Student Advising Center
School of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I major in Education?
- How do I find out information on your lateral entry program?
- What is Standard Professional I Licensure (previously known as " A " Licensure)?
- What is the Licensure-only program?
- How many courses are considered a full course load?
- I have an undergraduate degree but not in education, how can I teach Elementary School (or Middle School)?
- How does the M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Classroom Practice Track differ from the Teacher Leadership Track?
- I have a degree in history (anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology or sociology), what can I teach in K-12?
- I am interested in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), what are the programs offered and what do I need to qualify?
- Do I have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for the M.Ed. Programs?
- How long do I have to complete my program?
- Is financial aid available for the M.Ed. Programs?
- Are Scholarships available for the M.Ed. Programs?
- What does a graduate assistantship involve?
- If I don't have a degree in teaching, can I still apply for the M.Ed. program?
1. How do I major in Education?
Please be more specific - we have a number of education programs. Click on program for additional information.
- Birth-Kindergarten Education
- Elementary Education (K-6)
- Middle Grades Education (6-9)
- Specialized Education (K-12)
- Secondary Education (9-12) - must choose subject area
2. How do I find out information on your lateral entry program?
We don't have a " lateral entry program." Lateral entry is a contractual agreement between an individual and a school system (LEA). A school system may hire an individual who has a background in the area he/she will teach but who has not taken professional education courses. When the individual is hired, the school district applies to the State Department of Instruction (SDPT) for a lateral entry license (temporary permit or provisional license) that allows the individual to teach for a specified period of time in that school system. Part of the agreement requires the individual to be admitted AND complete a licensure program within the specified period of time in order to convert his/her lateral entry license to a clear and continuing license. (See UNCG's Licensure-Only programs, NCTEACH, PAIL and M.Ed. programs for routes to the license).
3. What is the Standard Professional I Licensure (previously known as "A" Licensure)?
Standard Professional I Licensure is the initial (first) license that an individual receives to teach in primary or secondary public schools in North Carolina.
4. What is the Licensure-only program?
Prospective teacher candidates who already have an undergraduate degree in the subject that they wish to teach may apply for admission to a Licensure-only program.
5. How many courses are considered a full course load?
Twelve (12)
6. I have an undergraduate degree but not in education, how can I teach Elementary School (or Middle School)?
Curriculum & Instruction has two programs designed for those who wish to teach but do not have an undergraduate degree in elementary/middle grades education. One program is focused on Elementary Education and the other is focused on Middle Grades Education.
- M.Ed. - Elementary Education Concentration - Classroom Practice Track
- M.Ed. - Middle Grades Concentration - Classroom Practice Track
7. How does the M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Classroom Practice Track differ from the Teacher Leadership Track?
The Teacher Leadership Track is designed for candidates who already hold an Standard Professional I license to teach and who wish to pursue more advanced study in a field of education.
8. I have a degree in history (anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology or sociology), what can I teach in K-12?
Students with an undergraduate degree in these areas can pursue a combined master's degree in education and teaching licensure for Social Studies Education (9-12).
M.Ed. - Social Studies - Classroom Practice Track
9. I am interested in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), what are the programs offered and what do I need to qualify?
Our current programs require that you demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language and already possess a Standard Professional I License. For more information, see the following:
10. Do I have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for the M.Ed. Programs?
A: If you are applying for admission to one of the M.Ed. programs the GRE is required and your application for admission cannot be processed until GRE scores are received. If you have taken the GRE within the past five years, those scores may be submitted.
11. How long do I have to complete my program?
A: If you are completing an M.Ed. program, you have a total of five years from the date of the first course applicable toward the degree to finish all requirements. A complete discussion of time limits is included in the Graduate School bulletin (Click here).
12. Is financial aid available for the M.Ed. Programs?
A: The UNCG Financial Aid office provides information on available financial aid. You can contact that office by calling 336-334-5702, e-mailing at finaid@uncg.edu or visiting their website at http://fia.dept.uncg.edu/
13. Are Scholarships available for the M.Ed. Programs?
A: The SOE has a limited number of scholarships. You can receive an application from the Student Advising and Recruiting Center in the School of Education, Curry Building, Room 341. Applications are reviewed in early spring. Applications are available from mid-December through mid-February.
14. What does a graduate assistantship involve?
A: Graduate assistantships are designed for full-time students who wish to immerse themselves in their graduate studies and be an integral part of a department or office. Graduate assistantships are either 10 hours or 20 hours per week for a small stipend. Some graduate assistantships also carry a tuition waiver.
15. If I don't have a degree in teaching, can I still apply for the M.Ed. program?
A: Students without teaching credentials are invited to apply for the M.Ed. program. However, they will need to complete licensure competences prior to beginning the Master program.