How can the advising center help me?
We have a staff of professional advisors who will help you to clarify your career goals, present up-to-date information, and help you choose appropriate courses. The Learning Resource Center offers the use of Praxis test preparation software on computer. Back to top .
What teaching degrees are offered through the College of Education ?
- Elementary Education (Kindergarten – 8 th grade all subjects)
- DUAL Special Education (K – 12 th grade) AND Elementary Education (K – 8)
- Special Education (K – 12 th grade)
- Early Childhood Education: Birth through age eight with license K-2nd grade
- Secondary Education (7 – 12 th grade in one or more subjects)
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What if I'm not certain that I want to be a teacher ?
You may begin as a pre-major, explore a variety of classes for the first semester or two, and then adjust your major depending upon your experience. Speak with an advisor for more information. We also recommend visiting the Advising Center for Undecided & Exploratory Students ( http://www.unr.edu/acaff/advising/ ) and the Academic and Career Services ( http://www.unr.edu/career/ , 775-784-4678, Thompson Building suite 200) for help in deciding on a major and a career. Back to top .
How do college classes differ from high school classes ?
College classes last only one semester and may be worth anywhere from 1-5 credits or “credit hours.” The number of credits for a class depends on how many hours per week that you will meet for that class. If a class is worth three credits, for example, you will meet three hours per week for that class. Be aware that you will also be expected to spend two hours preparing for each hour in class. That's how 12 credit hours of courses is considered a full load – you should be scheduling 24 hours for homework making a total of at least 36 hours per week on academics! Back to top .
How many credits should I take ?
Twelve credits is the minimum number needed to be a full-time student, but you will need to average at least 15 credits per semester in order to graduate in 4 years. For your first semester, however, it may be worthwhile to enroll in only 12 credits so as not to overwhelm yourself. Often students initially register for 15 credits for their first semester and then attend the first day of class and decide then if they need to drop a class. Be aware – you must formally drop a class (tell the computer you are no longer going to attend) in order to avoid getting an F grade! Check the class schedule ( http://www.ss.unr.edu/records/sched.asp ) for drop deadlines. Back to top .
How do I register for classes ?
View the class times and locations in the class schedule ( http://www.ss.unr.edu/records/sched.asp ) and pick out classes that fit your schedule and do not overlap. Classes in the schedule are printed like this
:
FOOTNOTE
A class like English 101 may have over 50 sections, but here we see just sections 6 and 7. Section 6 meets 9:00-9:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in Frandsen Humanities building (FH) room 207 and is taught by Professor Smith. Section 7 meets 2:30-3:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays (TR) in Mack Social Science (MSS) room 242 and is taught by Professor Johnson. If one of these classes fits your schedule, write down the 5-digit call number (18647 or 23340) and log on to “ePAWS” ( http://www.unr.edu/epaws/ ). You will need your Social Security Number to log on. Follow the on-screen instructions until the menu screen appears, where you will click the button “Add / Drop Classes.” The prompts will tell you where to enter the call number and how to add the class. Tuition may also be paid over ePAWS, but it is usually not due until almost the first day of class. Check the class schedule for exact dates. Back to top .
Are there classes that I am not allowed to take ?
Placement into some classes such as math and English will depend upon your ACT or SAT scores. Read the class schedule carefully under the English or math department sections to determine which class you should take. Also look for prerequisite information provided in the footnote or class details. It is your responsibility to determine if you meet prerequisites; the computer does not block your enrollment or check all prerequisites. Be aware that upper division courses (300-400 level) and many 200 level courses generally expect higher level writing and analytical skills. These are not recommended for students who have not yet completed English 101 + 102 and Core Math requirements. Back to top .
Is admission to the College of Education the same as admission to teacher education ?
No. Undergraduate students are usually first admitted to the College of Education as premajors. During this period they don't need to declare their interest in any program in order to take the core, college, and introductory education courses. When they have made the decision to pursue a degree in education, formal admission to teacher education is required to enroll in upper-division courses with a CTL or EDS prefix and to graduate from our programs. Select this link to find out more about the admission process . Back to top .
When should I apply to the teacher education program ?
Refer to individual program manuals for specific admission criteria for each program. You may apply anytime you meet the following minimum requirements:
- Satisfactory GPA
- Minimum required credits completed
- Passing scores on the PPST or CBEST test.
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As a transfer student, what do I need to do to ensure a smooth transition and progress ?
You should meet with an advisor here at least one semester before you transfer. Please bring all of your transcripts. When you apply to UNR, your transcripts will be evaluated by Admissions and Records. For more information on transferring, check out the Transfer Center website. You may also want to familiarize yourself with the document entitled “Transfer Students' Rights and Responsibilities” . The document is intended to inform students of their rights and responsibilities and affirm institutional responsibilities to students. Back to top .
As a transfer student, what classes can I take at TMCC before coming to UNR ?
Students may take any of the core curriculum courses at Nevada community colleges (e.g. BIO 100, MATH 120, etc). Also, many of the introductory education courses are offered at the community college level, such as those with EDU prefixes; EDU 201 (Intro to Elementary Education) and EDU 202 (Intro to Secondary Education). For complete transfer guides, click here . Back to top .
