Undergraduate Programs

The School of Education offers several degree options for undergraduate students. For those students interested in becoming a teacher, our Teacher Education Program offers preparation at the early childhood, elementary, and secondary levels. The Teacher Education Program offers a variety of content areas and grade levels to choose from to fit your specific interests and strengths:

Undergraduate Programs Leading to New Mexico Teacher Licensure

BS in Education - Early Childhood Education (Birth-3^rd Grade)

The 120 credit hour bachelor's degree in ECE emphasizes teaching strategies for the young child. Early childhood educators receive training in child development through coursework that emphasizes the adult's role in the biological-physical, social, cultural, emotional, cognitive, and language domains. In addition, the early childhood educator possess knowledge of factors that can influence learning and development, such as the environment and nutrition.

In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in early childhood include 1) six hours of reading instruction, including the teaching of reading, 2) supervised field experience 3) Successful completion of a semester of Intern Teaching and 4) successful completion of required state assessments.

BS in Education - Elementary Education (Grades K-8)

General Science

Mathematics

Language Arts

Social Science

The elementary education level prepares educators to meet the needs of students in grades kindergarten through 8th. The Teacher Education Program prepares students to become proactive classroom managers, reflective practitioners, and culturally responsive educators through coursework and field experiences. Coursework will also equip students with tools to evaluate curriculum and provide meaningful feedback to students through assessments.

The program consists of 120 credit hours of coursework. In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in elementary education include 1) six hours of reading instruction 2) supervised field experience 3) Successful completion of a semester of Intern Teaching and 4) successful completion of required state assessments.

BS in Education - Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)

General Science

Mathematics

Language Arts

Social Science

Secondary education focuses on teaching students in grades 7-12. The educator at this level must possess a specialization in an academic teaching field with a choice of mathematics, science, social science, or English/Language Arts. The educator must also have the ability to manage a classroom for optimal learning, identify factors that could negatively impact learning such as environmental or social factors, and meet the individual needs of students with disabilities. The 120 credit hour secondary education program at USW is designed to meet those needs.

In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in secondary education include 1) three hours of reading instruction 2) supervised field experience 3) 24 credit hours in one teaching field 4) Successful completion of a semester of Intern Teaching and 5) successful completion of required state assessments.

BS in Education - Special Education (Grades K-12)

Special education remains a high-need area in New Mexico public schools. USW recognizes this need and offers a bachelor's degree focusing on the delivery of special education services for grades kindergarten through 12. Students enrolled in the special education licensure program will gain knowledge related to disabilities, special education law, and modification of curriculum to meet the individual needs of the student.

In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in special education include 1) six hours of reading instruction 2) supervised field experience, 3) 24 credit hours in one teaching field with a choice of mathematics, science, English/language arts, or social science 4) Successful completion of a semester of Intern Teaching and 5) successful completion of required state assessments.
Click here for more information on the Teacher Education Program (TEP)

Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology (non-licensure)

The Kinesiology is a non-licensure bachelor's degree consisting of 120 credit hours with an 18 credit hour minor. After students complete their core requirements, course such as Health and Aging, Kinesiology & Biomechanics, and Health Promotion in the Workplace are taken. Courses such as these prepare the student for a future in the health industry or as preparation to enter programs leading to physical or occupational therapy. At the completion of the program, students will confidently enter professions such as community and public health services, personal fitness trainers, health club directors, and many more.
Once you choose the grade level you are interested in teaching, you may select teaching fields/endorsements (minor) from the following academic content areas for our Secondary and Special Education degrees:

Contact Dacia Johnson, djohnson@usw.edu for more information about the programs above.