Criteria for Admission
- The applicant must have completed 45 semester hours if the applicant is a secondary, 5-12 or P-12 major; 30 semester hours if in the interdisciplinary early childhood education (IECE), elementary (P-5), middle school (5-9), and/or special education program of study.
- The applicant must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. All college courses attempted must be a part of the applicant's MSU transcript. All transfer courses, as well as MSU credit, are used in calculating the GPA.
- The student must have a minimum ACT score of 21 with minimum subtest scores of 10; or minimum ACT score of 18, 19, or 20 with minimum subtest scores of 10 AND Preprofessional Skills Test (PPST) scores of Reading 173, Math 173 and Writing 172 (this option is not available for candidates seeking admission to the P-5, P-5/LBD, or P-5/MSD programs); or 750 Graduate Record Exam (GRE); or SAT 990; or 18, 19, 20 ACT composite with a minimum of 10 on each subtest and passing scores on all required PRAXIS content area tests.
- Successful completion of prerequisite courses, with grades of "C" or better (ENG 100, ENG 200, CMSP 108, EDF 207, and EDF 211 or HS 253) and prescribed clinical and field experiences.
- Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication (see "Writing Proficiency" above).
- Demonstrate moral, ethical, and social behavior commensurate with the standards of the school and community at large.
- Successful completion of an interview with the Department Admissions Interview Committee.
- Transfer students who were recently admitted to a TEP at another Kentucky institution may provide evidence of their admission in lieu of the interview provided they are applying for admission to the same program or major. Transfer students must meet all other requirements listed above.
- All students applying to the TEP must sign a declaration affirming: (1) a commitment to upholding the Code of Ethics for Kentucky; (2) knowledge of the TEP Handbook; and (3) knowledge of requirements for certification as well as disclosing all misdemeanor and felony convictions.
Once the TEP Coordinator screens these items, students are required to go before the TEP Admission Interview Committee. This committee will make a recommendation to the Teacher Education Council about the TEP admission.
Transfers and graduate students seeking initial certification must also apply for admission to the program and meet criteria outlined above.
Transfer of appropriate education courses from another institution is contingent upon successful completion of required field experiences in the public schools and clinical experiences on campus. Documentation is required. The appropriate department in the College of Education shall approve substitution of education courses. No transfer grades below "C" are accepted in IECE, early elementary, middle grades, or special education programs.
Education courses completed more than five years prior to readmission or initial admission in a provisional certification program shall be reviewed for program needs or deficiencies. The appropriate department in the College of Education shall conduct the review.
Retention in the TEP is dependent upon maintaining admission requirements. Any student whose admission is deferred or suspended may reapply for admission once each semester.