As a freshman or transfer student, you enter the university as a pre-education major. You will meet with an academic advisor for a tailored curriculum guide to begin your journey.

This initial year focuses on enjoying your time as a new Bronco, completing university core courses, preparing for the Praxis test, joining clubs such as Future Educators Club and observing local teachers in action. Your goal this year is to achieve at least a 2.7 GPA.

High school students may also participate in The Pathways to Teaching Summer Bridge Program to receive test preparation strategies and financial support for the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test.

As a sophomore, you will continue to follow your curriculum guide and meet with your academic advisor. You will apply for entry into your desired major, and if you are a first-time Praxis Core test taker, you can participate in the Bronco Pass Core Academic Skills Test Program to receive face-to-face instruction and online support about the Core Test. Completing the program earns you a free voucher to take the three required tests.

As you continue to participate in enriching cultural activities and events, you will receive ongoing academic support from faculty, advisors and through the Bronco One Stop Office. Bronco One Stop offers various resources to make sure that you stay on track for graduation and stay connected to your future field of education.

Once you have met your freshman and sophomore requirements, you will become a junior and meet with your new academic advisor who is associated with your specific major.

During this year, your curriculum guide will be re-evaluated, and you will continue to be provided with ongoing academic and test preparation support. Many of your classes will require that you work directly with children and families in school situations. You will be encouraged to participate in conferences offered on campus that expand what is being taught in the classroom and to participate in the NC Student Association of Educators.

Congratulations! You’ve made it to your final year!

As a senior, you will begin your hands-on training with an experienced educator in the field. This critical year consists of method courses, preparing for the edTPA assessment, designing and implementing a leadership project, a sixteen-week clinical experience (formerly known as student teaching), and much more. Your achievements will be celebrated with a pinning ceremony, scholarship awards, and ultimately, gainful employment upon graduation.

In most courses you will have the opportunity to complete 10-20 hours of active participation in daycare or classroom settings to learn more about the profession. At the internship, you will complete 16 weeks as a full-time student teacher.

You will take several courses designed around serving different populations of students and families, to include specials needs and military. The field experience placements focus on rural, urban, and suburban areas and a variety of socioeconomic levels.

You will be provided with an academic advisor who is also trained as a certified success coach to make sure that you are efficiently matriculating toward your degree.

The College of Education has established a conceptual framework that leads to preparing knowledgeable, reflective and caring professionals in the fields of education, research and service.

Our highly qualified faculty ensure that our candidates participate in prescribed activities, cutting edge instructional practices offered through multiple modes of delivery, on-going assessments and field-based internships.