College of Education

Programs

About the College Admission Requirements Baccalaureate-Level Degree Programs Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Science

Concentrations Global Pathways Graduation Requirements Minors Clinical Education Undergraduate Advising Information

4202 E. Fowler Avenue, EDU 105 Tampa, FL 33620 (813) 974-3400 http://www.usf.edu/education/ About the College As the home to more than 2,200 students and 130 faculty members across three campuses, the University of South Florida’s College of Education values high-quality education and excellence in research, teaching, and learning. Our college is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and our educator preparation programs are fully approved by the Florida Department of Education. At a time when the skills and pedagogy of classroom teachers and school administrators is more important than ever, the USF College of Education offers state-of-the-art teacher training and collaborative and collegial graduate studies designed to empower educational leaders. Working closely with our partners in the school districts across the Tampa Bay region, we seek to work with our community to extend proven educational initiatives and discover new ways of preparing life-long learners in an era of increasing access to knowledge and technology.  Mission and Vision Mission The Mission of the College of Education is to promote transformative education and social justice through rigorous research, innovative teaching, as well as locally and globally engaged partnerships.  Vision The USF College of Education envisions itself as a leader in regional, national and international education. Leadership in education encompasses: Academic excellence Research, scholarship, and inquiry that renews the educational process Collaboration that serves communities, institutions, and individuals Preparation that builds on academic excellence, scholarship, clinical practice, and collaboration and that contributes to a just and productive society  Accreditation The USF College of Education is proud to be nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP accreditation is a voluntary process designed to ensure high-quality practices through a rigorous evaluation process consisting of self-evaluation, on-site accreditation evaluators, and ongoing assessment.

Admission Requirements

Educator Preparation Programs

Educator preparation programs are ideal for students who wish to become classroom teachers as these programs are designed to result in eligibility for teacher certification in the State of Florida. Students seeking admission are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor in the college on their home campus.

Effective July 1, 2021, the State of Florida changed college admission requirements regarding the General Knowledge Test (GKT).  The GKT is no longer required for admissionto an educator preparation program.  However, the college advises students to prepare for and pass the GKT upon declaring their major in Education.

Students seeking admission into any of our educator preparation programs must satisfy the following:

1.  Successful admission to the University of South Florida
2.  Submit a College of Education application
3.  A minimum overall GPA of 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale)
4.  Complete or be enrolled in appropriate prerequisite coursework for the student’s intended major.

For former students returning to the college after being inactive, please be aware of the Time Limit for Coursework policy under Graduation Requirements.

Exercise Science Program

The Exercise Science program is designed to equip future exercise professionals with the knowledge and skills to meet the diverse health and performance needs of our population through the integration of coursework with laboratory-based and field-based experiential learning. It is a highly competitive, specialized admissions program. Enrollment is limited to a select number of students each fall semester based on the successful completion of specific courses and a composite GPA Students seeking admission are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor in Student Academic Services by making an appointment. (https://www.usf.edu/education/undergraduate/academic-advising/index.aspx)

Students seeking admission into the Exercise Science programs must satisfy the following:

1. Submit an application to the University of South Florida.
2. Submit an application to the College of Education for the Exercise Science program. (https://www.usf.edu/education/undergraduate/academic-advising/coedu-applications.aspx )
   1. Applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.50
   2. Applicants must have successfully completed specific prerequisite courses with an identified minimum grade to be eligible for admission. Learn more by reviewing the major-specific Prerequisite Checklists (https://www.usf.edu/education/undergraduate/academic-advising/prerequisite-checklists.aspx)

Clinical Education

All educator preparation programs include required clinical education. Clinical experiences allow teacher candidates to put theory into practice as they learn to teach within partnership schools in our local school districts.

Background Checks and Fingerprinting

All students seeking admission to educator preparation programs will be required to undergo a background check and fingerprinting during the admission process. Visit this site for additional information: Fingerprinting Instructions (https://www.usf.edu/education/clinical-education/fingerprinting-instructions.aspx). International students should be mindful that fingerprinting requires a social security number. Depending upon the outcome of the background check, students may be informed they cannot be placed in a particular school district. As each program determines the school district(s) in which to place their students, past legal history may impact a student’s ability to enter field experience and continue in an educator preparation program. Please be advised that program and/or course requirements and fingerprinting/background check procedures are subject to change per state legislative mandates, Florida State Department of Education program approval standards, accreditation criteria, and school district policy and procedures. Students can learn more about fingerprinting from Student Academic Services.

