The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation by NCATE is significant because it is an indicator of quality at a national level, resulting in eligibility for certification in 38 other states which participate with Florida in an Interstate Agreement. See Appendix B for a complete list of these states. USF is justifiably proud of the NCATE designation.

All teaching majors in the College of Education match State of Florida certification areas, but not all certification areas are available as majors. However, coursework leading to a second certification is available. Please see your advisor for further details.

COE DEPARTMENTS AND PROGRAMS

There are 22 undergraduate majors currently available in the College of Education. They are listed below under the Departments in which they are housed. Each is followed by the degree code you will see in your official University records.

Adult and Vocational Education

Behavior Disorders (EBD)
Mental Retardation (EMR)
Specific Learning Disabilities (ELD)
Teacher for All Children (VEX) (St. Petersburg Campus Only)

Departments Offering Foundational Courses and Graduate Programs

Programs in the College of Fine Arts

COE PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Lower Division

These vary for each program. For example, elementary education majors will take 15 hours in a subject area of their choice; secondary majors will be required to take specific courses in their content area. In addition, lower division requirements must include coursework with an international or diversity focus. (See USF Catalog or Advising Checksheets for more details.)

Word to the Wise: In the secondary education areas your teacher specialization courses are very important to ensure that you meet State competency requirements for teachers. If you miss them during the Freshman and Sophomore years, you will need to take them as juniors.

Upper Division

-- Professional Education Core. These are the courses which all COE majors take, regardless of area of specialization. They provide important knowledge and skills that are foundational for all teachers and include courses in areas such as psychological and sociological foundations of education, measurement, curriculum and instruction. Also included is the internship, which provides you with the opportunity for guided practice before you enter the profession and have your own classroom.

-- Teaching Specialization. These are the courses which majors in a specific teaching field take. They include both pedagogical and content courses and provide you with specific teaching strategies and content knowledge in the areas in which you expect to teach. Secondary majors take specialization courses in math, science, social science, foreign language, or English in the College of Arts and Sciences. Specialization courses for other majors such as early childhood and elementary education, physical education, and special education are offered within the College of Education.

-- Liberal Arts Exit Requirements. These requirements are University-wide and include two courses in "Major Works and Issues" and one course in "Literature and Writing." Courses that count for these requirements are listed in both the USF Undergraduate Catalog and in the Schedule of Classes.

Word to the Wise: Some programs have identified the specific exit courses they want you to take. If you take other courses, these may be considered electives for you -- that means it will take you longer to graduate!!

So what do I do next?

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