College of Education—Department of Teaching and Learning
M.Ed. Secondary Education with Certification (Phoenix Area)
Information Packet
Thank your for your interest in NorthernArizonaUniversity’s M.Ed. with Secondary Certification Program. Phoenix-area students will find the information contained within this packet helpful as they contemplate teacher preparation, research and explore the program and participate in the application process.
This packet contains the following important information:
- Frequently Asked Questions about the M.Ed. with Secondary Certification Program
- State Teacher Certification Requirements
- Content-Specific Prerequisites for the Program
- All Required Application Materials
Please contact Diana Adam-Uyder, Faculty Program Coordinator, if you have questions regarding the content contained within this packet. We look forward to your application!
College of Education—Department of Teaching and Learning
M.Ed. Secondary Education with Certification (Phoenix Area)
This is a degree to provide a master’s degree and teacher certification for individuals
wanting to teach in grades 7-12.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Degree
- Will I earn a master’s degree while I satisfy the Arizona Department of Education’s requirements for teacher certification?
Yes. Our M.Ed. Secondary Education with certification emphasis program combines course work, practicum (observation) experiences and student teaching. At the end of the program, you will be ready to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) and apply for state certification.
- Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT as part of the application process?
No. Currently neither exam is required for the program.
- What content areas of specialization are available?
Students can pursue secondary certification in business, history/social studies, math, science, technology or in a vocational area.
- When can I start the program?
The program begins in January each year. Applications are accepted beginning June each year for the upcoming program.
- Do I have to follow a specific course plan or may I take classes whenever they are convenient for me?
The program is arranged in a cohort. All accepted students will move through the program in a lock step fashion. “Jump in/jump out” participation is not permitted.
- What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of students (usually about 25) that is admitted at the same time and goes through all classes together as a group. Students report that they experience a great deal of support and camaraderie via the cohort structure, particularly since most live in different parts of the valley and commute some distance for classes.
- How long does the program take to complete?
The program takes seventeen months to complete. Students take classes in the spring, summer and fall semesters and then student teach for the final semester of the program.
- What is practicum? Where does it take place?
Practicum is an observation experience designed to prepare you for student teaching. The university will assist you in locating an appropriate master teacher to observe. If you are not currently teaching (contractually), you must spend 45 clock hours observing the master teacher during the (fall) semester prior to student teaching. One credit hour is assigned to this experience. If you are currently teaching, you will enroll in practicum twice during the cohort.
- What is the specific student teaching requirement? May I work during student teaching? Is student teaching a paid experience?
Students who are not currently teaching (contractually) must student teach for sixteen weeks (January through April, usually) during the final semester of the program. Students are required to be at their assigned schools five days a week for the duration of the school day during the student teaching experience. For this reason, regular employment during student teaching is not possible. Finally, student teaching is an unpaid experience. Twelve credit hours are assigned to student teaching. Students who are teaching contractually during cohort participation will enroll in student teaching and will be visited (in their regular classrooms) by a university supervisor.
- Does NAU accept transfer credit for this degree?
NAU accepts limited transfer credit for this degree. Contact the faculty coordinator for details.
- Will I be certified upon graduation?
No. Certification is granted through the State of Arizona Department of Education. For specific information, please visit the ADE’s web site at: .
- What are the specific admission requirements for the program?
To be considered, students need an undergraduate degree or significant course work (24+ hours) in one of the following areas of specialization: business, history/social studies, math, science, technology or a vocational area. Additionally, admission into the GraduateCollege and Collegeof Education is also required. The following information pertains specifically to the application process:
- Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher for unconditional admissions. For GPAs lower than 3.0, some assistance may be needed and a limited period of time will be given to increase the GPA to 3.0 or higher.
- Students must submit a completed application form packet (see subsequent pages for specifics)
- Students must submit a completed writing sample (see subsequent pages for specifics)
- Students must submit a copy of an approved fingerprint card issued by Arizona Department of Public Safety or a copy of the application form to document that fingerprints have been submitted
- Is this a part-time program? Where and when are the courses offered?
This is a full time program (usually three classes per semester—year round) designed to meet the needs of career changing adults. Classes meet in Central Phoenix (near Thomas and 3rd Street) and in Mesa (near Centennial and Main). Specific locations vary. Some courses will be offered via internet. Semesters are arranged in eight-week and four-week sessions and face to face courses will meet from 4:30-10:10pm one to two days per week. The specific schedule is available through the faculty coordinator.
