Teaching (initial teacher certification)

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1 Master of Arts (M.A.) in Teaching (initial teacher certification) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Teaching program is designed for those who have completed a bachelor s degree program and desire teaching certification. This graduate level program, which is tied to the Wisconsin Teacher Standards, has a dual emphasis: to provide initial certification in PreK-12 education, and to offer a master s degree option. Integral aspects of the program are the development of a professional portfolio and field experiences. Both the portfolio and the field experiences are developmental, evolving throughout the course of the program and are designed to meet the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction PI 34 requirements for teacher licensure and renewal. Whether you have just recently earned a bachelor s degree or are looking to change careers, Stritch s initial teacher certification program will prepare you for your first day as a teacher. Stritch has perfected a curriculum that prepares students to be both effective and engaging teachers, learning not only from classroom instruction, but also through field experiences in PreK-12 schools. PROGRAM FORMAT All certification levels: Certification - 38 cr. (includes student teaching); Master s Degree - additional 8 cr. Certification courses are offered in the evening in a year-round format and utilize a cohort model. Students will complete the coursework and student teaching in approximately 18 months. The optional master s degree courses are typically completed after a student secures a teaching position. These courses are offered online, providing students with the flexibility needed to complete their master s degree program. During the first 12 months of the program, students are required to complete 100 hours of field experiences in PreK-12 classrooms during regular school hours. Schools in area districts will be used for field experiences and student teaching placements. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Please visit for more information about these requirements, as well as to view upcoming locations and start dates, course descriptions, an application checklist, and more. A bachelor s degree from an accredited college or university A grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (probationary acceptance may be granted) Two attitude and disposition questionnaires (recommendation forms) Personal essay, one to two pages in length Passing scores on all three sections of the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) TUITION AND AID Please visit for more detailed information regarding tuition, aid, and payment plans Tuition Rate: $610/cr. Financial Aid: Available for this program to qualifying students continued on back

2 CERTIFICATION LEVELS Students may choose to pursue certification at the following levels: Early Childhood to Middle Childhood (PreK-6) Early Childhood to Adolescence (PreK-12) (requires subject major; see certifiable majors below) Middle Childhood to Early Adolescence (1-8) (see certifiable minors below) Early Adolescence to Adolescence (6-12) (requires subject major; see certifiable majors below) PreK-12 Certification Areas: Art Education Foreign Language* Music Education Theater Certifiable Minors (1-8) : Biology Science Chemistry Computer Science English (Language Arts) Environmental Studies Foreign Language* History Mathematics Physics Political Science Social Studies Speech/Communication Certifiable Majors (6-12): Theater Biology Broad Field Science Broad Field Social Studies Chemistry Computer Science English Environmental Studies Foreign Language* History Mathematics Physics Political Science Sociology *Foreign language options include Spanish and French PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION ONLY To be eligible for Wisconsin teacher certification, you must meet all of these program requirements: Teaching methods courses in Stritch s 38 credit M.A. in Teaching program Field experience placements totaling 100 hours over two semesters One semester of student teaching, included in Stritch s 38 credit M.A. in Teaching program Certifiable subject minor/major coursework, if applicable (see above) Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction General Education Requirements: Written Communication Literature/Humanities Oral Communication General Psychology Mathematics Fine Arts/Humanities Biological Science Western World History Physical Science Non-Western World History Passing scores on the Praxis I: PPST (prior to program admission) Passing score on the Praxis II (prior to beginning student teaching) REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION WITH MASTER S DEGREE To qualify for the master s degree, you must have: Earned the 38 credits required for certification, along with the eight credits listed below, within seven consecutive academic years A minimum overall grade point average of 3.0, with no individual grade below a B- CED 549 Technology-Based Research Statistics (face-to-face or online) 3 cr. EDM 624 Research Methodology (online) 3 cr. EDM 634 Action Research Application (online) 2 cr. Cardinal Stritch University reserves the right to make changes to this information at any time Rev. 4/13

