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

Bachelor of Science Degree
Leading to Certification for Grades 4 - 8
Bagwell College of Education, Department of Secondary and Middle Grades Education
(470) 578-6314

https://education.kennesaw.edu/middleed/

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.

Admission to teacher education is separate from admission to Kennesaw State University. 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.

In order to be considered for admission to teacher education programs, candidates must have completed the following requirements:

1. Coursework:

• At least 45 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, and recommendation from the EDUC 2110 instructor. 

*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.

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 (200, 201 & 202 or combined test 700) regardless of matriculation date.
• Complete the Georgia Educator Ethics - Program Entry exam (350).

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 Assessment tests 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 located in the William D. Impey Teacher Education Advisement Center, located in Education Student Services (ESS):
  • SAT:    at least 1000 (Critical Reading and Mathematics)
  • ACT:    at least 43 (English and Mathematics)
  • GRE:    at least 1030 (Verbal and Quantitative), at least 297 (Verbal and Quantitative) 08/01/2011 and after

Candidates who believe they qualify for this exemption should see the Certification Officer in the William D. Impey Teacher Education Advisement Center, located in Education Student Services (ESS) to establish and record the exemption. The center can also provide further information concerning the GACE Program Admission at (470) 578-6105.

Any supporting documents (i.e. SAT or ACT exemption scores or Supplemental Teacher Recommendations) must be submitted to the William D. Impey Teacher Education Advisement Center (located in ESS) on or before the following deadlines:

Admission to Teacher Education Program for

Fall Semester 1st day of Spring - Summer Final Grades Due Date 
Spring Semester 1st day of Fall - Fall final Grades Due Date

Applicants will be reviewed by ESS and 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 who have been denied admission must remove deficiencies within three semesters of the initial application for admission in order to be eligible for reconsideration for entry into a teacher education program.

Candidates will be informed of their admission status by email to their Kennesaw State University Student email account. Candidates must enroll in the semester for which they have been admitted, or 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 this certificate, candidates must

• Complete PSC GACE Ethics Entry Exam (test code 350).
• Verify enrollment in a KSU educator preparation program through personal MyPSC account.
• 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.

A Pre-Service Certificate is required to participate in field experiences associated with courses required in teacher education programs.