Education Minor (Leading to Secondary Education 6-12 Certification)

The Minor in Education offers students majoring in biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics the opportunity to complete the course work required for certification to teach grades 6-12 in their major content area. Students pursuing certification to teach through this pathway must meet with the Coordinator of Secondary Programs housed in the Department of Education to apply for approval to take 3000/4000 level professional courses.

To be admitted to the Minor in Education program, candidates must

1. declare a major in biology, chemistry, English, history, or mathematics;
2. complete 48+ degree hours;
3. have an overall GPA of at least 2.5;
4. earn a grade of “C” or higher in at least two of the following: , , and ; if all three courses have been taken prior to admission, a grade of “C” or higher is required in each course;
5. 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+ or an SAT score of 1030+;
6. complete the admissions application and submit to the Department of Education;
7. complete background check with parish in which observation and participation requirements will be met;
8. receive Department of Education faculty approval of completed application to enroll in 3000/4000 level professional education courses.

Requirements for Residency ()

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 Residency, students must meet the following criteria:

1. possess a grade point average of at least 2.6 or higher in all coursework required for certification;
2. pass PRAXIS II:
   • content-specific subject area examination: Biology 5235, CHEMISTRY (5245), English 5039, Mathematics 5161; or Social Studies for history majors 5086;
   • Principles of Learning and Teaching Grades 6-12 (5624);
3. complete all coursework (with a grade of “C” or higher in all professional courses) and complete all requirements.
4. Complete at least 2 days a week/50 FEX hours in field placement school.

Request for Certification

When graduates have met all of the above criteria, they are proposed to the Louisiana State Department of Education for certification to teach in grades 6-12 in the content area.