Admission

Each certification applicant must submit a completed Graduate Studies Admissions Application and supporting credentials to the College of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning. In conformance with Pennsylvania Commonwealth regulations, these will be reviewed by qualified College of Education and Human Services officials. The number, type and level of courses required of individuals seeking post-baccalaureate certification will depend upon the academic and professional background of each applicant. As a generalization of requirements, most certification applicants will need to complete at least the Education Blocks of coursework, consisting of 15-18 semester hours, plus 12 semester hours of student teaching (one full semester). Requirements in the specialty areas will vary from applicant to applicant as a result of each individual’s application and transcript review; therefore, no other general curriculum can be noted here. Questions concerning Pennsylvania Commonwealth regulations governing certification should be directed to the Certification Office, 717- 871-7362.

Applicants seeking admission to certification programs with an incoming GPA of less than 3.0 will have to complete the Teacher Certification Access Track (TCAT). Under this provisional status, students must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher in each of four post-baccalaureate courses comprising the TCAT requirements. Additionally, students may need to meet additional requirements before they will be granted full admission to the post-baccalaureate certification program. Individual requirements will be outlined in the student’s letter of admission.

Teacher Certification Testing

All Millersville University students who complete the requirements for an initial teacher education certificate through a master’s degree—or an approved program of post-baccalaureate or postgraduate studies—will be required to take specialty area tests before receiving the certificate. Official test scores must be received by Millersville University directly from the testing agency.

Mandated by the State Board of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, these tests must be passed to qualify for Instructional or other Professional Personnel Certificates.

Instructional I Certification

Instructional I certification is required for entry into a teaching position in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania schools.

Applicants interested in earning teacher certification, whether in addition to certification obtained through an undergraduate teacher education program or as a supplement to a liberal arts baccalaureate program, should contact the Certification Office, 717- 871-7362.

Instructional II Certification

Requests for Instructional II certification are made directly by in-service teachers to the Pennsylvania Department of Education at 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333; 717-787-3356.

Those planning to satisfy continuing professional education requirements at the graduate level are encouraged to consider a master’s degree program. Through academic advisement and careful development of a program of study, teachers can simultaneously pursue certification and a master’s degree.

Teachers interested in completing Instructional II certification requirements at the graduate level must contact the College of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning for admission information.

Reading Specialist Certification

Millersville University is an approved provider of a Reading Specialist Certification. Persons who have a valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or Instructional II certificate and have enrolled in and completed the Millersville University Reading Specialist courses are eligible to receive reading specialist certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

ESL Certification

Millersville University is an approved provider of a Program Specialist-ESL certificate program. Persons who have a valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or Instructional II certificate and have enrolled in and completed the Millersville University ESL program are eligible to receive ESL add-on certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Educational Specialist I Certification

Educational Specialist I certification is required for entry into guidance and school psychology positions in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania schools. An Educational Specialist II certificate is acquired through the recommendation of the school district superintendent.