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Graduate Programs of Study

M.A. or M.Ed, Teaching & Learning Certification

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the general requirements for admittance to DePaul's Graduate Teaching and Learning program?
  • A bachelor's degree conferred by an accredited, recognized institution
  • A previous grade point average of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale
  • Two letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors
  • Two official transcripts from each college or university attended
  • Written statement of purpose
What are the requirements for full admission to the School of Education/Professional Education Unit?
Please visit our Admission Requirements page for current requirements.

When should I take the Basic Skills Test?
The Basic Skills Test must be passed before sixteen quarter hours (or 4 classes) are completed. You can pick up a registration booklet and study guide outside the School of Education's office in the Schmitt Academic Center - Room 481. The study guide can also be downloaded at: http://www.icts.nesinc.com

What is the Subject Matter Knowledge Test? When should I take it?
The Subject Matter Knowledge Test covers the subject you are preparing to teach (e.g. Elementary students take the Elementary test, Early Childhood take the Early Childhood test and Secondary take their content area). Even if you are getting endorsed in more than one content area, you only need to take ONE content test at this time. You must PASS the Subject Matter Knowledge Test the quarter prior to student teaching, so check the state test schedule carefully.
Do I need to take the GRE or the Miller's Analogy?
No. The only tests we require are the Basic Skills Test and the Subject Matter Knowledge Test (see descriptions above).
How many classes do I need to take for certification only?
The number of classes varies from program to program. For example, with students in the Teaching & Learning/Elementary program, there is a minimum of ten courses. However, you may have additional classes to complete. We will evaluate your undergrad transcripts for General Education requirements and a Concentration area. If the required courses have not been completed as an undergrad, they can be taken concurrently with the Education courses.
What are the general education requirements for certification?
Early Childhood Education
  • Written Communication: 2 courses
  • Mathematics: 2 courses
  • Science: 2 courses--1 biological science, 1 physical science (one must include a lab)
  • Social Science: 3 courses
  • Humanities: 5 courses
  • Health: 1 course
  • American Government/US History: 1 course
Elementary Education
  • Written Communication: 2 courses
  • Mathematics: 2 courses
  • Science: 2 courses--1 biological science, 1 physical science (one must include a lab)
  • Social Science: 3 courses
  • Humanities: 5 courses
  • American Government/US History: 1 course
Secondary Education
  • Written Communication: 2 courses
  • Mathematics: 1 course
  • Science: 1 course (does not need to include a lab)
  • Social Science: 3 courses
  • Humanities: 5 courses
  • American Government/US History: 1 course
Do I need to complete my General Education Requirements before I start the program?
No, the School of Education requires coursework in General Education, or Liberal Arts. If you did not take these classes in your bachelor's degree program, you will need to take them while pursuing your teaching certificate. These classes may be taken at the undergraduate level. Completion of general education requirements is not a prerequisite to admission but all must be fulfilled before student teaching. For advice on taking general education courses, contact EdGradAdmissions@depaul.edu.
Must I take the general education courses I need at DePaul?
You may take the General Education courses at any accredited college or university in Illinois. Please remember if you are going to take these courses somewhere other than DePaul University, you must get approval for the course. Make sure you do this before you take the class. For approval of general education courses, contact EdGradAdmissions@depaul.edu.
Do I have to start the program in the fall?
No. You can start the Teaching & Learning programs in any quarter. Make sure to check the web site for deadlines.
How many quarters are there? How long do they last?
There are five quarters in an academic year. They are fall, winter, spring, summer I, and summer II. The fall, winter and spring quarters are 10 - 11 weeks long. The Summer Sessions are five weeks long.
How long are classes?
In the fall, winter and spring quarters, you meet once a week for three hours per class for the 10 - 11 weeks. In the Summer Sessions, you meet twice a week for three hours per class for five weeks.
Are all classes available during the day as well as in the evening?
The education classes that you are required to take are all offered in the evenings. There are some sections offered in the day time. Please note, not all classes are offered (in the day as well as evening) in every quarter.
Do I have to complete field experience hours to receive teaching certification?
Yes. The School of Education requires that future teachers spend a minimum of 100 hours in schools observing and interacting with students, and learning about schools. These hours will be required by your education courses and must be completed during the school day. These practical experiences offer education majors a gradual introduction to the full range of experiences associated with a teacher's role. In addition, you can make contact with a variety of populations and educational situations and begin networking to develop job opportunities. These field experience hours must be completed before student teaching. Please check the web site frequently for important deadlines.
How long is student teaching?
Student teaching is a full-time, quarter (10-weeks) long intensive experience. You will be registered for 6-quarter hours of student teaching plus a 2-quarter hour seminar. You will not be able to hold another job during the day while student teaching. Please check the web site frequently for important deadlines.
Am I eligible for health benefits as a participant in the Teaching and Learning program?
Yes. The DePaul Student Health Service, located at 1150 W. Fullerton on the second floor, is available to all enrolled students for $42 per quarter/$63 per semester. The fee covers visits to the DePaul Student Health Service for diagnosis and treatment of certain minor illnesses and/or injuries. Diagnosis and treatment for illnesses and injuries that are not covered under the DePaul Student Health Service, may be provided at discounts. Please note that the DePaul Student Health Service is not an HMO, PPO or primary medical insurance. A range of services are not provided but appropriate referrals will be made. For further information about the DePaul Student Heath Service, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 773/325-7290.
I have taken some education courses at the undergraduate level. Will they be counted toward my degree?
The courses may be counted toward your certification, but the credit hours will have to be replaced by other graduate level courses that will count towards your Master's degree. You will need to see an advisor who will forward the necessary paperwork to the appropriate faculty member for possible approval.
I have taken some graduate education courses. Will they be counted toward my degree?
You can transfer in a maximum of two graduate level education courses from another accredited college or university - - if they are approved by faculty.

Learn about:

For More Information
For more information, contact EdGradAdmissions@depaul.edu, 773-325-7323.
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