Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for Initial Certification Programs  

BSEd in Early Childhood, Elementary and Special Education (dual major) admission requirements

You must apply to the Teacher Education Program and meet specific admission requirements for the undergraduate programs in early childhood education, elementary education, and special education:

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  • admittance to Northern Arizona University
  • 45 units of coursework
  • EDF 200 with a minimum grade of C
  • MAT 150 with a minimum grade of C
  • MAT 155 with a minimum grade of C
  • 2 lab science courses with a minimum grade of C in each course
  • the English foundations requirement (ENG 105 or equivalent) with a minimum grade point average of 3.0
    • note: if your English grade point average is below 3.0, you may take an approved writing course to achieve the 3.0 grade point average
     
  • one of the following grade point average requirements:
    • a cumulative 2.5 grade point average in liberal studies courses
    • a cumulative 2.5 grade point average in all courses
     
  • a recommendation form completed by someone who has directly observed your work with children or adolescents. The work experience can be voluntary or paid but must have occurred in a structured setting for a minimum of 15 hours. Examples of acceptable experiences may include:
    • work as a camp counselor
    • swimming instructor
    • Sunday school teacher
    • volunteer in a classroom
     
  • a declared content emphasis (not required for Elementary/Special Education dual majors)
  • attendance at an early childhood, elementary, or special education teacher education orientation

    Flagstaff Campus Students  

    Extended Campus Students – many extended campuses require students to attend a local orientation.  Please contact your local NAU advisor for details.
  • a copy of fingerprint clearance card

BSEd in Secondary Education

You must apply to the Teacher Education Program and meet specific admission requirements for the undergraduate program in secondary education:

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  • admittance to Northern Arizona University
  • 45 units of coursework
  • EDF 200 with a minimum grade of C
  • MAT 110 or 114 with a minimum grade of C
  • MAT 155 with a minimum grade of C
  • complete at least 3 units of content major course work
  • a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in all content major course work
  • the English foundations requirement (ENG 105 or equivalent) with a minimum grade point average of 3.0
    • note: if your English grade point average is below 3.0, you may take an approved writing course to achieve the 3.0 grade point average
     
  • one of the following grade point average requirements:
    • a cumulative 2.5 grade point average in liberal studies courses
    • a cumulative 2.5 grade point average in all courses
     
  • a declared a major and minor or extended major
  • a recommendation form (included in the application packet) completed by someone who has directly observed your work with children or adolescents. The work experience can be either voluntary or paid but must have occurred in a structured setting for a minimum of 15 hours. Examples of acceptable experiences may include:
    • work as a camp counselor
    • swimming instructor
    • Sunday school teacher
    • volunteer in a classroom
     
  • attendance at a secondary education teacher education orientation

    Flagstaff Campus Students  

    Extended Campus Students – many extended campuses require students to attend a local orientation.  Please contact your local NAU advisor for details.
  • a copy of fingerprint clearance card

Certifications

After completing your teacher education program, you must apply for certification in the state of Arizona.

In Arizona, you may apply for certification in elementary, secondary, or special education. Elementary certification is for teaching grades K-8, secondary certification is for teaching subjects in grades 7-12, and special education certification is for teaching special education grades K-12.

Visit the Arizona Department of Education certification page to access forms, fingerprint clearance information and more.