary to be considered for admission and do not ensure admittance into programs. Applicants are encouraged to develop a strong student portfolio, achieve the highest GPA possible, and present the portfolio in a professional manner.

Students who are not admitted may not take designated professional education courses numbered above EDUC 299. Students with a bachelor's degree seeking teacher licensure must meet all admission criteria for the Teacher Education Program and be admitted to the Graduate School.

Time Limit on Undergraduate Education Courses

Any education course more than seven years old taken at NMSU or at another institution will not be counted toward the student's undergraduate program. A student may ask for a review of this time limit by the appropriate department. The department head and/or faculty may recommend to accept a course that is seven years old with approval from the Deans' office. Any course not approved must be repeated by the student.

Withdrawing Students

The College of Education reserves the right to withdraw students who are registered in 300-level or above education classes who are not admitted to the Teacher Education Program.

Admission to Student Teaching

To be admitted to student teaching a student must

1. Submit complete formal application to the College of Education Advisement Center by February 9 for spring and by October 9 for fall a year prior to student teaching.

2. Maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.50 prior to beginning student teaching.

3. Complete the teaching field requirements and pass the General Knowledge and Content Knowledge tests of the New Mexico Teacher Assessments.

4. Complete all prerequisites to student teaching (details available from the advisement center).

5. Students must complete all professional education courses and all courses in the student's teaching field with a grade of "C" or better.

6. Departmental faculty must approve a student's application for student teaching prior to assignments being finalized.

Students who do not meet all College of Education requirements for admission to student teaching will not be allowed to begin their student teaching until those requirements are met.

Student teachers can only be placed within an 80-mile radius of the campus.

Student Teaching Expectations

During the senior year, students must keep one semester free from other responsibilities so that they can devote full time to their student teaching responsibilities. Students should not have any outside commitments that will interfere with their student teaching activities. Students may be expected to follow the public school calendar rather than the university calendar. Exceptions must be approved in advance and in writing by the director of the Teacher Education Program. Any course work in addition to student teaching constitutes an overload that must be approved by the College of Education.

Student teachers should expect to meet all requirements of the school and school district in which they are working.

Licensure Requirements

In the event that state teacher licensure requirements change, students preparing for licensure to teach should keep abreast of the licensure requirements of the State Department of Education. Copies of the rules and regulations governing licensure are available for students in the Advisement Office and the Office of the Dean of the College of Education. College of Education requirements meet or exceed the state licensure requirements. Whenever state licensure requirements are less than College of Education requirements, students must meet the College of Education requirements to receive a degree from or be recommended for licensure by NMSU. The College of Education reserves the right to change its requirements at any time in order to comply with changes in the regulations governing licensure.

Applying for teacher licensure is the responsibility of the student. The New Mexico Department of Education grants licensure.

The State of New Mexico requires that all candidates for licensure take and pass the state license examination. Upon completion of the degree and planned programs in the teaching fields, students are eligible for teacher licensure upon successfully completing the state license examination. The test is administered annually and information is available through Testing Services in Garcia Annex.

Graduate Work

The College of Education offers curricula leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, Specialist in Education, Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Philosophy in education.

Those interested in pursuing graduate degrees in education should consult the Graduate Catalog for full information. A copy may be procured by writing the dean of the Graduate School.

Accreditation

The university's teacher preparation program, which involves several colleges and which is directed by the College of Education, was accredited in 1962 by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Also, in the College of Education, the Communication Disorders master's program is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and the undergraduate athletic training program in Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The Physical Education Program is approved by the National Association for Sports and Physical Education. The undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare individuals for licensure to work in public and private schools in New Mexico have been approved by the New Mexico State Board of Education.