1999-2000 Undergraduate Catalog

College of Education - General Information
NMSU

DEAN * H. Prentice Baptiste

ASSOCIATE DEAN * Michael A. Morehead

INTERIM ASSOCIATE DEAN * Anne Gallegos

INTERIM DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTER * Patrick (Rick) Scott

Undergraduate Advisement Center Coordinator * Margo M. Trevino

Undergraduate Advisement Center Adviser * Laura A. Maynez

Undergraduate Advisement Center Adviser * Brad C. Mazdra


DEGREES OFFERED

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, Reading, Social Studies, TESOL; Major in Special Education; Major in Communication Disorders

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training Education

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 preprofessional skills test or enter college with a composite ACT of 21 or higher before admission to education designated 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. Complete the teaching field requirements.
  6. Be officially admitted to student teaching during the senior year. Requirements are below.
  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

  1. All students will take a course in developmental psychology.
  2. Field experiences will be interwoven throughout most courses.
  3. 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 Psychology3
EDUC 368, Integrating Technology with Teaching2
EMD 250, Introduction to Education2
EDUC 315, Multicultural Education3
SPED 320, Mainstreaming Exceptional Learners2
Student Teaching9
Student Teaching Seminar3

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

ECED 440, Science/Math Curriculum3
ECED 441, Language Arts/Social Studies3
ECED 455, Art/Music/PE Curriculum3
RDG 350, Reading Process/Methods and Math3
ECED 259, Field Experience K-31
ECED 351, Literature Development in ECED3
SPED 450, Working with Young Children (3-8)3
ECED 451, Play/ECED Curriculum3
ECED 452, Teaching Language/Minority Child3
SPED 451, Assessment of Young Children, Birth-Eight3
ECED 405, Home Center School Collaboration3
FCCS 447, Infant Development and the Family, or SPED 464, Working with Young Children with Special Needs, Birth-Two3

IV. Professional Education Courses Required of Elementary Teachers

EDUC 450, Early Childhood Education3
EDUC 451, The Science Curriculum3
EDUC 452, The Math Curriculum3
EDUC 453, The Language Arts Curriculum3
EDUC 454, The Social Studies Curriculum3
EDUC 455, The Art, Music, and Physical Education Curriculum3
RDG 360, Elementary School Literacy I3
RDG 361, Elementary School Literacy II3

V. Professional Education Courses Required of Secondary Teachers

RDG 414, Content Area in Literacy3
EDUC 475, Contemporary Issues in Education3
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 (24 credits)

RDG 360, Reading Processes in the Elementary School3
RDG 361, Diagnostic Teaching of Reading in the Elementary School3
ENGL 363, Literature for Children and Young Adults3
ENGL 211G or 311G3
COMM 253G or 265G3
Language Arts electives (ENGL, RDG, THTR, COMM, or LING)9

Social Studies Teaching Field (24 credits)

HIST 101G, HIST 102G, HIST 211G, or HIST 212G3
HIST 201G or HIST 202G3
HIST U.S. elective3
ECON elective3
SOC elective3
GEOG elective3

Science Teaching Field (24 credits)

BIOL elective3
CHEM elective3
GEOL or GEOG elective3
PHYS elective3
Twelve credits in science from the general education requirements on degree plan12

Mathematics Teaching Field (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 180, Trigonometry 3
MATH 185, College Algebra 3
MATH 191, Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 3
MATH 192, Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 3
MATH 230, Matrices and Linear Programming 3
MATH 275G, Spirit and Evolution of Mathematics 3
MATH 279, Introduction to Finite Mathematics 3
MATH 280, Introduction to Linear Algebra 3
MATH 301, Special Topics 1-3
EDUC 452, Methods of Teaching Elementary School Mathematics 3

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 Advising Office.

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 Advising Center.

