The best undergraduate preparation for this program is one that is well-rounded in liberal education. Candidates in the Alternative Certification program must meet general education requirements that are similar to the general education requirements in GSU's bachelor of arts program in elementary education. When you apply for the program we will look for the following courses, with grades of C or higher, in your academic transcripts:
- 6 credits - Written Composition I and II
- 3 credits - Speech Communication
- 6 credits - Mathematics at college algebra or higher level
- 7 credits - Natural Sciences
- 9 credits - Social Sciences (including a course in U.S. Government)
- 15 credits - Humanities (including a survey course in U.S. History)
- 2 credits - Health
- 3 credits - Non-Western Cultures (African, Asian, Central or South American or descendants of those groups in this country, or Native American -- from humanities or social sciences)
- 18 credits - general education concentration in one subject area taken from math, science, humanities or social sciences
About Middle Grades Endorsements:Please Note: In addition, if you are seeking endorsement to teach a particular subject (e.g. math, science, English, etc) in a middle school or junior high school setting, additional courses may be required. See an advisor for additional information, or send us an email.
These general education credits must all be completed before the candidate can become eligible for Initial Elementary teacher certification. As a general rule, you should be within 9-12 credits of completing these undergraduate requirements to be eligible for selection in the Alternative Certification program.
