Education: Elementary Education, English, Liberal Arts (BA)
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Major: Liberal Arts, Elementary Education
Concentration: English
Program Code: 3291
About This Major . . .
The Center for Teacher Education offers a comprehensive program of study that leads to licensure in Colorado. Our professors are experienced, knowledgeable, accessible, and dedicated to the improvement of public education. At Colorado Mesa University, we pride ourselves on the personal touch. Faculty offer one-on-one guidance for course selection, field placements, student teaching, and employment. Our mission is to develop Educators as Innovators; we are always looking to improve the quality of learning in our programs and K-12 schools.
As a student, you will gradually accumulate over 200 hours of classroom experience before beginning student teaching. School districts throughout western Colorado provide opportunities to gain experience with children of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of school settings.
The elementary licensure program provides teacher education candidates with a broad content knowledge and prepares them as teachers for grades kindergarten through six. A minimum of 60 credit hours of Essential Learning and content area coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.80 before a candidate may apply for admission to the Center for Teacher Education elementary licensure program. Please see the Teacher Education Admission Packet for further information on admissions criteria. EDUC 115 and EDUC 215 must be taken before applying to the program.
Important information for this program:
- Students must maintain 2.80 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework
- Must earn a grade of “C” or better in all required courses, unless otherwise noted.
- Foreign language proficiency must be demonstrated by high school course work (2 years), college coursework (2 semesters), or competency testing.
- Students must pass the PRAXIS II exam in the content area prior to beginning the internship. All other coursework toward the degree must be successfully completed prior to the internship.
- The program requires ENGL 111, ENGL 112, PSYC 233, EDUC 115 and EDUC 215, MATH 105, and MATH 205 (all with a grade of “B” or better) and formal acceptance to the Teacher Education Program.
For more information on what you can do with this major, visit Career Services’ What to Do with a Major? resource.
All CMU baccalaureate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy. In addition to these campus-wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to:
- Express themselves effectively in a variety of forms. (Communication Fluency)
- Support interpretive claims about a variety of texts. (Critical Thinking)
- Identify the salient features of literary texts from a broad range of English and American literary periods. (Specialized Knowledge)
- Employ knowledge of literary traditions to produce imaginative writing. (Communication Fluency/Applied Learning)
- Use research to assist in problem-solving. (Critical Thinking)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the history or structure of the English language. (Specialized Knowledge)
- Demonstrate mastery of major area’s content knowledge and pedagogical strategies through fieldwork with learners in professional settings. (Specialized Knowledge/Applied Learning)
- Design and establish a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for a diverse population of students. (Specialized Knowledge/Applied Learning)
- Plan and deliver effective instruction to students, based on research-based pedagogical practices. (Communication Literacy/Information Literacy)
- Collect and analyze student assessment data and use results to inform planning and instruction. (Quantitative Fluency)
- Demonstrate professionalism through ethical conduct, reflection, and leadership. (Personal and Social Responsibility)
Each section below contains details about the requirements for this program. Select a header to expand the information/requirements for that particular section of the program's requirements.
To print or save an overview of this program's information, including the program description, learning outcomes, requirements, suggested course sequencing (if applicable), and advising and graduation information, scroll to the bottom of the left-hand navigation menu and select "Print Options." This will give you the options to either "Send Page to Printer" or "Download PDF of This Page." The "Download PDF of This Page" option prepares a much more concise presentation of all program information. The PDF is also printable and may be preferable due to its brevity.
Institutional Degree Requirements
The following institutional degree requirements apply to all CMU baccalaureate degrees. Specific programs may have different requirements that must be met in addition to institutional requirements.
- 120 semester hours minimum.
- Students must complete a minimum of 30 of the last 60 hours of credit at CMU, with at least 15 semester hours in major discipline courses numbered 300 or higher.
- 40 upper-division credits (an alternative credit limit applies to the Bachelor of Applied Science degree).
- 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
- A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate.
- No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree.
- Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education and internships, cannot exceed 30 semester credit hours for a baccalaureate degree. A maximum of 15 of the 30 credits may be for cooperative education, internships, and practica.
- Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
- Capstone exit assessment/projects (e.g., Major Field Achievement Test) requirements are identified under Program-Specific Degree Requirements.
- The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and degree requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate. Visit with your advisor or academic department to determine which catalog year and program requirements you should follow.
- See “Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates” in the catalog for a complete list of graduation requirements.
Specific to this degree:
- 126 semester hours required for the BA in Liberal Arts, Elementary Education, English.
Essential Learning Requirements
(31 semester hours, must earn a grade of “C” or better in each course, unless otherwise noted.)
See the current catalog for a list of courses that fulfill the requirements below. If a course is an Essential Learning option and a requirement for your major, you must use it to fulfill the major requirement and make a different selection for the Essential Learning requirement.
