Elementary Education Post-Baccalaureate Licensure Program
Applications for 2008/2008 Academic year are no longer accepted. You may apply for the 2009/2010 yearInformation for current students—Catalogue—Financial Aid—Apply
Information for prospective students:
Do you have a Bachelor’s Degree? Do you want your elementary education teaching license? Here is the program for you. See the Program Brochure.
What ?
The Post Baccalaureate Program is an initial licensure for graduate students who have a bachelor's degree in any area. Depending on a student's background, some liberal arts courses may need to be completed prior to completing the program. The program also satisfies half of the requirements for a master's degree in elementary education. In most cases, courses are offered at the graduate level and have a strong practical experience base, providing teacher candidates with opportunities to learn theory and obtain practice in the various subject areas that comprise the elementary-school curriculum. Students will complete both a practicum field experience and a student teaching experience in an elementary education classroom prior to completion of the program.
Where?
The Post Baccalaureate Program has three cohorts: in Greeley, Loveland, and Denver. A cohort is a group of students who participate together throughout the program.
When?
The programs begin in last April or May. The application deadline for the 2008-2009 cohorts has passed. The application deadline for the 2009-2010 cohorts is November 28, 2008 at 5 pm. The students complete their program in three semesters (summer, fall and spring) by the following May. This is an intense program, which requires a full-time commitment; therefore, it is strongly recommended that the applicant does not try to maintain a full-time working position.
Who is the advisor?
Mr. Jonathan Shaw is the Off-Campus Program manager who handles most of the logistics (class scheduling, registration, paperwork). Dr. Jenni Harding-DeKam is the academic coordinator and advisor for the Post Baccalaureate program; she makes academic decisions such as admissions, graduation, transcript evaluations and course substitutions.
How do I apply?
Read the instructions. The application deadline is November 30 of the previous year. An interview maybe required.
Do I have to take the GRE?
You need a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA on your last 60 semester hours that you completed in college or a 900 combined score on the GRE for admittance. We do not accept less. This is a graduate program and this is the minimum for graduate students.
Can I apply for more than one cohort at the same time?
Yes, but you must initially apply for the location you would like the most. Then if you change your mind or are not accepted to the initial location, you need to write a letter to the Graduate School and send a copy to Dr. Jenni Harding-DeKam regarding your request to change locations.
What transcripts do I need?
Send two official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning that you have attended. Transcripts are reviewed for GPA based on the last 60 semester hours.
What Liberal Arts classes are required as background courses?
All teacher candidates mush have a Liberal Arts degree or Liberal Arts subject matter background completed prior to licensure that includes:
• English Composition (1 course with a grade of “A” or “B” or pass the CLEP exam)
• Laboratory Science (1 course – biology, chemistry, earth science physical science)
• Mathematics (1 course – non-remedial)
• Humanities (1 course – visual or performing arts, literature, foreign language, philosophy)
• History (1 course – U.S., Colorado, or World History)
• Social Science (2 courses – Geography, American Government/Civics, or Economics)
• Speech (1 course with a grade of “C” or better or pass the Oral Proficiency exam)
When do I have to finish the Liberal Arts courses?
Other Liberal Arts classes must be completed by the end of the Post. Bac. Program. Speech and English courses must be passed or completed prior to student teaching.
Can I take the Praxis or the PLACE Test prior to the Fall semester of the program?
You may take either exam whenever you would feel ready. Be sure to register for the appropriate exam and have your test results sent to UNC (Agency Code #4074) and the Colorado Department of Education (Agency Code #7040). For information on a test, please contact Career Services at (970) 351-2127.
How do I register for the Praxis Test?
You may register online at http://www.ets.org/praxis or pick up an application packet at Career Services Testing Center on the second floor of the UNC University Center. Also try practice tests.
How do I register for the PLACE Test?
You may register online at http://www.place.nesinc.com or pick up an application packet at Career Services Testing Center on the second floor of the UNC University Center.
What is a practicum field experience?
The field experience requires 225 hours (15 hours a week for 15 weeks) in an elementary classroom. You will be assigned to a school in the fall semester of the program. This experience includes some teaching responsibilities.
What is student teaching?
The student teaching experience is a full time teaching responsibility that takes place in the last semester (spring) of the program. You will be required to spend 16 full weeks in an elementary classroom. We do our best to accommodate your requests for placement particularly by geographic area but there are not guarantees.
What is the cost of the program?
$330/credit hour; there are no general or any other fees; this cash-funded program is run by the office of Extended Studies.
Financial Aid Information for Post-Baccalaureate Licensure only
Unless a student is actually pursuing an MAT, she or he is not considered a Graduate student for financial aid purposes. All students should be completing the FAFSA to meet the March 1 deadline for full consideration of aid available. If they pursue a masters’ program, they eliminate the possibility of Pell Grant, though they do increase their eligibility for Stafford Loans.
If declared licensure only, and since they already have a Bachelor’s degree, the only grant they can be considered for is Pell. If they meet the March 1 deadline they may have access to Perkins Loans as well as Pell Grant if they qualify, and Stafford Loans. Students pursuing non-degree teaching certificates are eligible for up to $5500 in Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford loan depending on need, as well as an additional $7000 of unsubsidized Stafford loan, for a total of $12,500 for an academic year.
Financial Aid Information for Graduate Programs
Students in MAT program are eligible for graduate student aid. They should also apply by March 1. They may be eligible, if a Colorado resident and in certain programs, for a state Graduate Grant. We award those to high need, on-time grad students within certain majors. They must be attending full time (9 hours) to receive. In addition, grad students are eligible for work-study, Perkins Loan if on-time applicants. Stafford Loans are available for up to $20,500 depending on the cost of attendance, i.e., a CO resident budget is less than that, so they would not qualify for the full $20,500. They should also complete the scholarship app by March 1 for Grad School scholarship consideration.
For further information, please contact
Office of Financial Aid
Phone 970-351-2502
Fax 970-351-3737
Carter Hall Room 1005
Greeley, CO 80639
- For inquiries contact Jon Shaw, 970-351-2897