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Admission Standards for Educator Preparation Programs

In addition to the admission requirements of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, applicants to all programs that prepare students for educator and administrator certification (School Library Media, Reading, Educational Leadership, School Counseling and School Psychology) must also meet the following admission requirements:

  1. Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a total undergraduate GPA of at least 2.70; and, if applicable, a SCSU undergraduate GPA of at least 2.70.
  2. Submission of CT teaching certificate (for Reading and Educational Leadership programs only)
  3. Submission of basic skills test scores in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing (Praxis® Core, SAT, ACT, GRE) to satisfy the State of Connecticut competency examination requirement.This requirement is waived for candidates holding a CT teaching certificate.

GPA WAIVER

GPA waivers will be considered for applicants who have less than a 2.70 undergraduate GPA, but meet all other admission requirements, have strong support letters, pass the admission interview, and are recommended by the admission committee.

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING ADMISSION

The College of education, alone and in partnership with the College of Arts & Sciences offers the Master of Arts in Teaching program in various areas of study, which prepares candidates for Connecticut Teacher certification. The admission requirements are as follows:

  1. Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a total undergraduate GPA of at least 2.70; and, if applicable, a SCSU undergraduate GPA of at least 2.70.
  2. Completion of a subject-area major and meet the required content knowledge set by the CSDE regulations for the area of endorsement. Candidates may be required to complete specific courses prior to admission or prior to the completion of their program. The content knowledge exams (Praxis® II or ACTFL) can be used to replace some of the required subject-area content for the following concentrations (Sciences, Math & World Languages). (This is a requirement for all MAT programs except Comprehensive special education).
    For more information, visit https://www.southernct.edu/education.
  3. Completion of general education coursework that meets the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) standards for certification (currently 39 credits distributed across 5 of 6 areas and including a 3-credit U.S. history survey course). Applicants will be considered for admission if there are fewer than 12 credits of general education outstanding. These standards must be met prior to graduation.  (This is a requirement for all MAT programs except Comprehensive special education).
  4. Submission of basic skills test scores in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing (Praxis® Core) to satisfy the State of Connecticut competency examination requirement or meet the requirements for a waiver. Candidates who do not achieve a satisfactory score will be required to participate in remediation plans. Students qualify for a Praxis® Core waiver if (1) they have an SAT score no less than 530 on the mathematics portion, and no less than 540 on the evidenced-based reading and writing, or (2) an ACT score of 21 or higher on the Reading  subtest and no less than 21  on the mathematics subtest. Scores must be within last five years.
  5. Submit the College of Education admission essay demonstrating a proficiency in English
  6. Pass the department admission committee interview.