Repeating a Clinical Experience

A candidate who receives an unsatisfactory grade or withdraws when performing unsatisfactorily in any clinical experience may be allowed by the program to re-enroll in that course one additional time for a total of two attempts. In the event that a candidate needs to repeat the clinical experience, the candidate must request permission to do so by completing a written appeal to the appropriate department or program. If permission is granted, the candidate must meet with designated College of Education personnel to develop an action plan for the experience that may include enrollment in a course(s). There is no guarantee that the request will be approved for the semester for which the request/appeal is made.

If a candidate receives an unsatisfactory grade or withdraws when performing unsatisfactorily in any field experience two times in the same experience, the candidate will be removed from the College of Education. If a candidate re-applies for admission to the College of Education he/she must indicate he/she was once in the College and dismissed. If the candidate is admitted and it is determined that he/she did not disclose the dismissal the student will be dismissed immediately.

General Knowledge Test (GKT)

Students admitted beginning summer/fall (2022) to Tampa/Sarasota/Manatee teacher preparation programs will need to complete (pass) the General Knowledge Test (GKT) prior to entering their final internship.

Graduation Requirements

The College of Education strives to ensure students graduate in a timely fashion and without incurring unnecessary debt. In order to graduate, students should take the following steps:

1. Meet with your academic advisor each semester to review your progress toward degree.
2. Successfully complete all state, university, and program requirements
3. Earn 120 credit hours
4. Earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.5
5. Complete any required certification exams
6. Apply to graduate. (https://www.usf.edu/education/academics/graduation-information.aspx)

Time Limits for Coursework

The College of Education reserves the right to determine whether courses five years or older can be applied toward a degree based on the following guidelines:

Courses completed within the last five years may be accepted toward graduation. Courses completed over five years but less than ten years ago must have the approval of the chairperson from the department in which the equivalent course is taught. Courses completed ten years ago or longer will count as elective credit only toward graduation.

Baccalaureate-Level Degree Programs

Global Pathways

https://www.usf.edu/gcp/students/index.aspx

A Global Pathway is an undergraduate major or degree program that has significant global content. Global Pathways provide students with the opportunity to practice and apply global competencies through the major or degree program. The following programs are designated as Global Pathway Programs:

Global Studies in Education Minor https://www.usf.edu/education/documents/advising/undergraduate/minor-guide-global-studies-education.pdf​

Exceptional Student Education https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/exceptional-student-education/

Bachelor of Science

Early Childhood Education: Pre Kindergarten/Primary (ESOL and Reading Endorsements)
https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/early-childhood-education/

The program embraces a pedagogy of social justice with community-engaged scholarship and active participation in linguistically, culturally, and socio-economically diverse settings. The program prepares students to acquire the skills and dispositions necessary to advocate for positive change in the lives of children, families, and communities.

Education (ESOL and Reading Endorsements)
https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/educational-studies/programs/degree-programs.aspx

This program is uniquely designed to integrate the pedagogy, content, and clinical experiences necessary for graduates to gain certification in Exceptional Student Education as well as Elementary Education.

Educational Studies
https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/educational-studies/programs/degree-programs.aspx

The BS in Educational Studies prepares individuals for a variety of career paths such as teaching English abroad, informing educational policy, non-profit work, and childcare, among many others. It also serves as the minimum educational credential for graduate school. This pathway does not lead to teacher certification, nor is it a teacher preparation program. Experiential learning, foundations of education, as well as an exploration of best practices associated with teaching and learning comprise this program of study; effectively preparing graduates to pursue an educationally-focused career outside of the Florida public school system.

Elementary Education (ESOL and Reading Endorsements)
https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/elementary-education/

The B.S. in Elementary Education Program develops teachers who possess sound instructional practices as well as an inquiry mindset that allows teachers to differentiate instruction to enhance student learning.

English Education (ESOL and Reading Endorsements)
https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/english-education/

The Bachelor of Science degree in English Education prepares students to develop content knowledge related to structures and functions of language, diverse literatures (including print and non-print texts and multimedia), adolescent literacy and writing theories and processes. This program is a joint program between the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Exceptional Student Education (ESOL and Reading Endorsements)
https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/exceptional-student-education/

The Exceptional Student Education program prepares teachers to work with children who have emotional and behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities, and specific learning disabilities. The undergraduate program is a state-approved program that leads to certification in Exceptional Student Education and an endorsement in teaching English Speakers of a Second Language (ESOL).

