Archived General Catalog 2009-2011

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Education

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education

Purdue University North Central offers a program of study leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education in the content areas of Mathematics, Life Science, Chemistry, Physics and Physical Science. Program brochures are available through the Office of Admissions, Dean of Students office, and the Education Department. Those who wish detailed information or who have questions concerning a specific situation should make an appointment to see the academic advisor for the Education Department and should visit the Education Web site at www.pnc.edu/ed. Questions concerning a specific content area may be directed to chairs of the respective departments.

The plans of study for these programs consist of (1) general education requirements; (2) specific content area requirements; and (3) Education requirements to bring the total credits to between 119-132 hours depending on the content area. Please note that some Education courses require teacher education candidates to work with grade 7-12 students in the public schools. A liability insurance fee may be assessed when candidates register for these courses. Due to the importance of preparing teachers whose knowledge and skills are current, the Education Department will not accept as credit toward graduation from any undergraduate program any professional studies course completed 5 or more years prior to graduation.

The plans of study presented here reflect comprehensive performance-based standards and assessment procedures in line with standards suggested by state and national accrediting bodies. The completion of these programs will enable candidates to apply for licensing in adolescent and young adult (middle and high school, 7-12). The knowledge, performance and disposition of all teacher education candidates will be systematically assessed throughout the programs.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary/Middle-School Education – Mathematics Track

Beginning Fall 2009, students have the opportunity of seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education at PNC. The Mathematics Education Specialization offers courses of study leading to a B.S. Degree in Secondary Education and secondary/middle-school teacher certification. The bachelor’s degree is also a stepping stone to master’s and doctoral degrees.

Teaching is a noble and challenging profession. PNC’s secondary education program with concentration in mathematics teaching will prepare you for employment as a secondary/middle-school teacher. Interested students should be admitted to the Mathematics Track under the Secondary Education Major. For detailed information or questions concerning the Secondary Education Major, please contact the Chair of the Education Department (www.pnc.edu/ed) or consult the Education advisor. To become familiar with the required courses and obtain a study plan for this degree, visit www.pnc.edu/ed.

In addition, for content specific questions and advising, students must meet with their mathematics advisor (contact the College of Science Secretary in SWRZ 120, telephone 219-785-5298) or the Chair of the Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics Department (www.pnc.edu/mp).

PLAN OF STUDY: MATHEMATICS

Freshman Year

First Semester 

14 Semester Credits

Second Semester

16 Semester Credits

Sophomore Year

First Semester

17-18 Semester Credits

Second Semester

16 Semester Credits

Junior Year

First Semester

15 Semester Credits

Second Semester

15-16 Semester Credits

Senior Year

First Semester

15-16 Semester Credits

Second Semester

16 Semester Credits

124-127 Total Credit Hours

Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary/Middle-School Education – Physics Track

Beginning Fall 2009, students have the opportunity of seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education at PNC. The B.S. Secondary Education program in physics leads to a certificate for teaching physics at the secondary/middle-school level. The Physics Education Specialization offers courses of study leading to a B.S. Degree in Secondary Education and secondary school teacher certification. The bachelor’s degree is also a stepping stone to master’s and doctoral degrees.

Teaching physics is a challenging but vital profession. PNC’s secondary education program with concentration in physics teaching will prepare you for employment as a secondary/middle-school teacher. Interested students should be admitted to the Physics Track under the Secondary Education Major. For detailed information or questions concerning the Secondary Education Major, please contact the Chair of the Education Department (www.pnc.edu/ed) or consult the Education advisor. To become familiar with the required courses and obtain a study plan for this degree, visit www.pnc.edu/ed.

In addition, for content specific questions and advising, students must meet with their physics advisor (contact the College of Science Secretary in SWRZ 120, 219-785-5298) or the Chair of the Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics Department (www.pnc.edu/mp).

PLAN OF STUDY: PHYSICS

Freshman Year

First Semester 

15 Semester Credits

Second Semester

16 Semester Credits

Sophomore Year

First Semester

16 Semester Credits

Second Semester

17 Semester Credits

Junior Year

First Semester

16-17 Semester Credits

Second Semester

17 Semester Credits

Senior Year

First Semester

12 Semester Credits

Second Semester

16 Semester Credits

125-126 Total Credit Hours

Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary/Middle-School Education – Physical Science Track

Beginning Fall 2009, students have the opportunity of seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education at PNC. The B.S. Secondary Education program in physical science leads to a certificate for teaching science at the middle/junior-high school level. The Physical Science Education Specialization offers courses of study leading to a B.S. Degree in Secondary Education and secondary/middle school teacher certification.

