Undergraduate Programs

Majors   

The Department of Teacher Education offers programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Physical Education, and Secondary Education. For adult students, the School of Education also offers a joint degree with School for New Learning in Early Childhood Education. There is also a Music Education option for School of Music students. For complete details on applying to DePaul, visit the Admission website.

Coursework Requirements

Coursework consists of Liberal Studies requirements, General Education requirements, and Education Requirements. For students earning a B.A., there is a modern language requirement.

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary Education
  • Physical Education
  • Secondary Education
  • World Languages Education

  • Joint Degree in Early Childhood Education
  • Music Education

    Other Requirements

    Advanced Standing.  Just as a physician progresses through stages of medical school (medical student, intern, resident), so also education candidates must progress through stages of teacher preparation. Students are admitted to DePaul’s School of Education as pre-teacher candidates. After a minimum of 48 hours of coursework, students must petition to become an advanced teacher candidate, at which time the School of Education reviews the student’s file to determine if he or she has met the criteria for continuing in the program. The criteria for advanced standing include passing the Illinois Test of Basic Skills, having a minimum GPA of  2.50, and passing the Basic Technology Assessment (EDU 025).  More info....

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    Field Experiences.  Field Experiences are practical experiences in schools that are assigned as part of courses. These early exposures to children and youth allow students to develop basic knowledge and skills in classroom settings as well as to explore possible placements for student teaching.  Students must complete all course-based field assignments and log them into the Field Experience Data System (FEDS).  More info...

    State Tests. In addition to meeting all course and field work requirements, students must pass 3 state tests to be eligible for Illinois certification:

    • Illinois Basic Skills Test  (required for Advanced Standing)
    • Content Area Test (required for Student Teaching)
    • Assessment of Profesional Teaching

    More info...

    Student Teaching. Student Teaching is the culminating experience of teacher preparation programs. During this 10-12 week experience, students will gradually take over a classroom under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and faculty supervisor.  Student teachers experience the exhilaration and challenge of the teaching profession and continue to develop their knowledge and skills as beginning teachers.  More info....

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