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Elementary Education: BS

School of Education, College of Professional Studies Building, UW-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481 Telephone: (715) 346-2040 Website: www.uwsp.edu/education (choose "undergraduate")

Admission to UW-Stevens Point

  • Application Procedure

To apply to UW-Stevens Point as a transfer student, complete the UW System admission application form.  You may apply online at apply.wisconsin.edu or by submitting a paper application to:  

UW-Stevens Point Office of Admissions
Student Services Building
UW-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI 54481

Paper applications can be obtained through UW Colleges Student Services Offices and the UWSP Admissions Office, or downloaded at apply.wisconsin.edu.

Request that your official transcripts be forwarded directly to the UWSP Admissions Office from both your high school and any colleges or universities you have attended.

While there is no deadline for applying to the University, early application is recommended because UW System enrollment management efforts may require us to limit our enrollment.

  • General Admission Requirements to the University

Students from the UW Colleges who will have earned 54 or more credits by the time they transfer to UWSP are eligible for admission with a grade point average of 2.00 or higher. If you will have earned fewer than 54 transfer credits by the time you transfer, you will need to meet the admission requirements in effect at the time your application file is complete.

Please note that admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the Elementary Education major or the Professional Education Program.

  • When Should You Transfer?

UW Colleges students interested in a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree with a major in Elementary Education at UWSP may remain at the UW Colleges for three to four semesters, depending on the course availability at the UW Colleges campus they attend.

Admission to the Professional Education Program

Students with majors in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Exceptional Education must be admitted to this Program to register for upper-level Early Childhood, Education, Instructional Resources and Teaching Methods courses.

Formal application to the Professional Education Program must be made. Deadlines are September 22 and February 22. Applications will be accepted up to the deadline. Late applications will be processed during the subsequent application period. Only students who meet all criteria listed below are eligible to apply. If the deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline to apply will be the Friday prior to the deadline.

Applications and questionnaires are available in the School of Education (SOE) Undergraduate Advising Office, Room 469 College of Professional Studies or at the UWSP School of Education website, http://www.uwsp.edu/education. Unofficial copies of transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions must be attached to the application, along with the completed questionnaire and letter proving admission to UWSP if not currently enrolled at UWSP.

  • EXIT EXAM

All students applying for a teaching license will be required to pass the appropriate state mandated Praxis II exam(s) at least one semester prior to student teaching and submit an acceptable web-based portfolio on the Ten Wisconsin Teaching Standards during the student teaching semester.    More information on these requirements can be found in the "student handbook" section of the School of Education website.

  • MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
    All requirements must be met, and passing scores submitted to the SOE Undergraduate Advising Office no later than the deadline.       Requirements may change at any time.

  • Completion of 40 credits. Pass/Fail credits and courses below the 100 level are not included in the 40-credit requirement. Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, retroactive credits and credits by exam are included in the 40-credit requirement (if approved by UWSP).
  • A cumulative grade point ratio of 2.75, based upon credits earned at this and all institutions attended.
  • Completion of English 101 and English 102 with a grade point ratio of 2.50. Students receiving a grade of "C" or above in English 150 and students receiving a grade of "C" or above in English 102 who have tested out of English 101 meet this requirement. Students receiving a grade of "B" or better in two writing emphasis courses and passing the reading and writing portions of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) OR students who receive a grade of "B-" or better in English 250 (English 201 at the UW Colleges) also meet this requirement. Students who do not meet this criteria must complete the Professional Writing Competency Program, administered through the School of Education Undergraduate Advising Office, 715-346-2040.
  • Passing score of at least 50% on the Watson-Barker Listening Test. Test dates are scheduled during the first 2 weeks of each semester. Test dates for the academic year are available in the SOE Undergraduate Advising Office and on the SOE website the last week of August. Take this test as soon as you have completed 26 credits.
  • Passing scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. The PPST booklet has registration materials and information on the administration of this test. PPST passing scores are: Reading 175, Writing 174, Mathematics 173. Computer-based test passing scores for computer-based tests taken prior to January 2002 are: Reading 322, Writing 320, Mathematics 318. The School of Education must receive passing scores by the application deadline for students to qualify. (The ETS web site is www.teachingandlearning.org ). UWSP no longer accepts scores within 3 points of the state requirement. Take this test as soon as you have completed freshman English and Math, no later than 6 months prior to applying to the Professional Education Program.
  • Completion of the Speech and Hearing Screening from the Communicative Disorders Department. Test dates for the academic year are available in the SOE Undergraduate Advising Office and on the SOE website the last week of August. Take this test as soon as you have completed 26 credits.
  • Passing scores of 15 or higher on the Pre-Professional Interview, administered through the SOE Undergraduate Advising Office, 715-346-2040. The Interview is available by appointment only, at a cost of $30.00. The Interview is offered during the academic weeks of the fall and spring semesters as well as in June. You may repeat this interview once if you do not receive a passing score. If applying for the Professional Education Program for a September deadline, it is suggested that you do this interview February 23 through June prior to applying. If applying for the Professional Education Program for a February deadline, it is suggested that you do this interview September 23 through the first week of December prior to applying.
    NOTE: Required only of students seeking admittance into the Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Exceptional Education and Physical Education majors.
  • Students who are not registered for courses at UWSP at the time of application must submit a letter from the UWSP Admissions Office proving admission to UWSP.
  • Technology requirement: Education 205 must be completed with a grade of "B-" or better. Contact the Undergraduate Advising Office for other limited options. We do offer a 3 hour, $10 "Technology Workshop" for those students who have not yet met this requirement.
  • SEE DEPARTMENT OF MAJOR/MINOR FOR ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION ON ENROLLMENT CAPS. ENROLLMENT CAPS ARE IN EFFECT FOR ALL TEACHING MAJORS AND A NUMBER OF TEACHING MINORS. NOT ALL STUDENTS MEETING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ARE ADMITTED. ALL SECONDARY EDUCATION/K-12 DEPARTMENTS HAVE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. SEE THE SOE WEBSITE FOR "ENROLLMENT CAP POLICIES".
  • Enrollment caps are in effect for the Elementary Education major. One hundred students per year are admitted to the Professional Education Program in this major, half in September and half in February. Students are ranked using the following criteria: 1/3-Overall GPA, 1/3-Pre-Professional Interview, 1/6-Listening Test, 1/6-PPST.
    Certification:     Students completing this plan of study will be certified for ages 6-13. The Early Childhood minor and Early Childhood Special Education minor are not available for this major, but may be pursued once initial certification is completed.