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| English 1 | ||
| ENGL 111 | English Composition I-GTCO1 | 3 |
| ENGL 112 | English Composition II-GTCO2 | 3 |
| Mathematics 1,2 | ||
| MATH 205 | Elements of Mathematics II-GTMA1 | 3 |
| History | ||
| Select one History course 3 | 3 | |
| Humanities | ||
| Select one Humanities Course 4 | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | ||
| PSYC 233 | Human Growth and Development-GTSS3 | 3 |
| Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences course | 3 | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| Select one Fine Arts course | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences 5 | ||
| Select one BIOL course | 3 | |
| Select corresponding BIOL lab | 1 | |
| Select one GEOL course | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 31 | |
- 1
Must receive a grade of “B” or better and must be completed by the time the student has 60 semester hours.
- 2
Must be taken after MATH 105.
- 3
- 4
ENGL or HIST course recommended.
- 5
One course must include a lab.
Other Lower Division Requirements
Must earn a grade of “C” or better in each course, unless otherwise noted.
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness Requirement | ||
| KINE 100 | Health and Wellness | 1 |
| Select one Activity course | 1 | |
| Essential Learning Capstone 1 | ||
| ESSL 290 | Maverick Milestone | 3 |
| ESSL 200 | Essential Speech | 1 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 6 | |
- 1
Essential Learning Capstone must be taken after completion of the Essential Learning English and Mathematics requirements, and when a student has earned between 45 and 75 hours.
Program Specific Degree Requirements
(89 semester hours, must earn a grade of “C” or better in each course, unless otherwise noted. Must also maintain a 2.80 cumulative GPA or higher in coursework in this area. A grade of “B” or better is required for all EDUC courses.)
- Students must pass the PRAXIS II exam in the content area prior to beginning the internship. All other coursework toward the degree must be successfully completed prior to the internship.
- The program requires ENGL 111, ENGL 112, PSYC 233, EDUC 115 and EDUC 215, MATH 105, and MATH 205 (all with a grade of “B” or better) and formal acceptance to the Teacher Education Program.
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Literacy and Mathematics | ||
| ENGL 240 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 343 | Language Systems and Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
| ENGL 451 | Understanding and Using English Grammar | 3 |
| MATH 105 | Elements of Mathematics I (Must earn a grade of “B” or higher) | 3 |
| MATH 301 | Mathematics for Elementary Teachers | 3 |
| Kinesiology | ||
| KINE 321 | Physical Activity and Health in the Classroom | 3 |
| Social Sciences | ||
| POLS 101 | American Government-GTSS1 | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Anthropology-GTSS3 | ||
| Principles of Archaeology-GTSS3 | ||
or ANTH 225 | North American Archaeology | |
| Principles of Macroeconomics-GTSS1 | ||
| Western Civilization I-GTHI1 | ||
| Western Civilization II-GTHI1 | ||
| United States History I-GTHI1 | ||
| United States History II-GTHI1 | ||
| History of Colorado-GTHI1 | ||
| American Indian History | ||
| American Slavery | ||
| The American West | ||
| The 20th Century | ||
| The Age of Industry in America | ||
| History of Immigration, Race, and Ethnicity in America | ||
| Human Geography-GTSS2 | ||
or GEOG 103 | World Regional Geography-GTSS2 | |
| Science | ||
| Select two Natural Science courses from approved Essential Learning list or BIOL 209 or BIOL 210 | 6 | |
| Art | ||
| ARTD 410 | Elementary Art Education Methods | 3 |
| Elementary Education Concentration: English | ||
| English Content Area Required Courses | ||
| ENGL 210 | Introduction to Literary Studies | 3 |
| ENGL 245 | Imaginative Writing | 3 |
| or ENGL 250 | Introduction to Creative Writing | |
| Upper Division Literature Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Classical Greek and Latin Literature | ||
| Women in World Thought and Literature | ||
| The Bible as Literature | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| Literature for Young Adults | ||
| Studies in American Literature I | ||
| Studies in American Literature II | ||
| Studies in British and Commonwealth Literature I | ||
| Studies in British and Commonwealth Literature II | ||
| History of the English Language | ||
| Studies in Identity | ||
| Upper Division English Elective | ||
| Complete 3 semester hours of the following: | 3 | |
| Memoir and Creative Non-Fiction | ||
| Creative Writing: Fiction | ||
| Creative Writing: Crafting Fiction | ||
| Creative Writing: Poetry | ||
| The Art of the Essay | ||
| Technical and Professional Writing | ||
| Roots of Modern Rhetoric | ||
| Creative Writing: Crafting Poetry | ||
| Introduction to Film Studies | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Topics | ||
| Genre Studies | ||
| Seminar in Writing | ||
| Seminar in Literature | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Topics | ||
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 51 | |
| Code | Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education Requirements 1 | ||
| EDUC 115 | What It Means To Be An Educator | 1 |
| EDUC 215 | Teaching as a Profession | 1 |
| EDUC 341 | Pedagogy and Assessment: K-6/Elementary | 3 |
| EDUC 343 | Teaching to Diversity | 3 |
| EDUC 374 | Exceptional and English Language Learners in the Inclusive Classroom | 3 |
| EDUC 378 | Technology for K-12 Educators | 1 |