Business Education (36 credits)

ACCT 201, Fundamentals of Accounting I, or BOT 120, Accounting Procedures I3
ACCT 202, Fundamentals of Accounting II, or BOT 121, Accounting Procedures II3
BLAW 317, Business Law I3
BCS 338, Business Information Systems3
ECON 251G, Macroeconomics3
ECON 252G, Microeconomics3
EDUC 467, Methods of Teaching Business3
MGT 309, Human Relations in Business3
MKTG 303, Principles of Marketing3
BOT 101, Keyboarding Basics (or any higher level typewriting course)3
BOT 106, Business Mathematics3
BOT 203, Office Equipment and Procedures I3
BOT 211, Information Processing I3
B A 301, Career Planning in Business1
B A 328, Introduction to International Business1
MGT 340, Business and Society1

French Education (30-35 credits*)

FREN 111, Elementary French I4
FREN 112, Elementary French II4
FREN 211, Intermediate French I3
FREN 212, Intermediate French II3
FREN 313, Composition and Grammar I3
FREN 314, Composition and Grammar II3
FREN 325, Intermediate Conversation3
FREN 352, French Phonics3
FREN 378, Studies in Francophone Culture3
FREN 381, Survey of French Literature I3
FREN 382, Survey of French Literature II3

*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 I4
GER 112, Elementary German II4
GER 211, Intermediate German I3
GER 212, Intermediate German II3
GER 313, Intermediate Composition and Grammar I3
GER 391, History of the German Language3
GER 325, German Conversation I, or GER 425, German Conversation III3
GER 362, German Studies, or GER 363, Austria and Switzerland3
German electives numbered 400 or above9

*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 (42 credits)

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

Core Courses

ENGL 251 or ENGL 252, Introduction to American Literature3
ENGL 363, Literature for Children, or ENGL 416, Approaches to Literature3
ENGL 401 or ENGL 402, Advanced Study in English Literature3
ENGL 403 or ENGL 404, Advanced Study in American Literature3
ENGL 408 or ENGL 409, Shakespeare3
ENGL 451, Practicum in Grammar3
ENGL 470, Approaches to Composition3
COMM 384, Interpersonal Communication3
COMM 376, Communication and Culture3
JOUR 105G, Mass Communication3
THTR 360, Creative Dramatics3
One of the following courses: ENGL 220, Imaginative Writing; ENGL 304, Creative Writing: Prose; ENGL 306, Creative Writing: Poetry3

One of the following areas:

Communication Studies

COMM 351, Persuasion Theory3
COMM 353, Advanced Public Speaking or COMM 425, Small Group Communication3

English (two of the following four courses)

ENGL 421, Advanced Study in a Literary Period or Movement3
ENGL 422, Advanced Study in a Literary Form or Genre3
ENGL 423, Advanced Study in a Major Author3
ENGL 424, Advanced Study in a Major Text3

Journalism and Mass Communication

JOUR 110, Introduction to Mass Media Writing3
JOUR 210, Print Newswriting3

Theatre Arts

THTR 110, Acting I3
THTR 215, Directing3

Math Education (37 credits)

MATH 191, Calculus and Analytic Geometry I3
MATH 192, Calculus and Analytic Geometry II3
MATH 279, Introduction to Finite Math3
MATH 280, Introduction to Linear Algebra3
MATH 291, Calculus and Analytic Geometry III3
MATH 331, Introduction to Modern Algebra3
MATH 332, Introduction to Modern Analysis3
MATH 459, Euclidean Geometry3
C S 171, Algorithmic Computations4
STAT 371, Statistics for Engineers and Scientists3
Math electives (6 hours of approved math courses numbered above MATH2756

Physical Education (K-12) (36 credits)

PE P 185, Introduction and Foundations3
PE P 195, Theory and Techniques of Athletics1
PE P 210, Theory and Technique of Aquatics1
PE P 308, Theory and Technique of Fitness Programs1
PE P 311, Organization and Administration3
P EP 341, Motor Development3
PE P 342, Motor Learning3
PE P 363, Theory and Technique of Lifelong Outdoor Leisure Activities1
PE P 392, Theory and Technique of Sports and Games I1
PE P 393, Theory and Technique of Dance and Rhythms1
PE P 394, Theory and Technique of Sports and Games II1
PE P 411, Tests and Measurements3
PE P 455, Adapted Physical Education3
PE P 465, Senior Seminar1
SP M 271, Anatomy I3
SP M 305, Biomechanics3
SP M 308, Exercise Physiology3
SP M 308L, Exercise Physiology Lab1

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 Lab4
BIOL 313, Structure and Function of Plants or BIOL 222, Zoology3/4
CHEM 111, General Chemistry I4
CHEM 112, General Chemistry II4
GEOL 111G, Survey of Geology4
GEOL 297, Historical Geology3
PHYS 211 and PHYS 211L, General Physics I*4
PHYS 212 and PHYS 212L, General Physics II*4

*Physics teachers should follow the physics composite in lieu of PHYS211 and PHYS212.