UW-Stevens Point General Degree Requirements

  • * Denotes courses not directly equivalent to UWSP requirement, but acceptable in lieu of requirement for this major.
  • "P" in front of a course number indicates that student must be accepted into the Professional Education Program in order to enroll in the course.

The following courses meet UWSP General Degree Requirements (GDRs) and Department of Public Instruction requirements.

  1. Freshman English -- 3-6 credits required
    UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
    English 101 and 102 English 101 and 102
    or English 150 None
  2. Writing Emphasis -- 6 credits required
    UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
    "P" - Education 310 None
    Elective Out of Major Any course designated as meeting the
    writing emphasis GDR OR transfer
    60 credits or more and 3 credits will be waived.
  3. Communication -- 2 credits required
    UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
    Communication 101 Communications 103
  4. Mathematics -- see below
    UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
    Math 90 (if needed) Math 091 OR Math 095
    OR Math 097 (if needed)
    Math 100 - 3 credits Math 105 (if needed)
    Math 228 - 3 credits (pre-req. Math 100 at UWSP) Math 130
    Math 338 - 3 credits (pre-req: Math 228 if taken at UWSP) Math 132
    Note: Math 228 (Math 130 at UW Colleges) will not meet the math GDR at UWSP unless the student majors in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or Exceptional Education.
    Note: Math 338 (Math 132 at UW Colleges) will meet the math GDR at UWSP for Fall 2002 and later.
  5. Natural Science -- 12-15 credits required
    Choose one from each area. Maximum of one course numbered 100 at UWSP (designated as 100(#)). At least two courses must be 4-5 credit labs.
    UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
    Physical Science: (choose one from this area)
    Chemistry 100, 101 Chemistry 123(#),124(#), 125, 145*
    Physics 100, 101 Physics 107*, 110*, 120*, 141*,
    201*, 202*
    Astronomy 100, 205, 206, 311 Astronomy 100(#), 101*, 200
     
    Earth Science: (choose one from this area)
    Geography 100, 101 Geography 104*, 106*, 107*,
    120 (3 credits = UWSP Geog 100; 5 credits = UWSP Geog 101), 123*, 124* 125(#) (3 credits = UWSP Geog 100; 5 credits = UWSP Geog 101), 170*
    Geology 100 Geology 100(#), 101*, 102*,
    104*, 107*, 135*, 169(#), 170*
      Meteorology 100*
     
    Life Science: (choose one from this area)
    Biology 100, 101 Anthropology 105*;
    Bacteriology 101*; Biology 109,
    160*, 250*; Botany 100*, 130*;
    Physiology 170*; Zoology 101*, 105*, 140*, 155, 170*
  6. Minority Studies and Non-Western Culture
    At least one course you take must be designated "Minority Studies", and at least one course you take must be designated "Non-Western Culture". Students should try to take one Humanities elective and one Social Science elective (see below) that also fulfill these requirements.
    UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
    Minority Studies (MNS) See advisor or Transfer Information System (TIS).
    Non-Western Culture (NWC) See advisor or Transfer Information System (TIS).
  7. History -- 6 credits required (courses in parentheses are course numbers prior to Fall 2008)
    UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
    History 177 (212) History 102
    Select one (3 credits): History 176 (211), 285 (385*), 288 (130*), 292 MNS (382*), 393 (388*) (Hist 120* and 379* are no longer offered)
    (*does not meet the History GDR requirement for other majors.)  MUST BE HISTORY 176 (211) FOR B.A. DEGREE.    		 History 101, 278 (MNS)
     
