Secondary Education Bridge

Maryville students who wish to teach grades 9-12 complete an academic major with specific certification requirements in their chosen content areas (English, history, mathematics, biology or chemistry) and complete the M.A. in Education: Secondary Teaching and Inquiry. The secondary bridge program is designed for those candidates who make this decision early in their tenure at Maryville to gain early recognition and advisory support by taking the courses listed below. Students selecting this option are assured of accurate advising in the course work and testing obligations required for certification. To assure these services, candidates for the bridge must complete an Application for Access to Program Candidacy during their sophomore or early junior year.

Benefits of gaining Access to Candidacy include accurate advisement and support, the opportunity to work in schools, belong to the Education Club and attend School of Education events, and to having EDUC 626 count toward hours in the graduate program. To be granted full admission, candidates must complete content and education courses work successfully (3.0 in content and education course work), have a 3.0 cumulative GPA, pass the Praxis II exam in their content area, complete application to the program (secure needed recommendations), and successfully complete on-site interview and essay writing, which could occur in the fall of the senior year. Admission would be granted upon evidence of successful completion of all entrance requirements.

All students in these programs are advised by the School of Education and an adviser in their content area. They should work with these advisers to ensure completion of appropriate and required coursework in a timely manner. Access to Candidacy does not guarantee acceptance into the M.A. in Education program but does provide appropriate background for possible success. Certification occurs at the completion of the M.A. in Education.