| EDUC 440 | Methods of Teaching Language and Literacy: EC | 3 |
| EDUC 441 | Methods of Teaching Language and Literacy: Elementary | 3 |
| EDUC 451 | Methods of Teaching Mathematics: Early Childhood/Elementary | 3 |
| EDUC 461 | Methods of Teaching Science and Social Studies: Early Childhood/Elementary | 3 |
| EDUC 471 | Educational Assessment for the K-12 Educator | 1 |
| EDUC 475 | Classroom Management for K-12 Educators | 1 |
| EDUC 499C | Teaching Internship and Colloquia: Elementary | 12 |
| Praxis II Exam Passed | ||
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 38 | |
- 1
Must earn a grade of “B” or better in each courses. (840 field experience hours)
All EDUC prefix courses listed above must be completed with a grade of B or better to progress through the program sequence. Students must PASS the PRAXIS II exam in the content area prior to commencing the internship. Also, ALL other coursework toward the degree must be successfully completed prior to the internship.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Semester Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 111 | English Composition I-GTCO1 | 3 |
| POLS 101 | American Government-GTSS1 | 3 |
| KINA Activity | 1 | |
| Essential Learning - Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Essential Learning - Geology | 3 | |
| Essential Learning - History | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 112 | English Composition II-GTCO2 | 3 |
| KINE 100 | Health and Wellness | 1 |
| MATH 105 | Elements of Mathematics I | 3 |
| EDUC 115 | What It Means To Be An Educator | 1 |
| Essential Learning - Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Essential Learning - Humanities | 3 | |
| Elementary Core - Natural Sciences | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PSYC 233 | Human Growth and Development-GTSS3 | 3 |
| MATH 205 | Elements of Mathematics II-GTMA1 | 3 |
| ENGL 245 or ENGL 250 | Imaginative Writing or Introduction to Creative Writing | 3 |
| Essential Learning - Biology | 3 | |
| Essential Learning - Biology Lab | 1 | |
| Elementary Core - Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ENGL 240 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| ESSL 290 | Maverick Milestone | 3 |
| ESSL 200 | Essential Speech | 1 |
| ENGL 210 | Introduction to Literary Studies | 3 |
| EDUC 215 | Teaching as a Profession | 1 |
| Elementary Core - Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Elementary Core - Natural Science | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| EDUC 341 | Pedagogy and Assessment: K-6/Elementary | 3 |
| EDUC 343 | Teaching to Diversity | 3 |
| ENGL 343 | Language Systems and Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
| MATH 301 | Mathematics for Elementary Teachers | 3 |
| Upper Division English Content Courses (2 courses) | 6 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| EDUC 374 | Exceptional and English Language Learners in the Inclusive Classroom | 3 |
| EDUC 378 | Technology for K-12 Educators | 1 |
| EDUC 440 | Methods of Teaching Language and Literacy: EC | 3 |
| ENGL 451 | Understanding and Using English Grammar | 3 |
| KINE 321 | Physical Activity and Health in the Classroom | 3 |
| Upper Division English Content Course | 3 | |
| Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ARTD 410 | Elementary Art Education Methods | 3 |
| EDUC 441 | Methods of Teaching Language and Literacy: Elementary | 3 |
| EDUC 451 | Methods of Teaching Mathematics: Early Childhood/Elementary | 3 |
| EDUC 461 | Methods of Teaching Science and Social Studies: Early Childhood/Elementary | 3 |
| EDUC 471 | Educational Assessment for the K-12 Educator | 1 |
| EDUC 475 | Classroom Management for K-12 Educators | 1 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| EDUC 499C | Teaching Internship and Colloquia: Elementary | 12 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 126 | |
Advising Process and DegreeWorks
Documentation on the pages related to this program is intended for informational purposes to help determine what courses and associated requirements are needed to earn a degree. The suggested course sequencing outlines how students could finish degree requirements. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters, while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and altering the suggested course sequencing. It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to understand and fulfill the requirements for their intended degree(s).
DegreeWorks is an online degree audit tool available in MAVzone. It is the official record used by the Registrar’s Office to evaluate progress towards a degree and determine eligibility for graduation. Students are responsible for reviewing their DegreeWorks audit on a regular basis and should discuss questions or concerns with their advisor or academic department head. Discrepancies in requirements should be reported to the Registrar’s Office.
Graduation Process
Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their degree requirements:
- Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester.
- Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed. The advisor must approve the final plan.
- Submit the “Intent to Graduate” form to the Registrar’s Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans.
- Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought.
Submission deadlines and commencement details can be found at http://www.coloradomesa.edu/registrar/graduation.html.
If a student’s petition for graduation is denied, it will be their responsibility to consult the Registrar’s Office regarding next steps.