4+1 Pre-Education
The UNH Education Department's 4 + 1 Pre-Education Program for undergraduates offers a master of science degree in education, completed in a fifth year (3 trimesters) of study, and with teacher certification completed in one additional trimester. The master’s degree is tuition-free with participation in the public school internship program. Successful completion of all requirements will result in UNH’s recommendation to the State Department of Education for Connecticut certification.
The State of Connecticut has an acute shortage of certified teachers, especially in urban school districts and in the secondary subject areas of English, mathematics and science. UNH undergraduates who want to pursue a career in teaching may be eligible for early admission to the UNH Education Department's graduate program through the 4 + 1 Pre-Education Program. This program allows qualified undergraduates to begin their education coursework as undergraduates, enabling them to earn a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and Connecticut teacher certification in just five and one-half years.
The Graduate Education Department prepares future elementary and secondary school teachers. Secondary-school certification areas include business education, English, history/social studies, mathematics, music, science, and world language (French and Spanish). The University of New Haven does not offer an undergraduate degree in the subject of education because it supports research indicating that better teachers are those who first are credentialed in a major subject, and who then learn about the theories and practices of teaching.
All students who are interested in pursuing a teaching career should contact the Education Department as soon as possible during their undergraduate career. University of New Haven undergraduates who want to pursue careers in teaching may be eligible for early admission to the UNH Education Department’s graduate program through the 4 + 1 Pre-Education Program. This process allows qualified undergraduates to begin their education coursework as undergraduates, enabling them to earn a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and Connecticut teacher certification in just five and one-half years. Students in this program develop a modified major worksheet; for example, "Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics – pre-education.”
Students in the 4 + 1 Pre-Education Program take their first education course during their sophomore or junior year. This course, ED 350 Introduction to Education, provides students with an overview of the field of education. (All credit requirements for financial aid and undergraduate status must be maintained while pursuing the 4 + 1 Pre-Education Program.) In their senior year undergraduates are able to take two foundational education courses. Students then begin an internship in a public school, with the public school providing payment for tuition, in exchange for the 4+1 students’ daily work in the school. Students attend classes in the evening. The program’s field component places students in a local school to work with children under the direction of a classroom teacher. This experience gives students the opportunity to observe professional teachers in their own classrooms, gaining valuable hands-on experience in an urban or suburban school district, linking practice and theory. UNH’s Education Department is currently placing interns in 36 Connecticut public schools. During the last trimester, students participate in thirteen weeks of student teaching. All students are responsible for the cost of student teaching. By the end of June, students complete the program and receive a master’s degree, one year after graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Thus, students are able to apply for fall teaching positions in Connecticut public schools.
Entrance Requirements:
Following are the admission requirements for the 4 + 1 Pre-Education Program:
• A 3.0 GPA maintained throughout the program.
• A modified major worksheet developed by the sophomore year. (For example, a mathematics major would develop a worksheet for the “B.A. in Mathematics – pre-education.”)
• Successful completion of Praxis I, or a total of 1100 on the SATs for a waiver. (Secondary students will be required to pass the Praxis II content exam by the end of their senior year.)
• Passing grade on the UNH Writing Proficiency Exam by the end of junior year.
• Successful completion of ED 350 Introduction to Education.
• Approval/recommendation from both major and education advisers.
• Completion of formal application for graduate school and satisfaction of all graduate school requirements. All fees waived.
Unique Features
• UNH undergraduates enter the graduate education program without prerequisite courses.
• Classes are held in West Haven, New London, and Newington. The average class size is 17 students.
• UNH undergraduates have priority admission into the UNH graduate education program.
• UNH undergraduates will be given priority for available internships.
• UNH undergraduates receive a Master of Science degree in education and are eligible for Connecticut teacher certification in 14 months.
Why Study at UNH?
• Interns are assigned to work for one year in the schools, performing teaching and paraprofessional duties.
• Candidates are able to put theory into practice and reflect on their experiences each day.
• Tuition is paid for by the school district, if a candidate is an intern.
• All classes occur in the evening.
• The intensity of the program results in a shorter time to obtain certification.
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