Teaching physical science to middle or junior high students is challenging and exciting. PNC’s secondary education program with concentration in physical science teaching will prepare you for employment as a secondary/middle-school teacher. Interested students should be admitted to the Physical Science Track under the Secondary Education Major. For detailed information or questions concerning the Secondary Education Major, please contact the Chair of the Education Department (www.pnc.edu/ed) or consult the Education advisor. To become familiar with the required courses and obtain a study plan for this degree, visit www.pnc.edu/ed.

In addition, for content specific questions and advising, students must meet with their physical science advisor (contact the College of Science Secretary in SWRZ 120, 219-785-5298) or the Chair of the Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics Department (www.pnc.edu/mp).

PLAN OF STUDY: PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Freshman Year

First Semester 

15 Semester Credits

Second Semester

16 Semester Credits

Sophomore Year

First Semester

16 Semester Credits

Second Semester

17 Semester Credits

Junior Year

First Semester

13-14 Semester Credits

Second Semester

17 Semester Credits

Senior Year

First Semester

12 Semester Credits

Second Semester

122-123 Total Credit Hours

PLAN OF STUDY: CHEMISTRY

Freshman Year

First Semester

18 Semester Credits

Second Semester

16 Semester Credits

Sophomore Year

First Semester

18 Semester Credits

Second Semester

17-18 Semester Credits

Junior Year

First Semester

16 Semester Credits

Second Semester

13-14 Semester Credits

Senior Year

First Semester

12-13 Semester Credits

Second Semester

126-129 Total Credit Hours

PLAN OF STUDY: LIFE SCIENCE

Freshman Year

First Semester

16 Semester Credits

Second Semester

15 Semester Credits

Sophomore Year

First Semester

14-16 Semester Credits

Second Semester

14-16 Semester Credits

Junior Year

First Semester

16 Semester Credits

Second Semester

16-18 Semester Credits

Senior Year

First Semester

12 Semester Credits

Second Semester

119-125 Total Credit Hours

Master of Science in Elementary Education

The Graduate School of Purdue University offers a 30-credit, non-thesis, program of study leading to the Master of Science degree in elementary education. All courses leading to the degree may be taken at the North Central campus. The program is designed to further the education of those who possess the baccalaureate in elementary education. However, applicants who do not meet this criterion but do have a baccalaureate in another discipline and who have completed the additional coursework necessary to earn an elementary teaching license may also qualify for this degree.

A student with an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of less than a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required to take the Graduate Record Examination. A student who has made application for admission may take up to 12 credit hours while admission is pending.

Individuals who are considering enrollment in the master’s program are encouraged to contact the Education Department for an appointment with the graduate program advisor.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT

As many as 12 hours of graduate credit earned at other universities may be applied toward this advanced degree at the discretion of the department.

LICENSE RENEWAL

Teachers who would like to earn college credit to renew their teaching license also may take courses at Purdue University North Central. They are encouraged to contact the licensing advisor in the Education Department for details.

GENERAL PLAN OF STUDY: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION MASTER’S

The Graduate School conducts ongoing assessment of its admission standards, course offerings, and graduation requirements which may change while this catalog is in print.

Once accepted for admission, the student selects an advisory committee chairperson. Together they select two other faculty for the committee. The student, in concert with the committee members, formulates the student’s individual plan of study.

Foundations Block (9 Hours)*

The student will elect one course from each of the three following areas: 

* Students must also create a professional portfolio to demonstrate attainment of the Graduate Competencies.

Curriculum Theory (3 hours)

Methods (12 Hours)

Electives (6 Hours)

Consult with advisor

Total Hours = 30

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION GRADUATE COMPETENCIES

In order to complete the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education, students must demonstrate that they have met the following competencies:

1. Synthesize knowledge and think critically and reflectively

2. Create knowledge

3. Communicate knowledge

4. Participate in professional activities and development

Students will demonstrate their attainment of the competencies by completing certain required courses and through development of a program portfolio.

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

Approved by the Indiana Commission of Higher Education and meets accreditation standards of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036-1023; 202-466-7496; www.ncate.org.

Purdue University North Central offers a program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education. Program brochures are available through the Office of Admissions, Dean of Students office, and the Education Department. Those who wish detailed information or who have questions concerning a specific situation should make an appointment to see the academic advisor for the Education Department and should visit the Education Web site at www.pnc.edu/ed.

