Overview
Completion of course work and a practicum in speech-language pathology meets the requirements for admission to graduate school. Students who enter this program are required to maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher. For a standard teaching certificate, a student must obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an approved program.
Education and Speech Language Pathology Info
The School of Education and Speech-Language Pathology functioning under the direction of the Teacher Education Committee has the responsibility for the general administration and coordination of the Teacher Education program. The primary objective of the program is to assist prospective teachers in developing the competencies required for becoming effective classroom teachers and obtaining Oklahoma teacher certification. Courses are designed to meet the certification requirements and standards of the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA), the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Within the School of Education and Speech-Language Pathology are professional education courses required for all certification programs and specialty area coursework that allow students to obtain an Oklahoma teaching certificate in early childhood education, elementary education, or education of the deaf. The speech pathology program prepares students for graduate programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders. A master's degree is required for a standard certificate in Speech-Language Pathology. Programs to add elementary or early childhood to early childhood, elementary, or deaf education have been approved by the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA).
Teacher certification programs are also offered through other divisions in the areas of art, physical education, English, math, music, science, and social studies. Students seeking a teaching certificate in one of these areas should consult with the education advisor in the respective discipline.
All certification programs include a foreign language competency requirement and completion of a professional portfolio.
All requirements for teacher certification programs are subject to change if new requirements are established by the Oklahoma State Board of Education, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA), or the Oklahoma state legislature.
A Minor in Education is available for some majors, see Teacher Certification section under Programs of Study.
Graduation Without Certification
An elementary or early childhood education major admitted to the Teacher Education Program may apply to receive a degree in Elementary or Early Childhood Education, not eligible for recommendation for certification:
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When a student realizes that teaching is no longer his/her chosen profession, but he/she wishes to complete a degree in Education without certification rather than change majors, OR
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When career goals require a degree in Education without teacher certification.
The decision requires discussions with advisor and the Director of Teacher Education.