Program Overview

Effective spring 2023 this program is closed to new student admission and changes of major. CSU intends to terminate the program when the currently enrolled students have completed it, but not later than spring 2025. Currently enrolled students should speak with their academic advisors to plan accordingly.

The Middle Grades Education program at Columbus State University prepares individuals to become proficient middle level educators who are responsible to the unique developmental nature and needs of young adolescents. The program provides content preparation in two teaching fields as well as a specialized knowledge base that emphasizes the philosophy, theories, research, exemplary practices and interdisciplinary focus of successful middle level programs. Pre-service teachers also participate in a variety of field experiences to develop the dispositions and performances needed to be effective teachers for young adolescents.

All educator preparation programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. In addition to the degree requirements, there are further requirements for teaching certification. Visit the Certification page on the CSU Center for Quality Teaching and Learning (CQTL) website for detailed information about certification requirements and the certification process.

Career Opportunities

The B.S. Ed. program in Middle Grades leads to entry-level Georgia certification and qualifies students to teach in grades 4-8.

Program of Study

Click on the Program Map tab to view a term-by-term guide for completing the program requirements.

Core Requirements

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Note: MATH 1113 Pre-Calculus is required for Math and Science Concentration (1 hour applied to Area H)

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Note: Students must complete Area B and Area D with a combined total of 15 credit hours within the following ranges. Any additional hours may be applied to Area F or beyond, depending on the program of study. Students should consult their advisors. Area B1, 3 hours; Area B2, 1-2 hours;  Area D1, 7-8 hours; Area D2, 3-4 hours.

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ITDS 1145 Comparative Arts, though listed under both humanities and fine arts, may be taken only once.

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Note: MATH 1125 Applied Calculus is Recommended for Math Concentration

Major Requirements

Specializations

Mathematics Specialization  

Science Specialization²

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Note: Any extra hours are applied to Area H.

Language Art Specialization 

Social Studies Specialization 

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Based upon area of specialization. Advisor must approve these electives to insure prerequisites are met for Area H Coursework.

Program Map

Program Map for Language Arts/Social Studies Concentration

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Requires admission to teacher education.

Program Map for Language Arts/Math Concentration

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Requires admission to teacher education.

²

Even numbered years

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Odd numbered years

Program Map for Math/Social Studies Concentration

¹

Requires admission to teacher education.

²

Even numbered years

³

Odd numbered years

Program Map for Science/Social Studies Concentration

¹

Requires admission to teacher education.

²

Even numbered years.

Program Map for Science/Math Concentration

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Requires admission to teacher education.

²

Even numbered years.

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Odd numbered years

Program Map for Science/Language Arts Concentration

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ASTR 1105 Descriptive Astronomy: The Solar System/ASTR 1305 Descriptive Astronomy Lab with a C or better is a prerequisite for ASTR 3105 Physics, Chemistry, and Geology of the Solar System.

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Requires admission to teacher education.

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ASTR 3105 Physics, Chemistry, and Geology of the Solar System offered even years.

Additional Notes

This program map illustrates appropriate coursework for completing a degree within four years, provided that course grades allow for earned credit. Please consult with your advisor to determine when courses can be switched out with others and taken in a different semester or sequence than illustrated since not all courses are taught every semester.

• This map is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract on the part of CSU since degree requirements or course offerings could change. As always, check with your advisor.
•  Students must complete "Area A " (ENGL 1101 English Composition I, ENGL 1102 English Composition II, and MATH 1001 Quantitative Skills and Reasoning or higher) prior to reaching 30 hours and earn a "C" or higher in ENGL 1101 and 1102.
• As of Fall 2013, all undergraduate students are required each semester to meet the 2.0 institutional GPA standard for satisfactory academic progress.

Admission Requirements

During the sophomore year, students intending to complete a teacher education program make formal application to the teacher education program. Normally, this occurs after the student has completed three semesters of full-time course work. Admission to Teacher Education is completed through TK20.  For further information please go to https://cqtl.columbusstate.edu/teacher-education.php.

Additional Program Requirements

A review of student records is conducted each semester to determine whether a student is eligible to continue in the Teacher Education Program. Retention is based on the following:

• Maintain a CSU and Overall 2.50 GPA. If the grade point average falls below the requirement, the student has one semester to raise his/her GPA. Students who do not meet the GPA requirements after that semester must take additional courses other than the ones required for admission to teacher education.
• Students must earn not less than a C in field and professional courses. Only 10 percent of the professional and field courses may be repeated at CSU or another accredited college. Correspondence courses will not be accepted in field or professional courses.
• Students who fail to complete a degree program after three years from date of admission to Teacher Education will be excluded from the program and required to re-apply under current admission policies.

To be eligible for CSU's recommendation for a Georgia professional teaching certificate, students must complete a rigorous program of coursework. They also must meet certain other criteria required by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Please contact CSU Advise at  706-507-8780 or by email at academic_advising@columbusstate.edu

Program Learning Outcomes

• (R1.1) Candidates apply their knowledge of the middle grades learner and learning at the appropriate progression levels. Evidence provided demonstrates candidates are able to apply critical concepts and principles of \ learner development (InTASC Standard 1),\ learning differences (InTASC Standard 2), and\ creating safe and supportive learning environments (InTASC Standard 3) \ in order to work effectively with diverse P-12 students and their families.\
• (R1.2) Candidates apply their knowledge of middle grades content at the appropriate progression levels. Evidence provided demonstrates candidates \ know central concepts of their content area (InTASC Standard 4) and \ are able to apply the content in developing equitable and inclusive learning experiences (InTASC Standard 5) \ for diverse P-12 students. \
• (R1.3) Candidates apply their knowledge of InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards relating to middle grades instructional practice at the appropriate progression levels. Evidence demonstrates candidates are able to \ assess (InTASC Standard 6),\ plan for instruction (InTASC Standard 7), and\ utilize a variety of instructional strategies (InTASC Standard 8) \ to provide equitable and inclusive learning experiences for diverse P-12 students.\
• (R1.3) Candidates model and apply national or state approved technology standards to engage and improve learning for all students.
• (R1.4) Candidates apply their knowledge of professional responsibility at the appropriate progression levels. Evidence demonstrates candidates \ engage in professional learning,\ act ethically (InTASC Standard 9),\ take responsibility for student learning, and\ collaborate with others (InTASC Standard 10) \ to work effectively with diverse P-12 students and their families.\