Degree
Bachelor of Science with a major in Middle and Secondary Education with CertificationMission
The mission of the School of Education is to prepare lifelong reflective educators who exhibit flexibility, compassion, collaboration, and student-centered pedagogy knowledge and skills.
The School of Education offers strong experiential, student-centered, and responsive program preparing students to develop:
- Knowledge of content and instructional practice
- Professional dispositions
- Pedagogical skills
Our vision is to prepare future educators to have an exponential impact on the lives of their students and the broader community.
The core values that drive the School of Education and guide our ethos, principles, and standards are:
- Knowledgeable Professionals
- Collaborative Practitioners
- Inclusive and Culturally Competent Educators
- Reflective Life-Long Learners
Major Description
Students complete a four (4)-year curriculum leading to a Bachelor’s Degree of Science. Maine State requirements mandate twenty-four (24) credits in a discipline area. Students must either choose to double major in Middle and Secondary Education along with a major in an academic discipline that leads to certification or major in Middle and Secondary Education with an academic area concentration (twenty-four (24) credits). Academic disciplines at UNE leading to secondary certification are: Biology (and associated life science majors), Chemistry, English, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, History, Marine Biology, Mathematics and Political Science. The Education programs provide professional teacher preparation courses culminating in a semester of student teaching.
Curricular Requirements
There are three (3) paths that students can select from as a Middle and Secondary Education Major. Each student must select at least one (1) of these paths.
Double Major
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Middle and Secondary Education with Certification may double major in an academic area that leads to a second Bachelor of Science degree. Options include Life Sciences, Applied Mathematics, and Physical Science.
Dual Degree
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Middle and Secondary Education with Certification may dual degree in an academic area that leads to a second major that is not a Bachelor of Science degree. Options include English and History (Social Studies).
Concentration
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Middle and Secondary Education with Certification may pursue an academic area concentration. Concentrations are available in Applied Mathematics, Biology, English, Environmental Science, History, Marine Science, Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics), and Physical Education.
Middle and Secondary Education Certification Program Requirements
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 42–43 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 105 – Exploring Teaching | 3 |
| EDU 110 – 21st Century Learning Through Technology | 3 |
| EDU 202 – Curriculum & Assessment | 3 |
| EDU 303 – Reading and Writing in the Content Areas | 3 |
| EDU 385 – Diversity Issues in Schools | 3 |
| EDU 488 – Secondary Practicum | 3 |
| EDU 498 – Secondary Internship and Seminar | 12 |
| SPE 220 – Exceptionality in the Classroom | 3 |
| SPE 405 – Inclusive Methods and Data Based Decision Making | 3 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
| Select one (1) appropriate methods course from the following list: | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 436 – Teaching Secondary English | 3 |
| EDU 437 – Teaching Secondary Science | 3 |
| EDU 438 – Teaching Secondary Social Studies | 3 |
| EDU 439 – Teaching Secondary Math | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 |
| Double Major*, Duel Degree**, or Concentration*** Requirements | Variable |
| Open Electives (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Required Total Credits | 120 |
|---|
*For the Double Major option, students can find requirements for their selected major here: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Sciences, Applied Mathematics.
**For the Duel Degree option, students can find requirements for their selected major here: Art, English, and Political Science.
***For the Concentration option, students can find requirements for their selected area in the Concentrations section below.
This program requires an overall minimum 2.5 GPA in the major.
FIELD EXPERIENCE
The faculty in the School of Education is committed to ongoing and frequent observation and involvement in schools. The teacher education programs at UNE have a specific competency-based focus to meet the Maine standards for teacher certification. All students engaged in teacher preparation will spend time in a field setting in each of the semesters for which they are registered for professional education courses. Involvement in the schools will be connected to specific, course-related tasks (e.g., observation, teaching lessons, conducting experiments, administering assessments, etc.). Transportation to and from schools is the responsibility of the student.
ADVANCED STANDING
All students in education certification programs must apply for admission to Advanced Standing when they have completed approximately sixty (60) credit hours and completed at least three (3) education courses. To apply for Advanced Standing, students must develop a portfolio demonstrating how they have met proficiency in the following areas: a) teaching skills, knowledge, and disposition aligned with the Maine Common Core Teaching Standards; b) basic academic skills and c) professional skills. This portfolio is evaluated by a committee of education faculty and a pass/fail determination is made based on a holistic rubric.
Students not meeting the Advanced Standing criteria do not remain enrolled in a certification program and MUST change their major to a non-certification major. Students can reapply for Advanced Standing upon completion of each additional semester up until their second to last semester (i.e., students graduating in Spring must meet Advanced Standing by the beginning of the previous Fall semester.