The plan of study consists of: (1) the general education requirements; (2) the requirements for the major; and (3) a sufficient number of elective courses to bring the total credits to 128. Please note that some Education courses require teacher education candidates to work with K-6 students in the public schools. A liability insurance fee may be assessed when candidates register for these courses. Due to the importance of preparing teachers whose knowledge and skills are current, the Education Department will not accept as credit toward graduation from any undergraduate program any professional studies course completed 5 or more years prior to graduation.

The plan of study presented here reflects comprehensive performance-based standards and assessment procedures in line with standards suggested by state and national accrediting bodies. The completion of this program will enable candidates to apply for licensing in early and middle childhood (elementary education, K-6). The knowledge, performance and disposition of all teacher education candidates will be systematically assessed throughout the program. Candidates who have completed the plan of study and satisfied the requirements for elementary education, K-6 licensure, may also pursue the opportunity of earning a license addition in reading and/or early childhood education.

GENERAL PLAN OF STUDY: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Freshman Year

First Semester 

15 Semester Credits

+ Students must pass the third course in foreign language. Students who find it necessary to take the first and second course prior to taking the third course will therefore graduate with more than the minimum credit hours. Some students choose to attend Summer School to reduce their academic year course loads.

Second Semester

15 Semester Credits

Sophomore Year

First Semester

Block 1 Courses

Other Courses

17 Semester Credits

Second Semester

Block II Courses

Other Courses

14 Semester Credits

Junior Year

First Semester

Block III

Other Courses

18 Semester Credits

Second Semester

Block IV Courses 

Other Courses

16 Semester Credits

Senior Year

First Semester

Block V Courses

Other Courses

17 Semester Credits

Second Semester

Block VI Courses

16 Semester Credits

Total minimum credits required for baccalaureate degree: 128

GENERAL PLAN OF STUDY: READING LICENSE ADDITION

Completion of the program for Elementary Education

Additional Course Work

GENERAL PLAN OF STUDY: EARLY CHILDHOOD LICENSE ADDITION

The Education Department is pleased to provide you with another opportunity for an addition to your K-6 teaching license. With this addition, you will be qualified to teach in prekindergarten settings. The requirements for adding the PreK License to your Elementary Education program include:

• Completion of the program for Elementary Education

• Completion of the Elementary Education program, including the Social Science selective, PSY 23500 Child Psychology or CDFS 21100.

Additional Course Work

• Completion of the following 18 credit hours:

• Letter of intent for application for the Generalist: Early Childhood license addition must be submitted to the Education Department prior to enrolling in EDCI 37100 and/or EDCI 37200.

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

Purdue University North Central offers a program of study leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education. Program brochures are available through the Office of Admissions, Dean of Students office, and the Education Department. Those who wish detailed information or who have questions concerning a specific situation should make an appointment to see the academic advisor for the Education Department and should visit the Education Web site at www.pnc.edu/ed.

The courses in this program focus on child development as well as teaching in the prekindergarten and grades K-3 in the elementary school. The plan of study consists of: 1) the general education requirements; 2) the requirements for the major; and 3) electives courses to bring the total credits to 127. Please note that some Education courses require teacher education candidates to work with P-3 students in the public schools. A liability insurance fee may be assessed when candidates register for these courses. Due to the importance of preparing teachers whose knowledge and skills are current, and Education Department will not accept as credit toward graduation from any undergraduate program any professional studies course completed 5 or more years prior to graduation.

The plan of study presented here reflects comprehensive performance-based standards and assessment procedures in line with standards suggested by state and national accrediting bodies. The knowledge, performance and disposition of all teacher education candidates will be systematically assessed throughout the program. Candidates who successfully complete the plan of study will also be eligible for Indiana initial teaching licenses of Early Childhood: Generalist and Elementary/Primary: Generalist, which would qualify them to teach Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3.

GENERAL PLAN OF STUDY: EARLY CHILDHOOD LICENSE ADDITION

FRESHMAN YEAR - Strand 1: The Field of Early Childhood

First Semester 

15 Semester Credits

Second Semester

15 Semester Credits

Sophomore Year - Strand 2: Child Study/Child Development

First Semester

Corequisites

Other Courses

16 Semester Credits

Second Semester

Corequisites

Other Courses

17 Semester Credits

Junior Year - Strand 3: Early Childhood Care & Education

First Semester

Literacy Block

Other Courses

16 Semester Credits

Second Semester

Preprimary Block

Other Courses

17 Semester Credits

Senior Year - Strand 4: Becoming and Early Childhood Professional

First Semester

Primary Block

Other Courses

15 Semester Credits

Second Semester

16 Semester Credits

Total minimum credits required for baccalaureate degree: 127