- How can I apply?
Application can be made by contacting faculty coordinator, Diana Adam-Uyder. She can be reached at 602-776-4622 or through email at .
Diana Adam-Uyder
Assistant Clinical Professor
College of Education
Northern ArizonaUniversity—EastValley Office
145 N. Centennial Way, 4th Floor
Mesa, AZ85201
(602) 776-4622
Master of Secondary Education with Certification Emphasis
Admission Process Steps
STEP ONE: Speak with faculty coordinator, Diana Adam-Uyder. This advising can be done in person or by phone. After it is determined that you meet the basic admission requirements, complete steps two through six.
STEP TWO: Obtain copies of official and unofficial transcripts. The official copies will be mailed to the NAUGraduateCollege with your graduate application. The unofficial transcripts will accompany your application materials when they are mailed to the faculty coordinator.
STEP THREE: Apply to the GraduateCollege. Complete the Graduate Admission application (can be done online at $50.00 + official undergraduate transcripts and mail to:
Graduate Admissions
Northern ArizonaUniversity
P.O. Box 4125
Flagstaff, AZ86011
STEP FOUR:Complete all application forms. These can be found online at: within this packet. Please download, print and complete the following forms and Writing Sample Instructions. Be sure to keep a copy of each completed form for your own records.
- Application Checklist
- Application Form
- M.Ed. General Application Form
- Statement of Understanding
- Privacy Form
- Program Of Study
- Teaching Major Clearance Form
- Secondary Curriculum Check Sheet
- Recommendation Form
- Student Teaching Requirements
- Writing Sample Instructions
STEP FIVE: Complete the writing sample (essay) requirement (instructions are included at the end of this packet). Add the completed writing sample to the aforementioned application forms.
STEP SIX: Mail the ten application forms, the writing sample, a copy of your fingerprint card and unofficial transcripts from every college and/or university attended to:
Diana Adam-Uyder, Assistant Clinical Professor
College of Education
Northern ArizonaUniversity—EastValley Office
145 N. Centennial Way, 4th Floor
Mesa, AZ85201
STEP SEVEN: Register for coursework. Accepted Phoenix cohort students will obtain registration information directly from faculty education advisor, Diana Adam-Uyder.
Certification Requirements
AEPA Exam: At the end of your program—either during student teaching or the semester prior to student teaching--you will need to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment Examination (AEPA). You will be required to take a professional knowledge exam on education theory, philosophy, methodology, etc. and a content exam pertaining to your teaching content. You must receive passing scores on these two examinations to be certified. AEPA preparation seminars are held periodically on campus and through IITV. Information about the AEPA and preparation for the examination can be obtained online at or by calling 928-523-7157.
U.S. Constitution Competency and an Arizona Constitution Competency: To be certified in the state of Arizona you will need to complete a U.S. Constitution Competency and an Arizona Constitution Competency. These competencies can be met in the following ways:
By taking two courses:
1. U.S Constitution
NAU HIS 291 or equivalent-U.S. History to 1865 OR
NAU POS 110 or equivalent-American Politics OR
CCC POS 222 or equivalent National constitution and Government
2. Arizona Constitution
NAU POS 241 or equivalent-State and Local Politics OR
POS 221 or equivalent _AZ constitution and government
***If you are interested, you can take the courses through NorthlandPioneerCollege. The courses are fairly inexpensive and they are offered online at
Or by taking one course
NAU POS 220 Federal and AZ Constitution or equivalent
Or by taking an examination
Contact the AEPA Office
Fingerprinting: Students are required to complete the fingerprint clearance at the time of admission. A copy of your proof of clearance card must be submitted for complete admission.
The clearance process takes approximately 3-6 weeks.
Packets are available in the college of education Student Services or any NAU statewide advisement office.
The processing fee is $52 (subject to change) plus a $5-$6 fee for the fingerprinting.
Clearance cards are valid for six years (expiration date on card). If you have a valid card, a new card does not need to be obtained.
M.Ed. Secondary Education with Certification
Content Area Prerequisites
Business
NorthernArizonaUniversity requires an undergraduate degree or 24 credit hours in business to include:
Accounting I3 hrs.
