Middle Grades Education, B.S. (Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts Concentrations)

Contact Information

Program Description

The B.S. with a major in Middle Grades Education is designed to prepare effective teachers for learners in the middle school (grades 4 through 8). It leads to grades 4-8 teacher certification in Georgia. Candidates prepare in two of the five middle grades curriculum areas (mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, or reading). Preparation in the two teaching fields selected is more in-depth than the content requirements of the program for early childhood educators, but less extensive and less specialized than the requirements of programs for secondary educators. The integrated nature of the curriculum and the importance of team teaching strategies are emphasized. Please see the Bagwell College of Education and EPP pages for policies relevant to all education programs.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to teacher education is separate from admission to Kennesaw State University. Students must meet the program requirements to pursue this degree program, outlined below.

Candidates typically apply for admission to Teacher Education as sophomores after having completed most of their general education requirements. Applications for admission to Teacher Education should be submitted online through Owl Express under the “Student Services” menu.

A criminal history background check will be performed prior to admission to Teacher Education. In addition, if determined by the background check that a student is a multi-state offender, the student will be required to pay a fee and be fingerprinted. Results of either the criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting may preclude admission to teacher education. For more information on the criminal history process, students should contact the Center for Education Placements and Partnerships (CEPP).

In order to be considered for admission to Teacher Education, candidates must have completed the following minimum requirements:

1. Coursework:

• At least 36 semester hours of accredited college coursework.
• ENGL 1101   and ENGL 1102  with grades of “C” or better.
• EDUC 2110  * with a grade of “C” or better, a satisfactory field experience evaluation,*or provide proof of credit from an approved Georgia Pathways Program

2. GPA requirements:

• Achieved a minimum, adjusted or cumulative GPA of 2.75 for all coursework completed at Kennesaw State University.  However, only candidates who have earned a KSU adjusted or cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher will be guaranteed admission when all other admission requirements have been met.  Students with a 2.75-2.99 GPA will be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
• Transfer students with a cumulative transfer GPA (as used by KSU Admissions) may be considered for teacher education admission their first semester at KSU.  Only candidates who have achieved a transfer cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher will be guaranteed admission when all other admission requirements have been met.  After their first semester at KSU without teacher education admission, transfer students will be required to earn a cumulative or adjusted KSU GPA as explained above.
• No grade lower than “C” in Lower Division Major and Teaching Field courses as required by the programs in teacher education.

3. Register with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to obtain a MyPSC account and PSC identification number.

4. Entrance exams requirements:

• Pass or exempt* the GACE Program Admission Assessment Tests (test code 210, 211 & 212 or combined test 710)
• Pass the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment (test code 360)

5. Some degree programs in teacher education have additional admissions requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to consult those departments and program advisors

* The GACE Program Admission Assessment tests are comprehensive exams covering reading, writing, and mathematics. Regardless of matriculation date, the GACE Program Admission Assessments are a requirement for entrance into the Teacher Education Program at Kennesaw State University. Candidates should plan to take the tests prior to applying to the Teacher Education Program. Students with the following minimum scores on Collegiate SAT, ACT or GRE examinations may exempt GACE Program Admission Assessment by submitting proof of scores to the Certification Officer at teapp@kennesaw.edu.

• SAT:  at least 1000 “Critical Reading” + “Math” on tests before March 1, 2016  OR 1000 “Evidence-based Reading and Writing” + “Math” March 1, 2016 -June 30, 2019 OR 1080 “Evidence-based Reading and Writing” + “Math” July 1, 2019 & after
• ACT:  at least 43 “English” + “Math”
• GRE: at least 1030 (Verbal and Quantitative) OR 297 (Verbal and Quantitative) 08/01/2011 and after

Applicants will be reviewed by the Admission and Academic Standing Committee of the applicant’s proposed degree program. All candidates who have met the requirements outlined above will be considered for admission. Only candidates who have achieved an adjusted GPA of 3.0 or higher will be guaranteed a place in their teacher education program of choice. 

Candidates will be informed of their admission status by email to their Kennesaw State University Student email account. Notification dates will vary depending upon many variables.  Candidates must enroll in the semester for which they have been admitted, or their admission is nullified, and they must re-apply and meet the admission requirements for a subsequent semester. KSU will request that teacher education candidates be issued a Pre-Service Certificate by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC). 

To be eligible for the Pre-Service Certificate, candidates must:

• Submit a complete PSC Pre-Service Certification application packet.
• Be enrolled in an educator preparation program leading to initial certification.
• Have a successful background check (conducted as part of the application process). The GaPSC will NOT award a Pre-Service Certificate to anyone who is currently on probation, regardless of the crime. The GaPSC requires a copy of the Final Disposition, signed by a judge, in order to consider the issuance of a Pre-Service Certificate.
• Pass or exempt GACE Program Admission Assessments.
• Pass Georgia Educator Ethics Exam (test code 360).
• Verify enrollment in a KSU educator preparation program through personal MyPSC account.
• A Pre-Service Certificate is required to participate in field experiences associated with courses required in teacher education programs.

Graduation Requirements

Each student is expected to meet the Academic Policies Graduation Policies and Procedures  outlined in the Academic Policies section of the Catalog. Graduation from a teacher education program requires that you at least attempt the GACE Content exams associated with your degree field.  Passing scores are required for certification by the PSC. All upper level coursework requires a grade of “C” or better and there must be a successful completion of all field experiences.

Program of Study