Are there any Education classes offered via distance learning?
Yes, the Independent Learning Program offers several classes that may apply to the different education programs. The classes are taught via the internet on a semester basis, they are taught via the internet for registration anytime during the year, and finally, traditional print based, open enrollment, courses are offered to serve students anytime, anywhere. For example, EL 401 (Law and Ethics) has been offered through the internet for Secondary Education and Elementary majors. Also, Math 122 and 123 (Teaching Math to Elementary Students) has been offered via traditional correspondence. For more information regarding scheduling and policies contact the Independent Learning Program directly at 784-4658 or 1-800-233-8928. Back to top .
I am undecided about whether to go into the elementary education or secondary education. What factors should I consider in making my decision ?
You should consider what age of student most appeals to you (e.g. "big kids or little kids"). The elementary program requires a higher minimum GPA (2.75), has less room for electives, and you will receive training in a wide variety of subjects (Math, English, Social Studies, etc). The secondary education program includes a specific emphasis on teaching one or two subjects (e.g. teaching major and/or minor). Those wanting to teach middle school have the option of majoring in elementary education and taking enough courses in their chosen field to permit them to pass the Middle School PRAXIS as well as the Elementary School PRAXIS Exams. Please see an advisor if you are undecided regarding which route to take. Back to top .
Wh at options are available to persons working on a bachelor's degree in another college or for those who already have a bachelor degree?
For secondary education majors, it is possible to receive a degree in a major from another college or department while taking the nine education classes that are required for a teaching license. Admission to the teacher education program is required to complete the upper division education courses for licensure. An internship semester, at the graduate level, is also required. Back to top .
Another option for those who have a degree outside of education is enrollment, at the graduate level, in a master's degree program or a professional licensure program. We recommend that you look at the Educational Specialties or Curriculum, Teaching and Learning Department websites for specific information regarding post bachelor degree work. You may then want to seek out the faculty coordinator from the Department of your chosen licensure program for more detailed advising. Back to top .
What is the PPST or CBEST and which one should I take?
The PPST (Pre Professional Skills Test) is required by the State of Nevada for licensure, as well as a majority of states. The CBEST is required only by California and Oregon , and is also accepted by the State of Nevada in lieu of the PPST. Both the PPST and CBEST test on the subjects of Reading , Writing, and Mathematics. Passing scores are a requirement for admission into our teacher education program. The PPST is also called the Praxis I. You will take the Praxis II during your student teaching. Back to top.
I am considering Special Education but I am not sure what options are available, Should I do Special Education or the Integrated Program?
The special education program prepares you to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades K-12. The Integrated program also allows you to do that, as well as earn an elementary license for grades K-8. Both are 128 credit programs. Here are some factors that might influence your decision: The Integrated program requires that you attend full-time (at least 15 credits per semester), taking blocked courses in the daytime hours. The program prescribes the order in which you take courses. The special education allows you to attend full time or part-time. Fewer of the courses are blocked together and many of the courses are offered after 4:00 pm. The special education program allows more electives, and you earn one teaching license. The Integrated program has no electives, but you earn two teaching licenses. If you are interested in teaching special education in high school settings, you have two options: (1) a major in special education or (2) a major in secondary education with an additional teaching minor in special education. All programs leading to special education licensure enable you to learn the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for this important, high-needs teaching area. Please visit with an advisor to learn more about your options. Back to top .
I am majoring in Secondary Education and have already chosen my teaching major/focus. What if I want to change my teaching focus to another subject?
You may add an additional teaching major or minor before you graduate from UNR, or you can take additional courses after graduation to meet the requirements for an additional endorsement on your teaching license. To see the requirements for additional endorsements, check the website of the Nevada Department of Education at www.doe.nv.us . Back to top .
What are the requirements for licensure as a substitute teacher?
You are eligible to substitute teach when you have acquired 62 credits, with at least 6 credits coming from the loosely defined area of "education." Courses in education-related areas such as psychology, sociology, and human development count toward the 6 credit requirement. Visit the Advisement Center to pick up an application, visit the Washoe County School District website at http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/ , or visit the Nevada Department of Education website at http://www.doe.nv.gov/ . Back to top .
What is my DARS and how can I view a copy of it?
Your Degree Audit Report for Students (DARS) contains your current degree requirements, classes, grades earned at UNR, plus the official breakdown of all credits transferred to UNR. All students may access their DARS through ePAWS ( http://www.unr.edu/epaws/ ). New transfer students will be able to access their DARS only after they have been admitted to UNR and after they have completed the WebCT orientation as explained in their acceptance letter. The DARS may take about three weeks to be posted. If possible, we recommend new transfer students wait until they have accessed their DARS to meet with an Education advisor. For more information, visit the transfer center website: http://www.unr.edu/stsv/trcenter/ . Back to top .
How often should I visit with my advisor?
We suggest that you see your advisor at least twice a year to be sure you are on track toward program completion. It is particularly helpful to check with our academic advisors as you prepare your applications for a) admission to the program, b) internship, and c) graduation. A record of each advising appointment will be kept in your file, which will follow you throughout your college career. Back to top .