Accounting II3 hrs.
Macroeconomics 3 hrs.
Microeconomics 3 hrs.
Finance I3 hrs.
Computer Information Systems3 hrs.
Organizational Management3 hrs.
Business Law3 hrs.
Career Technical/Vocational
NorthernArizonaUniversity requires an AA degree that became part of a BAILS or General Studies undergraduate degree.
Family and Consumer Science
NorthernArizonaUniversity requires an undergraduate degree or 30 credit hours in Family and Consumer Science to include
PSY 240 Developmental Psychology
SOC 217 The Family
MER 131, 135, 232 or 235Merch Fund, Merch Buying, Textiles, or Eval Apparel
NTS 256 or NTS 135The Science of Nutrition or Human Nutrition
CTE 291Lab Management
CTE292Accident Prevention
FIN xxxPersonal Finance (transfer appropriate course from comm college)
ECI 305Early Childhood Development
HA 240Food Service Systems Mgt (note prerequisite HA100)
HA 243Commercial Food Service Operations (note prerequisite HA240)
History/Social Studies
NorthernArizonaUniversity requires an undergraduate degree or 30credit hours in History/Social Studies to include:
HIS 100 and 102 (world history survey)6 credits
HIS 291 and 2926 credits
HIS US at the 300 or 400 level3 credits
HIS European or World (could be Latin America, Africa, Asia etc) at the 300 or 400 level3 credits
POS 110 and 2416 credits
GGR: 240, 241, 346 are all acceptable in this area6 credits
Math
NorthernArizonaUniversity requires an undergraduate degree or 27 credit hours in Math to include:
Foundations of Mathematics3 credits
Abstract Algebra3 credits
Introduction to Analysis3 credits
Other preferred courses include:
Geometry3 credits
Statistics3 credits
Linear Algebra3 credits
Discrete Math3 credits
Calculus 33 credits
Differential Equations3 credits
Sciences
NorthernArizonaUniversity requires an undergraduate degree or 24 credit hours in Science to include:
General Science (for those interested in teaching grades 7 and 8)
Physical Science (must include two different course prefixes)12 hrs. (minimum)
Life Science(must include two different course prefixes)12 hrs. (minimum)
Biology (must have undergraduate degree and/or 24 credits in biology to qualify)
Chemistry (must have undergraduate degree and/or 24 credits in chemistry to qualify)
Physics (must have undergraduate degree and/or 24 credits in physics to qualify)
Technology
NorthernArizonaUniversity requires an undergraduate degree or 24 credit hours in Technology.
1Spring, 2008
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Department of Teaching & Learning
M.Ed. Secondary Education
with Certification
Teacher Education Program
APPLICATION CHECK LIST
1Spring, 2008
Admission to the M.Ed. with Certification Teacher Education Program requires submission of a completed application during an application period. Applications for the fall semester are due to the department office by July 1st, applications for the spring semester are due in the department by November 1st. Late or INCOMPLETE applicationswill NOT be accepted. Please complete all required forms thoroughly and accurately. Questions regarding the application should be directed to the Department of Teaching & Learning, EastburnEducationCenter (building # 27) room 120, 928-523-2641, your statewide office, or your faculty advisor. You may receive information and assistance for disability accommodation by contacting Disability Support Services, PonderosaBuilding (# 92) or (928) 523-8773.
Return the application to the Department of Teaching & Learning, EastburnEducationCenter, Room 120, or mail to: Department of Teaching & Learning, NAU Box 5774, FlagstaffAZ 86011. Statewide students should return the application to their statewide office.
A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET INCLUDES:
A completed Application Form
A signed Statement of Understanding
A signed Privacy Form
A signed Program of Study
A complete set of transcripts
Coursework from all institutions attended must be included.
An original essay titled “Why I Want to be a Teacher”
The essay must be word processed or typed, double-spaced,
& be approximately 500 words.
A completed Recommendation Form
The provided Recommendation Form must be used. The Recommendation Form may be submitted separately, but must be received before your application can be processed.
