Education

DUAL CERTIFICATION - Students earning certification in either Early Elementary (P-5) or Middle School Education (5-9) will also receive certification in Learning and Behavior Disorders (Grades P-12). The Bellarmine School of Education believes that earning dual certification in general and special education competencies prepares our graduates for the many diverse and challenging classrooms of tomorrow. Graduates will be leaders in education, serving their communities by helping every child develop to his/her highest potential. Bellarmine is one of only a small number of colleges and universities in the nation with a teacher preparation program that requires this type of intense learning environment.

SECONDARY EDUCATION - Our secondary education program offers teaching certification for grades 8-12 in the following areas: biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, and social studies.

Programs of Study Requirements

• Requirements for Elementary Education and Learning & Behavior Disorders (required double major)
• Requirements for Middle Grades Education (English Language Arts concentration) and Learning & Behavior Disorders (required double major)
• Requirements for Middle Grades Education (Mathematics concentration) and Learning & Behavior Disorders (required double major)
• Requirements for Middle Grades Education (Science concentration) and Learning & Behavior Disorders (required double major)
• Requirements for Middle Grades Education (Social Studies concentration) and Learning & Behavior Disorders (required double major)
• Requirements for Secondary (High School) Education, Biology
• Requirements for Secondary (High School) Education, Chemistry 
• Requirements for Secondary (High School) Education, English (required double major)
• Requirements for Secondary (High School) Education, Mathematics (required double major)
• Requirements for Secondary (High School) Education, Social Studies
  

• A completed online application form.
• Credentials & Transcripts: Undergraduate applicants who have attended post-secondary schools, colleges, universities, or professional institutions outside the United States must submit their academic records to SpanTran or World Education Services, Inc. (WES) for a course-by-course evaluation.
• Language Proficiency: TOEFL: The minimum scores are: Paper-based test 550, Internet based test 79 or 80, or Computer based test 213, MELAB: Obtain a score of 78 or higher, IELTS: Obtain a score of 6.0 or higher. Duolingo English Test: Obtain a score of 105 or higher (The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for only $49. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with Bellarmine University when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session).
  1. Language training at an approved center.
  2. Prior educational experiences in TOEFL Exempt Countries. Students who have a secondary or high school diploma earned in TOEFL exempt countries have met the requirement. Additionally, international students who have completed at-least one year of full time university study or its equivalent (i.e., a minimum of 24 earned credit hours or its equivalent and earned a 2.0 GPA) in an exempt country have met the requirement.
  3. ACT or SAT. Students for whom English is a second language and have outstanding language skills may submit either ACT (21 composite or higher) or SAT (1060 or higher) scores in lieu of other evidence.
  4. Proof of Funding: A bank statement or letter of commitment demonstrating ability to fund the cost of attending Bellarmine University for one academic year.
  5. Letter of Recommendation: Applicants must obtain at-least one letter of recommendation from a prior teacher, professional academic counselor, or another individual who’s professional standing is appropriate to access the student’s ability to succeed in college and who is aware of the student’s language skills.