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Admissions Criteria

Table of Contents

Bachelor of Education—Elementary (B.Ed.)

Applications for the B.Ed. in Elementary Education, which may include a dual preparation in Special Education, are accepted for Fall admission only. The application deadline is March 1.

Applications are accepted on a space available basis only. Applicants must be prepared to take more than 12 credit hours of course work per semester. They also may need to enroll in summer classes if they are to complete the program within four semesters.

Requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 from all post-secondary institutions attended. Applicants who do not meet the GPA criterion to the College of Education (COE) should consult with an academic advisor as soon as possible.
  • Applicants must achieve a minimal composite score of 516 in the reading, writing, and mathematics subtests of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or Computerized Pre-Professional Skils Test (C-PPST) of the PRAXIS series with a minimum score of 170 in each subtest. For registration information, please refer to the Praxis Series Registration Bulletin, which is available in the UHM Testing Office (Phone: 956-3454) or visit the PRAXIS website at www.ets.org/praxis. Students must request that all PRAXIS scores be sent to the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) and to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
  • Applicants must complete a minimum of 40 hours of current (within the past five years) group leadership involvement with elementary-aged children. Such “field experience(s)” may be completed on either a paid or voluntary basis. It is highly recommended that the field experience(s) span a period of at least two semesters.  Effective Fall 2008, applicants are required to submit official documentation on letterhead from their place of field work or use the OSAS official form as signatures are required.
  • Applicants must demonstrate oral and non-verbal communicative competence through the successful completion of a Personal Admissions Interview(s). The purpose of the interview is to assess fluency and intelligibility of oral communication, interest in teaching, student motivation, and suitability to the profession.
  • Elementary applicants for the dual preparation in Special Education program are required to have a second interview with the faculty of the Special Education Department.
  • For Elementary undergraduate applicants:
    • Applicants must complete 55 transferable credits or be in the process of completing 55 transferable credits at the time of their application. Fifty-five (55) credits and the College of Education Pre-Education Core requirements must be completed prior to the start of the Professional Education Core.
    • Applicants who have completed an articulated Associates of Arts (AA) degree from a UH Community College are considered to have met the College of Education Pre-Education Core requirements with the exception of:  (1) MUS 253 or any UHM approved Arts (DA) course, (2) MATH 112 (Effective Fall 2008).
  • For Elementary Post-Baccalaureate applicants:
    • The following courses are required prior to starting the Professional Education Core:  (1) MUS 253 or any UHM approved Arts (DA) course, (2) MATH 112 (Effective Fall 2008).
    • Applicants must have graduated from an accredited and UHM-recognized four-year institution of higher education.

 

Bachelor of Education—Secondary (B.Ed.)

Applications for the B.Ed. in Secondary Education, which may include a dual preparation in Special Education, are accepted every Spring and Fall semesters.  The application deadline is March 1 for Fall admission and September 1 for Spring admission.

Requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 from all post-secondary institutions attended. Additionally, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the content major is required of secondary education majors. Applicants who do not meet the GPA criterion to the College should consult with an academic advisor as soon as possible.
  • Applicants pursuing a secondary major in mathematics or science may be considered for admission with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and a major cumulative GPA of at least 2.50. In order to be considered for admission, such applicants must have successfully met all other admissions requirements and show strong evidence of future potential in the field, as well as a strong record of scholarship in recent coursework.
  • Applicants must achieve a minimal composite score of 516 in the reading, writing, and mathematics subtests of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or Computerized Pre-Professional Skils Test (C-PPST) of the PRAXIS series with a minimum score of 170 in each subtest. For registration information, please refer to the Praxis Series Registration Bulletin, which is available in the UHM Testing Office (Phone: 956-3454) or visit the PRAXIS Web site at www.ets.org/praxis. Students must request that all PRAXIS scores be sent to the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) and to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
  • Applicants must complete a minimum of 40 hours of current (within the past 5 years) group leadership involvement with secondary-aged youth. Such "field experience(s)" may be completed on either a paid or voluntary basis. It is highly recommended that the field experience(s) span a period of at least two semesters. Effective Fall 2008, applicants are required to submit official documentation on letterhead from their place of field work or use the OSAS official form as signatures are required.
  • Applicants must demonstrate oral and non-verbal communicative competence through the successful completion of a Personal Admissions Interview(s). The purpose of the interview is to assess fluency and intelligibility of oral communication, interest in teaching, student motivation, and suitability to the profession.
  • Applicants majoring in Music, Physical Education, French, Hawaiian Language, Japanese, Spanish, Trades & Industry, Industrial Arts, Vocational Agriculture, Family & Consumer Science, Office & Business Education, and Marketing & Business Education are required to schedule an additional Personal Admissions Interview.
  • Applicants must complete 55 transferable credits or be in the process of completing 55 transferable credits at the time of their application.
  • Applicants who have completed an articulated Associates of Arts (AA) degree from a UH Community College are considered to have met the College of Educaiton Pre-Education Core requirements with the exception of those pursuing the following teaching fields: Family & Consumer Science, Foreign Languages, Industrial Arts, Physical Education, Science, and Trades & Industry. These fields require additional College of Education Pre-Education Core requirements.
  • Secondary education applicants may be considered for admission even if some core requirements have not been completed. However, it is highly recommended that these core requirements be completed prior to admission to the COE.     

 

Foreign Languages, Hawaiian Language, Mathematics, and Music

  • Completion of 50% of the coursework in the academic major.

Social Studies

  • Completion of 50% of the coursework in the broad distribution of social studies subject areas.
  • Completion of 50% of the coursework in the academic major.

Science

  • Completion of 50% of the coursework in the academic major is highly recommended.

 

NOTE:  If admitted, 80% of the course work in the academic major must be completed prior to enrolling in ITE 404 (Teaching in the Subject Field) and ITE 402 (Teaching Practicum).  For the Social Studies major, 80% of the course work in the broad distribution also must be completed prior to enrolling in ITE 404 and ITE 402.

ITE 402/ITE 404 and ITE 405/ITE 406 should be taken in two consecutive semesters.

ITE 402 and ITE 404 are offered in the Fall semester only.

Students need to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or 2.50 for mathematics and science majors to enroll in ITE 405/ITE 406.

 

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Secondary Education (PBCSE)

Applications for the PBCSE program are accepted every Spring and Fall semesters.  The application deadline is March 1 for Fall admission and September 1 for Spring admission.

Requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 from all post-secondary institutions attended is required. Additionally, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the content major is required of secondary education majors. Applicants who do not meet the GPA criterion to the College should consult with an academic advisor as soon as possible.
  • Applicants pursuing a secondary major in mathematics or science may be considered for admission with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and a major cumulative GPA of at least 2.50. In order to be considered for admission, such applicants must have successfully met all other admissions requirements and show strong evidence of future potential in the field, as well as a strong record of scholarship in recent coursework.
  • Those applying to the PBCSE program must have graduated from an accredited and UHM-recognized four-year institution of higher education.
  • Applicants must achieve a minimal composite score of 516 in the reading, writing, and mathematics subtests of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or Computerized Pre-Professional Skils Test (C-PPST) of the PRAXIS series with a minimum score of 170 in each subtest. For registration information, please refer to the Praxis Series Registration Bulletin, which is available in the UHM Testing Office (Phone: 956-3454) or visit the PRAXIS Web site at www.ets.org/praxis. Students must request that all PRAXIS scores be sent to the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) and to theUniversity of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
  • Applicants must demonstrate knowledge in their teaching field by passing an appropriate PRAXIS Subject Assessment Content Knowledge Test. Those majoring in Art, Business, Family & Consumer Science, ESL, and Industrial Arts/Trades and Industry take the PRAXIS Subject Assessment Test as an exit requirement.
  • Applicants must complete a minimum of 40 hours of current (within the past five years) group leadership involvement with secondary-aged youth. Such “field experience(s)” may be completed on either a paid or voluntary basis. It is highly recommended that the field experience(s) span a period of at least two semesters. Effective Fall 2008, applicants are required to submit official documentation on letterhead from their place of field work or use the OSAS official form as signatures are required.
  • Applicants must demonstrate oral and non-verbal communicative competence through the successful completion of a Personal Admissions Interview(s). The purpose of the interview is to assess fluency and intelligibility of oral communication, interest in teaching, student motivation, and suitability to the profession.
  • Applicants majoring in Music, Physical Education, French, Hawaiian Language, Japanese, Spanish, Trades & Industry, Industrial Arts, Vocational Agriculture, Family & Consumer Science, Office & Business Education, and Marketing & Business Education are required to schedule an additional Personal Admissions Interview.
  • Additional undergraduate courses may be required. Early advising is strongly recommended.

