Life Science Major (B.S.Ed.)

Students enrolled in teacher education programs (known as teacher candidates) must meet additional requirements to continue in the program (see below for additional details):

• Admission to Teacher Candidacy (typically at the end of the first year)
• Admission to Advanced Standing (typically at the end of the second year)
• Admission to the Professional Internship (typically at the end of the third year)

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond university admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

Current Ohio University students who would like to declare a teacher education program must have a 3.0 Ohio University GPA before changing majors.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond university admission requirements.

Admission to Teacher Candidacy

Candidates must be admitted to Teacher Candidacy before taking any education courses numbered 2000 and above. (Exception EDCT 2030).

Generally, candidates apply for admission to Teacher Candidacy during the second semester of the first year. 

Requirements:

1. Completion of 30 credit hours with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Completion of the following courses with a grade of C (2.0) or higher in each course:
        a.   Fulfillment of the Foundations: Quantitative Reasoning general education
              requirement with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.
        b.   Completion of the Pre-Teacher Candidacy coursework listed below.
3. Submission of test scores on one of the following assessments. Students only need to take and submit scores for one of the following tests, not all three.
        a.   PRAXIS CORE (Academic Skills for Educators) Test.
        b.   ACT
        c.   SAT
4. Submission of the results of a background check through BCI & FBI. Ohio Revised Code: 3319.291D.
5. New Transfer Students: Transfer CUM GPA may be considered towards Teacher Candidacy.

Admission to Advanced Standing

Candidates must be admitted to Advanced Standing before taking any education courses numbered 3000 or above. Candidates must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75, as well as a 2.75 GPA in each teaching field for which licensure is sought to continue to take education courses numbered 3000 or above. Methods courses can be taken no more than twice. Failure to obtain a satisfactory grade can result in dismissal from the program.

Generally, candidates apply for Advanced Standing in Teacher Candidacy at the end of the second semester of the sophomore year.

Requirements:

1. Completion of 60 semester hours of credit with an overall GPA of 2.75.
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 in each teaching field for which a licensure is sought.
3. Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of C in each:
       a.    EDTE 2000 - Learning and Human Development 
       b.    EDTE 2010 - Characteristics of Learners with Exceptionalities 
       c.    EDTE 2020 - Field Experience in Education 
       d.    EDCS 2010 - Education and Cultural Diversity  
4. Submission of the results of a background check through BCI & FBI. Ohio Revised Code: 3319.291D.

Admission to Professional Internship

During candidates' final year in the program, they will complete a Professional Internship of intensive field experiences in a grades 7-12 classroom. The following requirements must be completed prior to the start of the Professional Internship.

1. Complete the Professional Internship Application. Candidates must have a current BCI & FBI Background check and been recommended for the internship by a representative appointed by faculty.
2. Earn at least 90 hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
3. Earn at least 2 semesters (30 hours) of residence at OU.
4. Complete all Educational Core coursework (exception: Science Methods Courses) with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and a C (2.0) or higher in each course.
5. Have completed at least 75% of the Science Coursework with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.