PBCSE Admissions Criteria

• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) 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 Skills Tests (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 demonstrate knowledge in their teaching field by passing an appropriate PRAXIS Subject Assessment Content Knowledge Test. Those majoring in Art, Business, Home Economics, 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 5 years) group leadership involvement with secondary-aged youth. Such “field experience(s)” may be completed on a either a paid of voluntary basis. It is highly recommended that the field experience(s) span a period of at least two semesters. Applicants are encouraged to also seek opportunities with elementary-aged children after they have completed the minimum 40-hour requirement with secondary-aged youth.
• 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, suitability to the profession.
• Additional undergraduate courses may be required. Early advising is strongly recommended from an OSAS advisor.