  8. Humanities and Social Science -- (Combined total of 18 credits) Humanities - 6-9 credits required
    UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
    Select one (Area 2 courses): English 211, 212, 213, 214 Any literature course that transfers as HUM2*
    Elective course(s) from Areas 1, 3 or 4 Any course(s) that transfer as HUM1, 3 or 4

    Social Science - 9-12 credits required

    UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
    Political Science 101 Political Science 104
    Psychology 110 (Pre-req. to HD 261) Psychology 201 OR 202
    Psychology 260 Psychology 250 or 360*
    Elective Any Social Science elective
  9. Environmental Literacy -- 3 credits required
    UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
    "P" - Natural Resources 370 Geography 350* or Biology 103* or 107* (student must also take Natural Resources 310 - one credit at UWSP during the month of May)
  10. Wellness -- 6 credits required
    UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
    Physical Education 231 (currently meets Aerobic Activity) Physical Education 211*
    Health Education 280 - 3 credits (currently meets Health Enhancement) None

Professional Education Requirements

UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
  • "P" - Art Education 322 - 2 credits - BLOCK III
 None
  • "P" - Education 200 - 1 credit
 None
  • Education 205 - 2 credits
 None
  • "P" - Education 300 - 1 credit
 None
  • "P" - Education 302 - 3 credits
 None
  • "P" - Education 309 - 3 credits - BLOCK III
 None
  • "P" - Education 310W - 3 credits - BLOCK III
 None
  • "P" - Education 324 - 3 credits - BLOCK III
 None
  • "P" - Education 325 - 3 credits - BLOCK III
 None
  • "P" - Education 351 - 3 credits - BLOCK I
 Education 300
  • "P" - Education 381 - 3 credits - BLOCK I
    Note: It is highly recommended that you transfer both Education 300 and 330 for ease of scheduling once you transfer.
Education 330 (For full credit, must also take Educ 370 at UWSP with subtitle, Transforming Conflict - 1 cr)
  • "P" - Education 383 - 3 credits - BLOCK III
 None
  • "P" - Education 385 - 3 credits - summer and winterim only
 None
  • "P" - Education 398 - Student Teaching - 12 credits
 None
  • "P" - Education 400 - Seminar on Teaching - 1 credit ( taken during student teaching semester)
 None
  • English 275 - 3 credits
 None
  • "P" - Instructional Resources 331 - 3 credits - BLOCK I
 None
  • Math Education 228 - 1 credit (Math Ed 229 for transfer students who have completed Math 228 at another institution - Fall)
 None
  • Math Education 338 - 1 credit (Math Ed 339 for transfer students who have completed Math 338 at another institution - Fall)
 None
  • "P" - Math Education 345 - 1 credit
 None
  • "P" - Math 345 - 3 credits 
 None
  • Music Education 381 - 3 credits
 None

Minor of at Least 22 Credits

Students who started at UWSP prior to Fall 2005 may complete any approved 22 credit minor or any second major.  (If you take two or more semesters off, you will fall under Fall 2005 requirements for the minor/second major.)

Students who start at UWSP Fall 2005 and later will be required to complete an approved 22 credit minor or an approved second major in a DPI approved area : Art History, *Biology, *Broadfield Social Science, Business Administration, *Economics, *Chemistry, *Coaching, *Cognitive Disabilities, Communication, Comparative Literature, Computer Information Systems, Dance, Drama, *Earth Science, *Emotional Disturbances, *English, *English as a Second Language, *Environmental Education, *French, *Geography, *Geology, *German, *Health Education, *History, *Learning Disabilities, *Mathematics, Music, *Natural Science, *Physics, *Political Science, *Psychology, *Sociology, and *Spanish.

*Minors are available for teacher certification.

Competencies

UW-Stevens Point Requirement UW Colleges Equivalent
  • First Aid and CPR Certification (GPE or WLNS 123 or Red Cross - if Red Cross, bring current certification cards to 469 CPS.)
 PED 123
  • Educ 370, Subtitle: Transforming Conflict - 1 credit (required for all students who have taken Educ 381 at another institution OR have taken Educ 381 at UWSP prior to Fall 1995.) Call 715-346-3801 to be put on the mailing list for this course.
 None
  • Document 100 clock hours of pre-student teaching experience working with children and youth, of which 50 hours are involved with designated social, cultural, and language groups. Requirements in courses listed above will meet this mandate.
  • A 2.75 GPA in the major, the minor, and overall is required for student teaching.

NOTE:  Block III courses (18 credits) should be taken 1-2 semesters prior to student teaching and cannot be broken up. Once a student is admitted to the Professional Education Program, they must commit to the semester for which they will take Block III.  Students will be expected to be out in the Stevens Point schools for 8-9 weeks full-time during this block.

For more information, see the School of Education Web page or contact the School of Education Undergraduate Advising Office at (715) 346-2040.

Updated: 12/06

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