Exercise Science
https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/exercise-science/

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science prepares students for careers in strength and conditioning, corporate fitness, community-based fitness, cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy school.  Students will explore the science of human movement through curriculum in the biological, psychological and social sciences, including health, nutrition, exercise psychology, anatomy, physiology and biomechanics.

Social Science Education
https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/social-science-education/

The Social Science Education Program engages students with methods of inquiry and pedagogy in the social studies. Attention is given to both an interdisciplinary curriculum and to individual social disciplines including history, geography, civics and government, economics, anthropology, psychology, sociology and related fields of study.  

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Mathematics Education
https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/mathematics-education/

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics Education is a 120 credit hour program. The program explores educational foundations, methods, and theory and practice of teaching mathematics at grades 6-12. It is designed to prepare effective teachers of middle and high school mathematics who are knowledgeable, reflective, caring, and are able to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

Physical Education
https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/physical-education/

The Bachelor of Science in Physical Education is designed for those who wish to qualify for Florida certification in teaching Physical Education for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. This degree is a two-year program of study.

Science Education
https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/science-education/

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Science Education explores educational foundations and methods to prepare educators in middle and secondary schools. It also explores the theory and practice of teaching science education. The objective is to prepare reflective and caring educators

Bachelor of Arts

Interdisciplinary Education

https://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/interdisciplinary-education/#:~:text=The%20PhD%20concentration%20in%20Interdisciplinary,an%20individualized%20program%20of%20study.

The Interdisciplinary Education degree leads to a Bachelor of Arts designed for those not seeking positions as classroom teachers, which would require certification through the Elementary Education degree. The Interdisciplinary Education degree shares common courses with the Elementary Education degree; therefore, it is possible to transfer from Elementary Education into Interdisciplinary Education without losing time toward completion.

Minors

Foreign Language Education
https://www.usf.edu/education/documents/advising/undergraduate/minor-guide-foreign-language-edu.pdf

The minor in Foreign Language Education is for students who are pursuing a degree in another field and who have an interest in teaching a foreign language. The courses in the minor give students a foundation in methods of teaching a foreign or second language. Completing this does not result in Florida teaching certification.

Global Studies in Education
https://www.usf.edu/education/documents/advising/undergraduate/minor-guide-global-studies-education.pdf

Students pursuing a minor in Global Studies in Education will gain knowledge about the relationships between education and the increasingly globalized world and learn how to apply this knowledge within diverse fields and professional settings. This interdisciplinary minor integrates educational, sociological, and psychological perspectives.

Professional Training Option
https://catalog.usf.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=13&poid=4848

The Professional Training Option (PTO) is an approved alternative teacher certification program that leads to temporary certification. A Temporary Teaching Certificate enables educators to complete the Professional Certificate requirements while teaching full-time. It is designed for students interested in teaching at the secondary level in English, Social Science, or Science in the State of Florida.

Science of Physical Activity
https://www.usf.edu/education/documents/advising/undergraduate/minor-guide-science-physical-activity.pdf

Students pursuing a minor in Science of Physical Activity gain experience working with physically active individuals, and learn skills that translate to work in after-school programs, recreation environments, or fitness centers. Completing this minor does not result in Florida teaching certification. 

Concentrations

A concentration is any organized set of courses that is offered as part of a major and enhances or complements the degree program to be awarded in a manner that leads to specific educational or occupational goals, and/or from different disciplines that provide an interdisciplinary focus.

Mathematics Education

• Middle School Mathematics

Science Education

• Biology Education
• Chemistry Education
• Physics Education  

Undergraduate Advising Information

USF College of Education
Tampa campus
Student Academic Services (SAS)
4202 East Fowler Avenue, EDU 106
Tampa, FL 33620
Phone: 813-974-2979
https://www.usf.edu/education/undergraduate/academic-advising/index.aspx

St. Petersburg campus
Academic Advising Opportunity Center (AAOC)
140 7th Avenue South, Davis Hall - Suite 134
St. Petersburg, FL  33701
Phone:  727-873-4511
https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-advising/

Sarasota-Manatee campus
8350 N. Tamiami Trail, SMC 107
Phone: 941-359-4200
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
https://www.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-advising/

  

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