3 Application Checklist M.A. in Teaching Please send all application materials to: Cardinal Stritch University Office of Graduate Admissions 6801 N. Yates Road, #437 Milwaukee, WI For priority admission consideration, please submit all application materials by: July 15 for fall semester Dec. 1 for spring semester q Application for Admission to the M.A. in Teaching program Apply online at (The application fee is waived for those who apply online.) Please note: All students that enroll in this program will have until the end of the first semester to decide whether to pursue this certification and degree or switch to the M.A. in Inclusive Education, which offers students the ability to earn both their regular education and special education certifications in the same program. q Official Transcripts Official transcripts (from every college or university attended) must be submitted in a sealed envelope directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. We suggest that you request your transcripts as soon as possible. Your application cannot be reviewed until we have them in hand. It is not necessary to request transcripts for work that you completed at Cardinal Stritch University. q Two Attitude and Disposition Questionnaires (recommendation forms) Attitude and disposition questionnaires should be completed by two individuals who know you in a professional or academic relationship (e.g., supervisors, colleagues, advisors). For your convenience, Attitude and Disposition Questionnaire forms are included in this packet. q Personal Essay The essay should be a two page (double-spaced), word-processed statement addressing why you wish to pursue teaching licensure, the path you have taken to get here, and the dedication you will have in the program. q Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) The Wisconsin Administrative Code PI 34 requires that all candidates in an initial teaching licensure program must pass the Praxis I: PPST in the areas of reading, writing, and math. The passing score for each test is: Reading 175; Writing 174; Math 173. More detailed information about the Praxis I: PPST is included in this packet. Please schedule your test early, as it can take up to four to six weeks to receive your test scores. q Financial Aid Individuals interested in applying for a Federal Student Loan should follow the steps for the graduate financial aid process. More information is available at Cardinal Stritch University reserves the right to make changes to this information at any time Rev. 7/11

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5 Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) The Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) is a standardized test that is required by the state of Wisconsin for teacher certification. Passing scores on all three parts of the PPST are required for admission to any of the graduate-level initial teaching certification programs offered at Cardinal Stritch University. The Praxis I: PPST is composed of three tests: 1) Reading Test: requires the student to read short passages and answer questions based on the passages; Wisconsin passing score is 175 2) Mathematics Test: requires a cumulative knowledge of the basics of math, including algebra and geometry; Wisconsin passing score is 173 3) Writing Test: section one consists of English usage and sentence correction multiple choice questions, and requires identification and/or correction of errors in standard written English; section two is the essay section, which requires essay planning/organization on an assigned topic; Wisconsin passing score is 174 TEST FORMATS The PPST tests are delivered in both computer and paper formats, and may be taken either as three separate tests on separate days, or as one combined test. Registration and additional information, including locations and dates are available on the ETS website at Stritch s institution code is RA1100. Computer-delivered tests are administered year-round by appointment at Prometrics Testing Centers Paper-delivered tests are administered on pre-scheduled dates throughout the school year Official scores are available two to three weeks after taking the computer-delivered tests, and four to six weeks after taking the paper-delivered tests; please plan test dates accordingly REGISTRATION AND FEES More information about PPST registration, including current registration and test fees, can be found online at A non-refundable registration fee is charged once per testing year (September to August), in addition to the individual test fees. PREPARING FOR THE PPST PLATO Learning is an online instructional support and test preparation program offering assessment and lessons directly related to the PPST math, reading and writing sections. Applicants to Stritch s initial teaching certification programs may use this program free of charge. Contact your admission counselor for password and log-in directions. Study guides for the PPST are also a valuable preparation tool, and are available at public libraries, and are also available for purchase online and at many bookstores. CONTACT US To learn more about the PPST requirement, please contact Cardinal Stritch University s Office of Graduate Admissions at (414) , toll-free (800) , ext or gradadm@stritch.edu. A graduate admissions counselor will be able to answer any questions you have, as well as assist you with beginning the application process for any of Stritch s graduate-level initial teaching certification programs. Cardinal Stritch University reserves the right to make changes to this information at any time Rev. 2/13

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