Apr 28, 2024  
2016-17 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2016-17 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Education, B.A., Pre K-4 and Special Education Pre K-8 Dual Certification


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The Bachelor of Arts programs provide the necessary training for students interested in teaching at the PreK-4 and Special Education PreK-8 levels.

All Education programs are fully approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Graduates are recommended by the University Certification Officer after meeting all requirements for the Instructional I Certificate as mandated by PDE.

Requirements for the Major in Pre K-4 and Special Education Pre K-8 Dual Certification


Arcadia University prepares students for a world of increasing interdependence and complexity. Students become familiar with their discipline (Education) as well as develop skill and knowledge necessary to be active citizens in a digital, global, and interconnected world. Students focus on acquiring knowledge and skills in their major discipline through the Professional Education Coursework and experiences as part of the Undergraduate Curriculum. In addition, students develop a broad-based understanding across disciplines through the other elements of Arcadia’s Undergraduate Curriculum . This curriculum emphasizes the need for students to see themselves within a global context and to be prepared to approach the world’s diversity and complexity with a spirit of respect, cooperation and justice.

Credit Count (130 credits)


  • Professional Education Requirements (84 credits; Core in Pre K-4 Education and Pre K-8 Special Education. Some major courses also fulfill other curriculum requirements).
  • Additional Undergraduate Curriculum requirements (46 credits)

Professional Education Requirements (84 credits)


The Professional Education requirements are based on Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 354 and 49 requirements.

Professional Core in the Dual Pre K-4/Pre K-8 Special Education program totals 84 credit hours, including field experiences and student teaching. Twelve of these credits, and embedded content and experiences in other courses, address adaptations, accommodations, and cognitive development of diverse students in an inclusive setting (PDE Chapter 49 requirements). Three credits, and embedded content and experiences in other courses, address content requirements regarding the needs of English language learners (PDE PA Code, Chapter 49 requirements).

Professional Education Core Courses and Fieldwork (44 credits)


Special Education and English Language Learners Requirements (22 credits)


Student Teaching (18 credits)


Content area courses required under PA Code, Chapter 354


Courses with an asterisk (*) also meet an Undergraduate Curriculum  requirement.

At least one course in Written Communication

One course in American/English Literature

Two courses in Mathematics

ID 101 or another lab science course

One American History course

Requirements for All Certification Undergraduate Program Candidates


Note: All undergraduates seeking PA Certification must meet the same requirements for admission, testing, and exit . Please see the School of Education  section of the catalog for more information.

Additional Information:


Many of the courses will meet both the state certification requirements and Undergraduate Curriculum requirements. Courses taken in one area also can count toward a requirement in another area. Students will have free choice to select a course from a respective area in cases where no overlaps exist. In addition to these requirements, all students have the opportunity to participate in a Preview experience (ID181, 2 credits) in Spring of their first year.

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