Admission - School of Education

Requirements for Teacher Education Majors

University College Core Curriculum

The successful completion of the University College Core Curriculum requirements is the initial step in the teacher education admission process. A demonstrated proficiency in reading and a GPA of 2.5 or higher are also required.
Transfer students must meet the same standards as first-time freshmen in completing the University College Core Curriculum requirements.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Admission to teacher education is a procedural step for students in teacher education programs. After successfully completing the requirements listed below, students are eligible to apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program. An “Application for Admission to the Teacher Education Program” form must be filed with the department head by the second semester of the sophomore year. The criteria for admission are as follows:

• Completion of the University College Core Curriculum and EDUC 211.
• A GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Acceptable scores on the Reading, Writing, and Mathematics Tests of the PRAXIS I Series. All PRAXIS scores must be current with state mandated score requirements for admission and licensure purposes.
• Verification by the university physician of the applicant’s health status and level of physical fitness.
• Verification by the Director of Residence Life of the applicant’s acceptable deportment.
• Personal fitness and the interest suitable to the profession of teaching, verified by the Center for Personal Development.
• Security background check
• Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all education courses, including student teaching.
• Final acceptance for admission to the Teacher Education Program by the Teacher Education Committee, based upon documented recommendations from the major area concerned. 

Note: Formal admission to Teacher Education is required prior to enrollment in methods courses and student teaching. See each individual program for course listing.

Retention in Teacher Education

Following admission to teacher education, students are required to maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and acceptable standards on all other admission criteria. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all education courses. Students failing to maintain acceptable standards will be automatically suspended from the Teacher Education Program and counseled toward alternative career options. 

Admission to Student Teaching 

An Application for Student Teaching form must be filed the semester prior to the semester in which the student plans to student teach. To be eligible for the Student Teaching Internship, the student must have:

1. been admitted formally to teacher education and have senior classification.
2. completed to the satisfaction of the major area the teaching specialty component requirements that will lead to licensure by the Department of Public Instruction.
3. achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and a grade of C or higher in all professional education courses.
4. been recommended to the Teacher Education Committee by the department chair of the area in which licensure is sought. The Teacher Education Committee must give approval for the student teaching internship.  In addition to the admission requirements stated above, prospective student teachers must complete all methods courses before being admitted to student teaching.
5. earned a grade of C or higher in student teaching for full licensure as a teacher;
6. an audit submitted verifying that no courses remain to be taken toward the degree.
7. enrolled in only the student teaching block courses during the student teaching semester.

Note: Students who have been approved for admission to student teaching, but who have not maintained the standards for the internship, will be subject to review by the Teacher Education Committee before they are allowed to re-enter the program.  (See Student Teaching Handbook). 

Teacher Licensure 

Students successfully completing all requirements for graduation and passing PRAXIS I, and the Specialty Area Test of the PRAXIS II Series are eligible to be recommended for North Carolina licensure. To apply for licensure, students should adhere to the following procedures:

1. File for graduation in the Registrar’s Office (B.S. and M.Ed candidates only).
2. File placement folder with the Career Services Office, if applicable.
3. Request an official transcript after grades are posted.
4. Contact the Office of Teacher Education at (910) 672-1587 or 1266.

Requirements for Students Seeking Licensure Only 

Alternative Routes for Teacher Education  

Licensure Only

Applicants possessing earned baccalaureate and/or master’s degrees and seeking licensure in a teaching area must proceed through the alternative route process. The process is described below:

1. Students must be admitted to the university through the regular admission process.
2. Licensure-only applicants will be admitted as undergraduate students.  (See Graduate Catalog for pursuing licensure and graduate degree.)
3. After notification of acceptance by the Office of Admissions, students must officially contact the chair of the department through which licensure is sought. Together, assigned advisors and students will develop a program of courses needed for licensure. The program agreed upon must be reviewed and approved by the department in which licensure is being sought.  All courses specified on the program of study must be completed at Fayetteville State University if the license is to be applied for through Fayetteville State University.
4. Upon completion of program requirements for entrance to teacher education (EDUC 211 and a cumulative GPA of 2.5), students  must apply for admission to teacher education. (Note: Licensure-only students are eligible for financial aid only after official admission to teacher education.)
5. Upon completion of all required coursework at Fayetteville State University and maintenance of a 2.5 cumulative GPA, students must apply for admission to student teaching.
6. Upon successful completion of all program requirements and Specialty Area Tests of the PRAXIS II Series, students can apply for teacher licensure in the Office of Teacher Education. 

Lateral Entry Requirements 

To be eligible for lateral entry, an individual must be employed by a North Carolina school system as a classroom teacher and hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Individuals licensed via lateral entry are required to have their credentials evaluated by the Office of Teacher Education. Students must obtain satisfactory scores on required PRAXIS Specialty Area Tests and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be recommended for teacher licensure.