Undergraduate Teacher Education Program and PBTL Admission

Download as PDF

Undergraduate Requirements for Admission to the Teacher Education Program (seeking licensure) including PBTL 

Undergraduate students seeking admission (Level One) to the Teacher Education Program (TEP), Bachelor/Master of Arts in Teaching, or Bachelor/Master of Education programs may apply at any time. The application is an online form available on the myMBU, School of Education tab.

Through the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure (PBTL) program, students who already have a bachelor’s degree can pursue initial licensure. This is a licensure program that takes into account all the credits a student has already earned and applies those toward the goal of obtaining a Virginia teaching license. This program does not lead to a graduate degree. All students enrolled in the program must devote their final semester entirely to student teaching. Applications are available online through the Office of University Admissions. For more information on the PBTL program, please contact the School of Education.

The School of Education, in compliance with our accreditor, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), has adopted the Teacher Education Program - Initial Licensure Levels of Progression rubric to meet accreditation requirements. All Education students must meet admission requirements and progress through varying levels of program progression. This process is outlined below.

Teacher Education Program (TEP) - Initial Licensure Levels of Progression

Teacher Education Program Admission

Requirements for admission:

  • GPA 2.5 (UG TEP/PBTL - most recent transcript)
  • GPA 3.0 (BA/MAT or BA/MEd - most recent transcript)
  • Undergraduate major must be declared and on file with the Registrar's Office
  • Correct, fluent written and spoken English. Non-native English speakers must submit one of the following with the minimum score noted:
    • Duolingo, 130
    • IELTS, 7.0
    • TOEFL, 98  

Level One - Experiential Learning Through Field Placement 

A Level 1 student has met the requirements above and been admitted to the Teacher Education Program, BA/MAT, BA/MEd or PBTL program. This student is now eligible to take fieldwork placement/practicum courses such as ED 112 and ED 324. 

Level Two - Candidate Eligibility for Instructional Strategies/Methods  

Requirements for advancement to Level 2:
The student is ready for Level 2 in the TEP when they have met/completed the following:

  • GPA 3.0 (for all students)
  • Methods & Practicum Placement Request Form 
  • Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition Training
  • Civics Education Module (if applicable)
  • Cultural Competency Training
  • Dyslexia Awareness Training Module
  • Professional Ethics Module
  • Special Education Modules (Building a More Inclusive School Community and Meaningful IEP Meetings)
  • Understanding the Regulations Governing the Use of Restraint and Seclusion 

A Level 2 student who has met the requirements above and is now eligible for Instructional Strategies/Methods (ED 312, 315, 345, 607, 624, 649).

Level Three - Selected Candidate Student Teaching

Requirements for advancement to Level 3: 

The student is ready for Level 3 in the TEP when they have met/successfully completed the following:

  • Continued GPA 3.0
  • Student Teaching Request Form
  • All pre-requisite courses (in progress are acceptable)
  • Instructional Strategies/Methods (B- or better) 
  • Acceptable score from the Instructional Strategies Instructor on the PQDT evaluation
  • Passed VCLA 
  • Passed College Algebra or higher (grade of C or better)
  • Attempted and scores received for the following: (pass not required for Level 3)
    • Praxis II, if applicable
    • RVE or Teaching Reading: Elementary, if applicable

A Level 3 Selected Candidate has met the requirements above and may progress to student teaching and seminar.  

Level Four - Program Completer Apply for Licensure

Requirements for advancement to Level 4:
The student is ready for Level 4 in the TEP and to proceed toward licensure application and employment when they have met/completed the following:

  • Continued GPA 3.0
  • Successfully completed seminar and student teaching
  • Successfully completed the Student Impact Project
  • Acceptable score from the University Supervisor on the PQDT evaluation
  • Passed Praxis II, if applicable
  • Passed RVE or Teaching Reading: Elementary, if applicable
  • First Aid/AED/hands-on CPR 
  • Submitted licensure application, transcripts, and certified check or money order to the Licensure Coordinator for processing

A Level 4 Program Completer has met the requirements above and their licensure application has been submitted to the Virginia Department of Education for processing. A Program Completer is a licensed student/alumnus who is employed in their endorsement area.

Periodic reappraisal of teacher candidates will be made as the student progresses through the Teacher Education Program.

Bachelor's/Master's Options

The School of Education offers three Bachelor’s/Master’s options. Each program is designed to allow an undergraduate student to complete up to 18 credit hours of graduate coursework toward a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree. As a Master's degree student, one must complete at least 18 credit hours and be enrolled for one-year following completion of the Bachelor’s degree. Please see the following sections below (Bachelor’s/MAT, Bachelor’s/MEd, and Bachelor’s/MS) for specific program options, policies, and requirements.

Course Restrictions
Prior to admission to a Bachelor’s/Master’s program (see Admission requirements below), undergraduate students may only take two graduate courses (6-7 credit hours). However, exceptions may be made with SOE approval for students completing certificates or special course sequences. Following admission to a Bachelor’s/Master’s program, students may take additional graduate courses but will be assessed an additional nominal fee beyond the first six credit hours. No more than 18 graduate credit hours may be taken prior to Bachelor’s degree conferral for students in these programs.

