Postbaccalaureate in Teacher Education

Hamline University's education theme "to develop reflective practice in an urban, multicultural context" is integrated throughout our postbaccalaureate certification program. Hamline believes that teachers prepared to teach in urban, multicultural settings and to be reflective will be successful wherever they practice their profession. Highlights of Hamline’s program include: a supportive learning environment, committed faculty and staff, convenient evening courses, and urban school field experiences.

For graduate programs leading to licensure, visit the Master of Arts in Teaching page. 

Teaching licenses offered
The State of Minnesota has approved Hamline University to license individuals in the following specialty/content areas:

• Elementary (K-6) - with a 5-8 specialty in Communication Arts/Literature, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, or a K-8 specialty in World Languages and Cultures (French, German, or Spanish)
• K-12 - Dance/Theatre, English as a Second Language, Music (instrumental or vocal), Physical Education, and World Languages and Cultures (French, German, or Spanish)
• Secondary (5-12) - Communication Arts/Literature, Health (must be done with K-12 Physical Education), Mathematics, and Social Studies
• Secondary (9-12) - Chemistry, Life Science, Physics - with an optional 5-8 specialty in Science

Completion of the first licensure coursework ranges from 15 months to several years, dependent on the applicant's prior coursework, professional experiences, and preferred pace of study.

Postbaccalaureate students seeking an initial teaching license from Hamline University must possess a baccalaureate degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited college with a minimum overall GPA of 2.50. An official transcript of previous course work and other application materials will be reviewed to determine admission status. An assessment is completed with the postbaccalaureate coordinator after admission but prior to registration for course work.

Formal acceptance to the Postbaccalaureate in Teacher Education Program occurs after successful completion of EDUC 3150-Schools and Society, EDUC 3250-Educational Psychology, and the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST).

To qualify for student teaching, which is the final phase of the licensure sequence, students must earn an overall GPA of 3.0 in their education and content area course work and gain final departmental approval via a portfolio process. At least one semester (4 credits) of residency at Hamline is also required prior to recommendation for student teaching.

Praxis II Tests are also required by the state of Minnesota and must be taken and passed in order to be recommended for a state of Minnesota license.

Admission deadlines
Fall: August 1
Spring: December 1
Summer: May 1

Tuition and fees
Information on tuition and other fees can be found at the Student Administrative Services Office.

Financial Aid
Financial aid in the form of student loans is available for students enrolled in the Postbaccalaureate Program who are taking a minimum of 6 semester credits. Please apply for financial aid concurrently with your application to the program. Information and applications for these low-interest loans can be found through the Student Administrative Services Office or at 651-523-3000. Students may also search online at www.fastweb.com.

Application Checklist

1. Complete the application form
   
2. Attach (or cut and paste) a one-page, double spaced essay which answers the following questions:
   
   a) Why have you decided to pursue a teaching license?
   b) What do you think are the most important needs of today's urban students?
   
   The Admission Committee uses this essay to learn about your goals and ability to think and write creatively and critically.
   
3. Request one official sealed transcript of previous course work from each college or university attended send directly from the institution to the address below.
   
4. Arrange to have one letter of recommendation send directly to the address below. Letters should reflect academic and/or professional experiences.
   
5. Begin the Assessment of Prior Courses worksheet (advisor will guide you). ESL students must also document their second language requirement.
   
6. If admitted, you will be directed to contact a faculty advisor in the education department to complete an assessment of your prior coursework.

Please send all application materials to:

Hamline University 
Office of Graduate Admission
1536 Hewitt Avenue MS-A1710
Saint Paul, MN 55104-1284

Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.