EDCI Undergraduate Admission Requirements
The College of Education has a selective admissions program for all elementary and secondary majors. First you need to apply and be admitted as an undergraduate student to the University of Maryland. You will be a pre-major until you meet the admission requirements of the College. To be admitted to the College of Education you need to meet the following criteria: (No EDCI professional courses may be taken until you are admitted to the College.)
1. Completion of 45 credits or more
2. 2.50 cumulative grade-point average with at least one semester's grades (12 - 15 semester hours) from UMCP
3. Completion of freshman English composition with a "C"
or better
4. Completion of a freshman level math course (equivalent of MATH
110 or higher) with a "C" or better
5. Completion of the Praxis I exam
6. Elementary education students must also have a 2.75 GPA in the gateway required courses
Praxis I - Basic Skills: PPST Math, PPST Reading, and PPST Writing. The Praxis I exam is part of the State of Maryland's requirements for certification. Passing scores are: PPST MATH - 177, PPST Reading - 177, and PPST Writing - 173.
NOTE: All applicants need to receive passing scores on all three sections of the Praxis I. A composite score is not acceptable for admission to the teacher education program.
This test is computer-based testing by calling The Counseling Center (Shoemaker Building) at (301) 314-0319 OR Sylvan Candidate Services at (800) 853-6773 for an appointment. Passing scores are: CBT MATH - 322, CBT Reading - 325, and CBT Writing - 319. NOTE: A composite score of 922 is accepted.
Test results from the computer based testing are usually available in two weeks. Students with disabilities should call the Sylvan Candidate Services number for an appointment. This test is also available by regular testing in January, March, April, June, September, and November.
Information on the Praxis I exam can be obtained from the Office of Student Services, Room 1204 Benjamin Building. You may also obtain a booklet by contacting the Educational Testing Service at 1-800-772-9476, or you may register through their web site at www.ets.org/praxis. Please request that your scores be sent to the University of Maryland as well as the Maryland State Department of Education.
After meeting the requirements listed above, you should submit an application for admission to the College. Applications are accepted only once a year - MAY 1st STUDENTS MAY APPLY DECEMEBER 1 WITH AN EXCEPTION TO POLICY FORM INCLUDED.
Applications must be complete when they are turned in. Applications for admission are located in The Office of Student Services, Room 1204, Benjamin Building.
Applications should also be able to demonstrate:
1. Prior experience working with students at the age level you want to teach. (Elementary 1-8 and Secondary 5-12). This information should be provided in resume style on a separate sheet of paper.
2. Three letters of recommendation - from experiences working with students the age level you want to teach.
These letters should be on letterhead stationery, if possible, and should contain a telephone number where the Department can reach them if further information is necessary. It is strongly recommended that your reference letters come from experiences working with age appropriate students and that they address your potential to become a good teacher. These letters must be attached to your application.
3. Goal Statement - no more than two (2) pages and not less than one (1) page - double spaced - which addresses the following three (3) issues:
1. What does it mean to be a good teacher to all students? (Your answer should address diversity issues.)
2. What do you need to know and be able to do to become a good teacher?
3. What do YOU need to learn to be a good teacher?
DO NOT HAVE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION FAXED OR MAILED TO THE COLLEGE.
Your goal statement must be a paper in essay form which is free
of errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax. If you need assistance
with this statement, please go to the Writing Center, 0125 Taliaferro
Hall.
Freshmen should take MATH 110 (or higher) and ENGL 101 in your first semester at UMCP. Then at the end of the second semester or beginning of the sophomore year, you should plan to take the Praxis I). The fourth semester (when you achieve 45 credits) you may submit an application for admission. You must be admitted to the College by the time you acquire 56 credits.
Transfer students who have over 56 credits have two semesters in which to meet the admission requirements. Therefore, the first semester you should plan to take the Praxis (I or II) if needed and finish any requirements that you lack for admission. You must apply for admission no later than your second semester at UMCP.
UMCP students who are in other majors and who have over 56 credits may apply to the College of Education upon completing all of the admission requirements.
There is a limit to the number of times you may apply for admission. If you do not meet the qualifications to be admitted, you will be advised by the Admissions Committee of the deficiencies to be remediated. Students then have the option to either remedy the deficiencies and then re-apply to the program or to petition for admission. STUDENTS MAY EITHER RE-APPLY OR PETITION ONLY ONCE. This restriction does not limit you rights to appeal to the College of Education.