Composite Areas (complete one of the following areas):

Life Sciences (23 credits)

BIOL 301, Ecology3
BIOL 305, Principles of Genetics3
BIOL 311/BIOL 311L, General Microbiology and Lab4
BIOL 313, Structure and Function of Plants or BIOL 322, Zoology3/4
BIOL 467, Evolution3
MATH 115, Intermediate Algebra3
MATH 142G, Applied Math for Biological and Social Sciences3

Earth Sciences (28 credits)

ASTR 110G, Introduction to Astronomy4
GEOG 257, Introduction to Meteorology, or GEOG 357, Climatology3
GEOG 281, Map Use3
GEOL 310, Mineralogy3
GEOL 295, Environmental Geology, GEOL 318, Geology of New Mexico, or GEOL 360, General Geochemistry3
GEOL 353, Geomorphology3
GEOL or GEOG elective (300+)3
MATH 115, Intermediate Algebra3
MATH 142G, Applied Math for Biological and Social Sciences, or MATH180, Trigonometry3

Chemistry (21 credits)

CHEM 211, Organic Chemistry4
BCHE 341, Survey of Biochemistry4
CHEM 371, Analytical Chemistry4
CHEM 431, Physical Chemistry3
CHEM 356, Inorganic Chemistry3

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

ASTR 110G, Introduction to Astronomy4
C S 157, FORTRAN Programming or C S 167, C Programming3
MATH 191, Calculus and Analytic Geometry I3
MATH 192, Calculus and Analytic Geometry II3
PHYS 151, Introduction to Computational Physics2
PHYS 215 and PHYS 215L, Engineering PhysicsI and Lab4
PHYS 216 and 216L, Engineering Physics II and Lab4
PHYS 217 and 217L, Heat, Light, and Sound, and Lab4
PHYS 390, Modern Physics3

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 Anthropology3
ECON 251G, Principles of Macroeconomics3
ECON 252G, Principles of Microeconomics3
GEOG 155G, Introduction to Physical Geography4
GEOG 241G, World and Regional Geography3
GOVT 100G, American National Government, or GOVT 110, Introduction to Political Science3
GOVT 361, International Relations3
SOC 101G, Introductory Sociology3
HIST 101G, Roots of Modern Europe3
HIST 102G, Modern Europe3
HIST 201G, Introduction to Early American History3
HIST 202G, Introduction to Recent American History3
One of the following, based on the concentration area chosen: GEOG 325, Geography of New Mexico, HIST 261, History of New Mexico, or GOVT353, New Mexico Politics3

Concentration Areas:

Economics (27 hours)

ECON 304, Money and Banking3
ECON 371, Intermediate Macroeconomics3
ECON 372, Intermediate Microeconomics3
ECON electives (300 or above)12
MATH 142G, Applied Math for Biological and Social Sciences3
ACCT 200, ACCT 201, STAT 251, or EST311G3

Geography (24 hours)

GEOG 201G, Survey of Geography3
GEOG 257, Introduction to Meteorology, or GEOG 357, Climatology3
GEOG 281, Map Use3
GEOG 325, Geography of New Mexico3
Two of the following: GEOG 361G, Economic Geography, GEOG363G, CulturalGeography, GEOG365G, Urban Geography, or GEOG 475, Transportation Geography6
Two of the following: GEOG 328, Latin America, GEOG331G, Europe, GEOG337, Australia, or GEOG 321, North America6

Government (24 hours)

