Elementary Education
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Studies, Social and Cultural Foundations, Educational Leadership Studies offers opportunities for graduate study, teacher certification and research leading to a master's degree with initial certification. This program prepares individuals to become educators in the classroom. The primary purposes of the graduate programs in this department are to provide increased knowledge, skills and professional competencies for licenses related to each specialty area in the department (Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Studies, Social and Cultural Foundations, Educational Leadership Studies).
Career Profile
Overall employment of schoolteachers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations. Projected employment growth varies among individual teaching occupations. Job openings for all teachers are expected to increase as many teachers reach retirement age. Employment of special education teachers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations due to legislation emphasizing training and employment for individuals with disabilities; technological advances resulting in more survivors of accidents and illnesses; and growing public interest in individuals with special needs. Employment is distributed geographically with population shifts.
Program Application Requirements
Statement/Letter of IntentProgram Application Test Requirements
Passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) tests, offered through Educational Testing Services at www.ets.org/praxis. Initially students take the Combined Test, # 5751. Three exam sections comprise the Combined Test: Reading #5712, Writing #5722, and Mathematics #5732. If a student fails one section, they may retake an individual section. Passing scores for each section are: #5712-156; #5722- 162; #5732-150. – OR – GRE with a 900 (280-300 for new scoring) or better using the the Verbal and Quantitative portions (http://www.takethegre.com) – OR – Proof of ACT composite score of 26 or better; proof of SAT composite score of 1170 or better – OR – A completed master’s degree.Application Deadlines
Fall Deadline
July 15Spring Deadline
November 15Summer Deadline
March 15English Proficiency Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. WVU accepts either the TOEFL or the IELTS for this purpose. Learn more about our English language proficiency requirements.
Accreditation Information
WVU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
