K-5 Science Endorsement

Program Description

The K-5 Science Endorsement program is designed to enhance the science content and pedagogical knowledge of teachers in grades K-5. To be eligible for the program, an individual must hold a Clear Renewable teaching certificate and have a minimum of one year of teaching experience. With this endorsement, individuals teaching science in grades K-5 will be eligible to earn salary incentives when funded by the General Assembly.

Admission Requirements

Previous P-5 Science Endorsement completers may be admitted as post-baccalaureate students to complete the requirements for conversion to the K-5 Science Endorsement. New applicants to the K-5 Science Endorsement program must meet all university and departmental requirements for graduate admission. Specific requirements are outlined below.

Previous Endorsement Completers

• The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited United States institution, or the equivalent from an international institution.
• The applicant must be in academic good standing at the institution last attended.
• The applicant must file an official application and related documents with the Columbus State University (CSU) Admission Office.
• The applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on all undergraduate work at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree.
• The applicant must submit a copy of his/her clear renewable teaching certificate in a PSC approved field.
• Then applicant must have a minimum of one year of teaching experience.
• The successful applicant must not have a criminal record or discharge from the armed services that would prevent recommendation for related teacher certifications.
• The applicant must be recommended by the graduate faculty in the applicant's area of study. Applicants must contact the departments to which they seek admission for information concerning program specific requirements that may include prerequisite coursework.

New Applicants

• The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited United States institution, or the equivalent from an international institution.
• The applicant must be in academic good standing at the institution last attended.
• The applicant must file an official application and related documents with the Columbus State University (CSU) Admission Office.
• The applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75 (for regular admission) or 2.5 (for provisional admission) on all undergraduate work at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree.
• The applicant must have a GPA of a least 3.0 on all graduate coursework at an accredited United States institution in fulfillment of the requirements for a graduate degree.
• The applicant must submit a copy of his/her clear renewable teaching certificate in a PSC approved field.
• The applicant must have a minimum of one year of teaching experience.
• The successful applicant must not have a criminal record or discharge from the armed services that would prevent recommendation for related teacher certifications
• The applicant must be recommended by the graduate faculty in the applicant's area of study. Applicants must contact the departments to which they seek admission for information concerning program specific requirements that may include prerequisite coursework.

Online Options

Courses are offered online.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the endorsement program, candidates who are teaching science in grades K-5 will be eligible to earn salary incentives when funded by the General Assembly.

Faculty

Dr. Deirdre Greer, Interim Department Chair of Teacher Education and Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education

Dr. Jan Burcham, Fletcher Distinguished Chair in Teacher Education and Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education

Curriculum

The K-5 Science Endorsement is a 12 hour program consisting of three courses that incorporate science content and pedagogy. The courses are aligned with the PSC K-5 Science Endorsement content standards. Candidates must also complete a residency requirement and portfolio to demonstrate that they can apply their knowledge and skills in real classroom settings.

Candidates who previously held a science endorsement under the old PSC rules will be required to register for EDCI 6599 Directed Studies in Education and complete the residency and portfolio requirements in order to receive the new endorsement and be eligible for salary incentives.

Additional Information

For additional information about the program and admission at CSU, contact Dr. Deirdre Greer at (706) 507-8034 or email greer_deirdre@columbusstate.edu.

Program Requirements