A copy of fingerprint card or verification of application for fingerprinting
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
_____ I confirm that I have received a copy of the Admission Requirements and Procedures for the Teacher Education Program and understand that program admission is offered at the discretion of the College of Education and is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress. (Please initial after reading)
_____ I confirm that the information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, that the essay submitted with this application is my own original work, and that the documents submitted in support of the application are accurate and have not been altered in any way. (Please initial after reading)
______
Applicant’s Name-Please PrintApplicant’s SignatureDate
______
Statewide Coordinator’s/Advisor’s Signature Date
(required for statewide students only)
1Spring, 2008
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Department of Teaching & Learning
LAST NAME / FIRST NAME / MIDDLE NAMEID # /
PREFERRED E-MAIL ADDRESS
CURRENT MAILING ADDRESS
/ CITY / STATE / ZIP / PHONE#PERMANENT MAILING ADDRESS / CITY / STATE / ZIP / PHONE#
LISTALLCOLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED:
INSTITUTION / LOCATION: CITY & STATE / DATESATTENDED / DEGREE
MAKE ONE SELECTION FROM ALL CATEGORIES THAT APPLY
SECONDARY MAJOR
[ ]Art [ ]French [ ]Music-INSTRUMENTAL
[ ]Biology [ ]Geography [ ]Physical Science
[ ]Business [ ]German [ ]Physical Education/
[ ]Chemistry [ ]History/ School Health
[ ]Earth Science Social Studies [ ] Spanish
[ ]English [ ]Journalism [ ] Technology Education
[ ]Family/ [ ]Math [ ] Theater
Consumer Science [ ]Music-CHORAL [ ]Trade/Industrial Education
CAMPUS OF ATTENDANCE (all applicants)
[ ]Flagstaff Campus [ ]Phoenix
PROGRAM OPTIONS (all applicants)
[ ] Phoenix Cohort
[ ] Traditional
[ ] Integrated Secondary Teacher Education Program, “ISTEP” (Flagstaff Campus Students only)
[ ] Secondary Integrated Teacher Education Partnership, SedonaRedRockHigh School, “SITE” (Flagstaff Campus Students only)
______
Applicant SignatureDate
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
MASTERS'S DEGREE PROGRAM APPLICATION
Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary
This form is to be completed by a student who wishes to enter a program leading to a Master of Education degree. Please submit this form to Diana Adam Uyder, faculty program coordinator: 2715 N. Third Street, Suite 208, Phoenix, AZ85004.
Date: ______
______
Last Name First Name MI Social Security No.
______
Permanent Address:Street City State Zip Telephone
Major: ______Specialization Field: ______
Career Goals: (What do you plan to do with your degree? What occupation are you looking forward to?)
______
______
Employment Experience: (last two years) ______
______
Name, Mailing Address, and Telephone of most recent supervisor: ______
______
Have you previously applied for admission to another graduate program at NAU? __Yes, which ______No
Teaching Certificate held: __Yes __No
Please attach a copy of your program of study, which should be signed by your advisor.
****************************************************************************************
Information below this line to be completed by the T&L Office in Flagstaff
Undergraduate GPA: ______Miller Analogies Test Score: ______
GRE Scores: General V _____% Q _____% Education _____%
Graduate GPA: ______Graduate Hours Completed: ______
Graduate Committee Action: Admitted ____ Deferred____ Denied ____
Reason for Deferment or Denial: ______
______
Chair's Signature Date
A notice will be sent to the student if denied, deferred, or accepted
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Department of Teaching & Learning
This document is to assist you in understanding your responsibilities as a student in the Master’s of Education with Certification Secondary Teacher Education Program at NorthernArizonaUniversity. You must read and check each of the following statements.
ADVISEMENT
_____I understand that it is my responsibility to meet regularly with my education advisor and to be aware of my program requirements at all times.
FINGERPRINT AWARENESS
As part of the Teacher Education Program you will be required to complete a practicum and student teaching experience within a school setting. Please be aware that many schools require fingerprint clearance before allowing NAU students to work in their classrooms.
_____I understand it is my responsibility to obtain the Fingerprint Clearance Packet from College of Education-Student Services Office or my statewide coordinator/advisor and submit it to the Department of Public Safety.
_____I understand I may need to provide verification of a Class One fingerprint clearance to be eligible for formal or informal interaction with students in grades K-12 as part of my education course work. This may also include practicum and student teaching experiences.
_____I understand if I am unable to meet the criteria noted above, it is in my best interest to seriously consider the consequences of pursuing a degree in education.