Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Social Studies Certification-Only Alternate Path Program: Grades 6-12

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secondary Education (Certification-Only Alternate Path Program Grades 6-12) allows individuals who have earned a non-teacher education baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university to fulfill state requirements for Secondary Education Certification Grades 6-12 in the fields of Biology, English, Mathematics, and Social Studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Program completers know the subject matter they are to teach.
2. Program completers will develop differentiated lessons that reflect learning-theory and research-based strategies.
3. Program completers will apply the basic principles of teaching and learning.

Admission Requirements

1. be accepted to the university;

2. possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university and have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 on all undergraduate coursework;

3. pass the following Core Academic Skills PRAXIS tests: Reading (5712), Writing (5722), and Mathematics (5732). The requirement is waived for those possessing an ACT score of 22+, an SAT score of 1030+, or a master’s degree;

4. pass PRAXIS II – take the secondary subject-specific examination for the content area(s) to be certified: Biology 5235; English 5039; Math 5161; Social Studies 5086;

If no examination has been adopted for Louisiana in the certification area, candidates must present a minimum of 31 semester hours of coursework specific to the content area;

5. complete the admissions application and submit to the Department of Education;

6. complete background check with LSUA or with parish in which observation and participation requirements will be met;

7. receive Department of Education faculty approval of completed application for entry into LSUA’s Certification-Only Alternate Path Program, Grades 6-12.

Residency Requirements EDCI 4945  

Applications for Residency must be submitted no later than four weeks following the first day of classes in the semester prior to Residency. Late applications cannot be guaranteed consideration. To be officially admitted to student teaching, students must meet the following criteria:

1. possess a grade point average of at least 2.6 in all coursework required for certification;

2. pass PRAXIS II: Principles of Learning and Teaching (5624);

3. complete all coursework (with a grade of “C” or higher in all professional courses) and complete all Transition II requirements. Note for Residency: no additional coursework may be taken without special permission of the department chair. Such permission is granted only in unusual circumstances. If a student is completing the two-semester Residency, three hours for each semester during Residency may be scheduled; however, EDCI 4200  may not be taken during the last semester of the internship;

4. complete 2 days a week/50 FEX hours in field placement school.

Request for Certification

When program completers have met all of the below criteria, they are proposed to the Louisiana State Department of Education for certification to teach grades 6-12 in their major area of study.