 

Special Education Post Baccalaureate (SPED PB)

The College of Education Department of Special Education offers a Post Baccalaureate Program which leads to eligibility for a license to teach in special education. Applications for the SPED PB program are accepted every Spring and Fall semesters.  The application deadline is March 1 for Fall admission and September 1 for Spring admission.

Requirements:

  • A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any field).
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 from all post secondary institutions attended.
  • Evidence of successful completion of the PRAXIS Tests (PPST/C-PPST, PLT, and Subject Assessment) based on State of Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) “pass” scores.
  • Minimum of 40 hours of current (within the past 5 years) group leadership involvement (field experiences) with students.
  • Successful completion of a personal admissions interview with the Department of Special Education.

NOTE:  Early advising with an academic advisor is highly recommended.

 

Professional Diploma in Education (PDE)

The College of Education offers a Professional Diploma in Education Program for in-service teachers seeking professional development. Selection may be based on academic qualifications, professional background, and geographic location. Please call Dr. Curtis Ho, 956-7771, for information relating to the next application period.

Requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 from all post secondary institutions attended.
  • Evidence of earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Letter of recommendation attesting to professional qualifications.
  • Evidence of current employment by a school with minimum of one year full-time teaching experience. (Priority will be given to those with basic teacher certification or completion of an accredited teacher education program.)

 

Bachelor of Science--Health, Exercise Science & Lifestyle Management (B.S.)

Applications for the B.S. in Health, Exercise Science & Lifestyle Management are accepted every Spring and Fall semesters.  The application deadline is March 1 for Fall admission and September 1 for Spring admission.

Requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 from all post-secondary institutions attended is required.  Applicants who do not meet the GPA criterion to the College should consult with an academic advisor as soon as possible.
  • Applicants must complete a minimum of 40 hours of current (within the past 5 years) active involvement, paid or volunteer, in field experiences that relate to the applicant's program of study.  It is highly recommended that the field experience(s) span a period of at least 2 semesters.  Effective Fall 2008, applicants are required to submit official documentation on letterhead from their place of field work.
  • This is an upper division college.  Applicants must complete 55 transferable credits to be accepted to the COE or be in the process of completing the 55 transferable credits at the time of their application.
  • Applicants who have completed an articulated A.A. degree from a UH community college are considered to have met the COE core requirements with the exception of the natural science requirements and FAMR 230.
  • Applicants should have the COE core requirements for their program completed prior to acceptance to the College.

 

Special Notes for College of Education Applicants:

All completed applications to the College will be evaluated on a competitive basis.

Applicants should be aware that admission to the College does not guarantee admission to student teaching. Applicants’ progress in teacher education programs will be evaluated at several points throughout the program.

Student Review

At any time during the admissions process of the teacher education program, an applicant may be referred to, reviewed by, or interviewed by appropriate groups of faculty or outside agencies if professional judgement deems this necessary. COE applicants are expected to behave in ways which reflect high standards of ethics and professionalism. Such behavior will be judged by (but not limited to) the applicant’s personal admissions interview, references, and overall conduct.