Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education

Teacher Certifications for Middle School Grades 4-8

About the Degree

The Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs inclusive of the following Educator Preparation Tracks for all level teaching certifications.

• ELA (4-8) with ESL Certification
• Math (4-8) with ESL Certification
• Science (4-8) with ESL Certification
• Social Studies (4-8) with ESL Certification

Program Coordinator

For more information about these specific teacher certification programs, please reach out to Dr. Danielle Bevan (dbevan@hbu.edu).

Student Learning Outcomes

In the Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences, we teach future teachers. Our undergraduate and graduate degree programs prepare you to teach in elementary, middle and high schools in public and private schools. We believe learning is active, engaging, and collaborative.

Our department gives you practical, cutting-edge professional learning. Our teaching is:

• Field-based: You will work with children in schools throughout the program (not just at the end, or for one or two semesters).
• Technology-rich: You will experience a wide range of technology-based learning activities in your courses, and you will learn to effectively and creatively used technology as an educator – not just in one technology course, but throughout the program.
• Personal: You will develop lasting relationships with your professors in our small classes. Professors become professional mentors – not just while you are here at HCU, but throughout your educational career.
• Focused on Best Practice: Because our faculty practice what they teach (evidence-based practice), students learn to teach well from how they are taught, as well as what they are taught.
• Respected: Our close ties with area schools and our reputation for excellence provide hiring advantages when you graduate and begin to apply for jobs.

What Can I Do With My Middle School Teaching Certification?

There is a demand for quality teachers throughout the state. Most graduates are employed in Houston-area schools following student teaching. Employment opportunities vary according to teaching field. Districts involved in the hiring of our graduates are surveyed annually to provide feedback on the level of preparation our graduates receive prior to entering the field as teachers or related service personnel. Our feedback results indicate that our graduates (1-5 years) are well prepared and maintain skills in the teaching field after graduation.

Our graduates have become leaders in their schools and school districts. They have made a difference in the lives of children, and they have received recognition as outstanding educators. They have gone on to be principals, curriculum specialists, school counselors, diagnosticians, superintendents and university professors.

Prerequisites

Undergraduate students who earn a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education will need to meet the following pre-requisites in order to interview for admission into the Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Additional requirements must then be met.  A full list of prerequisites can be found online.

• EDUC 2320 and EDUC 2330
• 45 credit hours
• 2.50 GPA (overall/ last 60 credit hours earned)
• THEA Exam score (Reading: 230, Math: 230, Writing: 220)
• Reading Proficiency (SAT/ACT or ENGL 2315/2325)
• Math Proficiency (SAT/ACT or MATH 1305/1313)
• Writing Proficiency (ENGL 1320 and ENGL 1330)
• English Oral Proficiency

EPP Course Requirements

*** Each degree plan has additional liberal arts core requirements and major requirements***
Please view the complete degree plan at the bottom of the page to view all degree requirements.

View Degree Plans

ELA (4-8) with ESL Certification
Mathematics (4-8) with Teacher Certification and ESL
Science (4-8) with Teacher Certification and ESL
Social Studies (4-8)  with Teacher Certification

What Next?

We can’t wait to see you! Apply today.