Elementary Education Program
A student pursuing elementary education certification may elect one of the following majors: American studies, biology, chemistry, economics, English, French, history, Italian, mathematics, natural science, political science, psychology, Spanish, sociology, or theatre arts.
Candidates seeking elementary certification should consider the impact of their choice of major on the options for a middle school endorsement. To be sure that their major provides them with the options for the middle school endorsement they might be seeking, candidates should consult with their education advisors.
General Education Competencies
Candidates for elementary certification must meet the Dominican University core curriculum requirements. In addition, candidates must take a second science course. One of the science courses must include a lab. All of these requirements must be completed with a minimum grade of C. This course work will address the Illinois State Board of Education general education competencies.
General Education Courses
- English Composition: one three- or four-credit course
- Mathematics: one three- or four-credit course (MATH 130 or above)
- History: One three- or four-credit course or related seminar
- Philosophy: One three- or four-credit course or related seminar
- Social Science: One three- or four- credit course or related seminar
- Science: One three- or four- credit course in each biological and physical science (one must include a lab)
- Humanities: One three- or four-credit course or related seminar
- Multicultural /Global: One three- or four-credit course or perspectives-related seminar (EDUC 386 is accepted for this area)
Content Studies
Candidates complete a major in one of the academic disciplines listed above.
Pedagogical and Professional Studies
A series of professional education courses that focus on the development of pedagogical and professional knowledge to prepare candidates to teach in elementary and middle schools.
Field Experiences and Clinical Practice
Dominican requires early field experiences equivalent to 100 clock hours. These experiences must be completed in a variety of school settings providing the candidate with an exposure to different grade levels, teaching styles, and subject areas, as well as to students of diverse ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds and students with exceptionalities. At the end of their program of study, candidates participate in a semester-long clinical practice experience.