GOVT 110G, Introduction to Political Sciences, or GOVT150G, American Political Issues, or GOVT160G, International Political Issues3
One course in four of six areas (12 credits): (1) GOVT 340S or 440s; (2)GOVT350s or 450S; (3) GOVT 360s or 460s; (4) GOVT 370s or 470s; (5)GOVT 380S or 480s; (6) GOVT390s or 490s12
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 Theory3
SOC 352, Social Research I3
SOC 371, Race and Ethnic Relations3
SOC 381, Individual and Society3
SOC 392, Juvenile Delinquency3
SOC electives (300 or above)9

Anthropology (24 credits)

ANTH 301, Cultural Anthropology3
ANTH 315, Introduction to Archaeology3
ANTH 320, Anthropological Linguistics3
ANTH 350, Anthropological Theory3
ANTH 355, Physical Anthropology3
ANTH elective (300 or above)9

Sociology/Anthropology (24 credits)

SOC 351, Sociological Theory3
SOC 352, Social Research I3
SOC 371, Race and Ethnic Relations3
SOC 381, Individual and Society3
ANTH 301, Cultural Anthropology3
ANTH 315, Introduction to Archaeology3
ANTH 320, Anthropological Linguistics3
ANTH 355, Physical Anthropology3

Spanish Education (30-35 credits*)

SPAN 111, Elementary Spanish I4
SPAN 112, Elementary Spanish II4
SPAN 211, Intermediate Spanish I3
SPAN 212, Intermediate Spanish II3
SPAN 313, Spanish Grammar3
SPAN 314, Spanish Composition3
SPAN 325, Advanced Conversation, or SPAN 327, Advanced Oral Language3
SPAN 340, Introduction to Spanish Linguistics3
SPAN 350, Introduccion a Estudios Chicanos3
SPAN 380, Introduction to Literature3
SPAN 388, Survey of Spanish/American Literature3

*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 Disorders2
SPED 350, Survey of Programs for Exceptional Learners3
SPED 360, Curriculum, Methods, and Materials for Special Education3
SPED 459, Approaches to Classroom Management for Exceptional Learners3
SPED 463, Assessment of Exceptional Learners3
SPED 470, Life Span Development and Transition in Special Education2
SPED 481, Practicum in Special Education2
Two of the following courses: SPED 458, Mental Retardation: An Introduction; SPED 466, The Learning Disabled Student; SPED 467, Behavior Disorders6
SPED 482, Student Teaching12

All special education students will choose a developmental psychology course (CEP 110G) and EDUC 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 majors24
Complete the Elementary Education Major Requirements18
C D 360, Language Acquisition3
EDUC 489, Elementary School Practicum3
RDG 371, Instruction for Special Reading Needs3

Dual License in Secondary Education (48 credits)

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

C D 360, Language Acquisition3
EDUC 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, or 467, Secondary Methods (take course appropriate for teaching field)3
EDUC 489, Secondary School Practicum3
RDG 371, Instruction for Special Reading Needs3

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 Acquisition3
RDG 371, Instruction for Special Reading Needs3
Additional course work in one area of ECED-SPED, DD, or CEP. (See an adviser for details.)18

Minors

The college offers minors in counseling, coaching, dance, and in 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 should have their transcripts evaluated by the advisement center 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. Demonstration of competence in reading, mathematics, and composition by passing the preprofessional skills test: details are available in the advisement center or enter college with an ACT composite of 21 or higher or SAT of 970 or higher
  3. A demonstrated desire to work with young people (demonstrated in an autobiographical statement or other appropriate evidence)
  4. Submission of three letters of recommendation indicating potential ability as a teacher
  5. Submission of the student's portfolio. Information available in the advisement office in the College of Education. This portfolio will be reviewed by the Admission Committee. (See "Competitive Admission Process.")

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 the 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.

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 papers 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. Establish a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.50 prior to beginning student teaching.
  3. Complete all prerequisites to student teaching (details available from the advisement center).
  4. Students must complete all professional education courses and all courses in the student's teaching field with a grade of "C" or better.

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 depending on their also having successfully completed the state license examination. The test is administered annually and information is available through the Office of Student Development 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 Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation. The Physical Education Program is approved by the National Association for Sports and Physical Education. Both undergraduate and graduate programs in Special Education have been accredited by the Council on Exceptional Children. 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.


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