Overview
The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences and the Department of Content Area Teacher Education (CATE) have created this accelerated program to provide a seamless transition between undergraduate and graduate coursework for students wishing to pursue teacher certification in Biology. The program will allow qualified students to complete both programs and earn their initial certification in five years.
Total Required Credits for the Entire Accelerated Dual Degree Program: 153 s.h.
Requirements for Admission:
Once admitted to the undergraduate major, students may apply to the Accelerated program. Admission to the ADD Program is contingent upon meeting specific timeline with educational requirements. It is imperative that students consult with the undergraduate ADD program advisor at the earliest opportunity to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and do not miss critical deadlines. Early application is essential to maximize the likelihood of acceptance and to allow sufficient time for any necessary preparations. Therefore, students are strongly advised to contact the advisor promptly to secure their position in the ADD program. Students should be aware that application submissions to the Accelerated program must happen the latest by mid second term (March) of their junior year.
To be admitted to the program, students must meet the following requirements:
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework
- Students must have a C- or higher in all major courses.
Junior Admission: Students who have completed their first two years and/or 60 credits must meet the criteria below:
- Achieve and maintain Overall/ Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above (nonnegotiable / non appeal-able)
- Grades C- or better in any undergraduate education courses. Required courses for entry into the MA in STEM Education program may only be attempted twice.
- Must achieve a minimum of a B- in all MA STEM graduate courses
- Submission of Matriculation packet to STEM Education- Accelerated advisor by August 1st prior to entry into Senior year
- Submission of NJDOE Criminal Background check by August 1st prior to entry into Senior year
- Submission of clear TB test by August 1st prior to entry to Senior year. Mantoux (TB) Tests: School districts are now requiring current TB tests for all field placements. Please visit http://www.rowan.edu/colleges/education/ofe/mantoux.html for details.
- Passing score on Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators:
- Reading Test (Test Code 5713) : Score of at least 156
- Writing Test (Test Code 5723): Score of at least 162: and
- Math Test (Test Code 5733): Score of at least 150
- Attend advising session with College of Education Advisor
Students who meet the above criteria can complete an application which includes:
Students enrolled in the Accelerated Dual Degree in Accelerated Dual Degree in Biology and STEM Education may take up to 12 credits of graduate courses as an undergraduate. Students must meet with the relevant Program Advisor prior to moving onto the graduate portion of the program.
Requirements for Graduation:
Students must meet requirements for graduation with a Bachelor of Science or Arts in Biology and complete all the requirements for the Master of Arts in STEM Education Program.
Contingency for Students who do not Complete Master of Arts program:
Students who enter the accelerated Master of Arts in STEM Education but do not maintain satisfactory progress or who simply choose not to continue pursuing the degree will be allowed to apply up to 12 credits of graduate coursework to the Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biological Sciences program. If the student “opts out” before 12 credit hours have been completed, any remaining credits needed to complete the 120 hour undergraduate degree will be selected through consultation between the advisor, the program/department, and the student.
Program Advisor
Michalina Zelazny
James Hall
zelazny@rowan.edu
Program Coordinator
Dr. Issam Abi-El-Mona
James Hall
abi-el-mona@rowan.edu
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