Preparing students for PK-4 elementary teacher certification**
The Drexel School of Education
Online Bachelor of Science in Education program is a part-time program designed to help students with previous college experience complete their degree and enter the rewarding field of education.
This program will prepare students for advancement in the following fields:
- PK-4 elementary teacher certification**
- Advanced educational studies
- Human resources development
- Corporate training
- Higher education
Program Length
Students enter either a fall or winter cohort and progress through the Education course sequence together over ten terms (2.5 years). Program completion time may be longer than ten terms, depending upon the number of transfer credits upon entry and the number of courses that a student takes each quarter. Students admitted in the spring or summer terms will take other degree requirements in the spring and/or summer terms, and then join a cohorted group the following fall to begin the Education course sequence.
Accreditation & State Certification
Drexel's Bachelor of Science program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education under its rigorous guidelines for teacher certification preparation programs. Students who complete the program are recommended for Pennsylvania teacher certification; however, Drexel School of Education academic advisors assist students who wish to transfer certification to another state. In most cases, Pennsylvania's rigorous certification guidelines provide for a smooth transition of certification to other states.
Non-Certification Option
In addition to preparing students to be PK-4 teachers, Drexel's Online Bachelor's Degree in Education program provides a strong background and preparation for students who wish to pursue careers in human resources development, corporate training, higher education and related fields. Under the non-certification option, those not planning to pursue PK-4 teaching positions are not required to complete the student teaching placement.
Online Bachelor's in Education Program Options
The online Bachelor of Science in Education program offers students the opportunity to pursue teacher certification in Elementary Education (PK-4). A non-certification option is available.
Student Teaching
Teacher certification requires students to complete 12 weeks of full-day student teaching and an additional 190 hours of in-school pre-student teaching activities embedded in pedagogy courses throughout the program.
Non-Certification Option
For students not seeking state teacher certification, student teaching is not required. Alternate pedagogy courses will be substituted for student teaching.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply today! See admissions criteria for specific supplemental materials required.
**In response to Chapter 49.2, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has restructured the current elementary (K-6) option for certification. By January 1, 2013, candidates wishing to teach at the elementary level in Pennsylvania will need to be certified in PK-4. The new regulations, mandated by Chapter 49, will require the Drexel University School of Education to restructure its current option for the Elementary Education concentration, in order to be in compliance with Pennsylvania State Certification requirements.
The certification changes described below apply to all teacher education institutions in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The School of Education at Drexel University will begin offering coursework that reflects the changes in the PA certification areas beginning September 2009.
Students who are currently in one of the teacher certification programs must complete all coursework and apply for PA: Instructional I: Elementary Education (K-6) certification no later than December 31, 2012. Program directors, program coordinators and academic advisors in the Drexel University School of Education will monitor student progress closely and will increase communications with all current teacher candidates to ensure that all students are program completers by 12/31/2012.