Program Requirements/Terms of Graduate Study
Students must be continuously enrolled in the Bachelor's/Master's program full-time over the course of two or more semesters, enrolling in a minimum of 18 credit hours, as a Master’s degree-seeking student following conferral of the Bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor's/Master's of Arts in Teaching

The Bachelor’s/MAT is designed as a program that allows students to complete a Bachelor’s degree, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and teacher licensure upon MAT graduation. This program is available to undergraduate students except those in our Elementary Education (BA) and Special Education (BA) majors. Admission requirements are above in the section Teacher Education Program - Initial Licensure Levels of Progression. Students combine graduate courses with undergraduate work, leading to a MAT one-year following completion of the Bachelor’s degree but prior to the start of their teaching careers enriching their pre-service preparation. Students interested in the Bachelor’s/MAT should arrange a meeting with an education advisor to thoroughly review all course requirements.

Concentration areas for this option are:

  • Elementary Education (LAIS majors only)
  • Middle Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Special Education (LAIS majors only)

Education Leaders Learning Collective
The Education Leaders cohort allows high-performing and motivated College for Women and University College students to complete both the Bachelor’s and MAT degrees in four years, essentially accelerating through the undergraduate curriculum in three years (same Bachelor’s requirements as all Bachelor’s students), with one year remaining for graduate studies and student teaching. For more information on the Education Leaders program, please contact the School of Education.

Bachelor's/Master of Education

The Bachelor’s/MEd allows undergraduate students to complete both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Education. Students combine graduate courses with undergraduate work, leading to an MEd one year following completion of the Bachelor’s degree. All students must complete the Required Core Courses plus one concentration area. Students interested in the Bachelor’s/MEd should arrange a meeting with an education advisor to thoroughly review all course requirements.

Program Entry Requirements

  • Must be a second-semester sophomore or have completed at least 53 credit hours of coursework
  • Submit a completed application (found on myMBU, School of Education tab)
  • GPA of 3.0 on most recent transcript
  • Submit two recommendation forms completed by people who can speak to your professional or academic work ethic. (found on myMBU, School of Education tab.)

Concentration areas for this option are:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Authentic Learning and Leadership
  • Curriculum and Instruction

Bachelor's/Master of Science

The Bachelor’s/MS allows undergraduate students to complete both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science degree. Students combine graduate courses with undergraduate work, leading to an MS one year following completion of the bachelor’s degree. Students interested in the Bachelor’s/MS should arrange a meeting with an education advisor to thoroughly review all course requirements.

Program Entry Requirements

  • Must be a second semester sophomore or have completed at least 53 credit hours of coursework
  • Submit a completed application (found on myMBU, School of Education tab)
  • GPA of 3.0 on most recent transcript
  • Submit two recommendation forms completed by people who can speak to your professional or academic work ethic. (found on myMBU, School of Education tab.)

Concentration areas for this option are:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis*

*All ABA-specific courses must be taken at MBU in order to meet Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® requirements.

Conditional Admission for Undergraduate Teacher Education Program, PBTL, and Bachelor’s/Master’s programs

Students who do not meet the full-admission criteria for their program may be considered for conditional admission on the basis of strong evidence that they can succeed in a program that requires maintenance of an average 3.0 GPA. Conditionally admitted students must achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA in all coursework and complete all other admissions requirements in order to be considered for full admission. In general, conditional admission status does not continue for more than three successive semesters. Conditional admission is not available in all programs*.

*PBTL students on a provisional license who do not meet the GPA standard may request a review. The student must provide a letter of support from their superintendent or his/her designee to be considered. Conditional admission is not guaranteed.

Moving from Conditional to Full Admission Status

The School of Education monitors the progress of conditionally admitted students at the end of each semester. Course grades, course instructors’ assessments of students’ writing and speaking skills, and professional qualities evaluations are considered in this review. The School of Education informs students and their academic advisors in writing regarding their status:

  • continued conditional admission,
  • admission to full degree-seeking status,
  • suspension, or
  • dismissal.

Non-Degree-Seeking Students

Students who do not meet admission requirements but hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution are eligible to enroll in education courses as non-degree seeking students. No financial aid services are provided. Upon completion of nine credit hours of coursework, non-degree seeking students in non-CAEP governed MEd and MS programs may be eligible for a status change to conditional or full admission providing they have maintained a 3.0 GPA in MBU coursework. Teachers seeking recertification credits may enroll as non-degree seeking students. One must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program in order to enroll in Methods/Instructional Strategies coursework (ED 312, 315, 345, 607, 608, 624, 649).

Licensure Endorsement Areas

Initial Licensure Endorsement Areas

  • Elementary Education (PK–6)
  • Middle Education (in a teaching subject area for grades 6–8)
  • Secondary Education (in a teaching subject area for grades 6–12)
  • Special Education General Curriculum (K–12). (Requires practicum experience in all three levels: elementary, middle, and high school.)
  • Visual Arts (PK–12)
  • Music Education – Vocal/Choral (PK-12)
  • English as a Second Language* (PK-12)

*Must complete 6 s.h. of a spoken modern foreign language through the intermediate level prior to applying for the ESL endorsement.

Add-on/Additional Endorsements

Add-on endorsements are not stand-alone endorsements. A student must seek another endorsement simultaneously or already hold an active teaching license. Add-on/additional endorsements offered are:

  • Elementary Education (PK-6) (additional)
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)*
  • Gifted Education (K-12)
  • Special Education General Curriculum (K-12) (additional)
  • Special Education General Curriculum Add-on's for K-6, 6-8, or 6-12**

*Must complete 6 credit hours of a spoken modern foreign language through the intermediate level prior to applying for the ESL endorsement.

**Must hold or be concurrently seeking an initial license in the same endorsement area in which one is seeking the Add-on. (For example, if one is seeking the Special Education 6-8 Add-on, the initial license must be in a content area for Middle Education.)

As soon as the student identifies an interest in pursuing teacher licensure, he or she should arrange a meeting with an education advisor to go over specific licensure requirements.