Student Teaching
Without specific permission from the School of Education Academic Director, courses may not be taken during the internship semester, so all required coursework must be completed the semester prior to the internship. Admission to the internship is not guaranteed and students must have reached Advanced Standing to apply.
The selection of individual internship sites will be made by the Certification and Placement Officer. Geographical location relative to UNE is a consideration. UNE has a collaborative relationship with many districts and selects both schools and teachers based on their interest in and ability to assist interns in demonstrating mastery of the Maine Common Core Teaching Standards. Placement in an internship is not guaranteed. The School of Education reserves the right to deny requests for courtesy internship placement for reasons it deems appropriate or necessary. The University, at its discretion, will not place students in internship settings (1) where an intern's children or relatives are enrolled, or (2) where a spouse or relative of an intern is currently employed. The School of Education, through its Certification and Placement Officer, will make a good-faith effort to negotiate an appropriate placement. Schools have the right to refuse placement requests. The fifteen (15)-week student teaching experience must be done in a local Maine Public School that is in an established internship protocol with the University of New England. Students may not be permitted to accept a contracted teaching position (e.g., long-term substituting, year-long internship) before completing at least half a semester of student teaching internship. However, student teaching interns may be permitted to sub on a day-to-day basis for their classroom teacher.
Professional Educator Review Board
All students enrolled in the internship must demonstrate their teaching competence with respect to Maine Common Core Teaching Standards before the Professional Educator Review Board (PERB). The Board is comprised of professional educators from area schools as well as UNE faculty. Students are required to develop a presentation reflecting their proficiency in meeting these state standards and present and defend the presentation in front of the Board. Passing PERB is a requirement for completion of the certification program and subsequently being recommended to the Maine State Department of Education for teacher licensure.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of their bachelor's degree, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery of the Maine Common Core Teaching Standards
- Demonstrate professionalism through accountability and engagement
- Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats
- Demonstrate appropriate dispositions as defined by professional expectations
Concentrations
CONCENTRATION IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS
Maine Certification Area: 300 Math (MAT)
| Concentration Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| MAT 150 – Statistics for Life Sciences | 3 |
| MAT 190 – Calculus I | 4 |
| MAT 195 – Calculus II | 4 |
| MAT 212 – Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MAT 220 – Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 240 – Geometry | 3 |
| MAT 321 – Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| One (1) MAT course at 200-level or above | 3–4 |
| Total Credits | 26–27 |
Concentration in Biology
Maine Certification Area: 395 Life Science (BIO, ENV, MAR)
| Concentration Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIO 105/105L – Biology I: Introduction to Ecology and Evolution w/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 106/106L – Biology II: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology w/Lab | 4 |
| BIO 200/200L/200S – Genetics w/Lab and Recitation or BIO 207 – Organismal genetics | 4–5 |
| BIO 400-level or higher elective | 3–4 |
| One (1) Physiology topic area course* | 3–4 |
| One (1) Ecology topic area course* | 3–4 |
| One (1) Organismal topic area course* | 3–4 |
| Total Credits | 24–29 |
*See Biology topic area courses
Concentration in English
Maine Certification Area: 100 ENG/LA (ENG)
| Concentration Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| ENG 115 – Classics of British Literature I | 3 |
| ENG 116 – Classics of British Literature II | 3 |
| ENG 200 – US Literature I: Writing, Revolution and Resistance | 3 |
| ENG 201 – US Literature II: Cultural Diversity and Common Identity | 3 |
| ENG 206 – Introduction to Literary Theory | 3 |
| ENG 334 – Methods of Literary and Cultural Criticism | 3 |
| Two (2) Diversity and Global Literacy Electives* | 6 |
| Total Credits | 24 |
*See a list of Diversity and Global Literacy Elective options
Concentration in Environmental Science
Maine Certification Area: 395 Life Science (BIO, ENV, MAR)
| Concentration Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIO 106/106L – Biology II: Cellular/Molecular w/Lab | 4 |
| ENV 220/220L – Conservation and Preservation w/Lab | 5 |
| Four (4) Credit Elective with prefix ENV or MAR | 4 |
| Twelve (12) Credits of 300-level or higher ENV electives | 12 |
| Total Credits | 25 |
Concentration in History
Maine Certification Area: 200 Social Studies (GEOG, HIS, ECO, POL)
| Concentration Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| HIS 222 – US History I | 3 |
| HIS 223 – US History II | 3 |
| Five (5) HIS Electives* | 15 |
| Total Credits | 21 |
*HIS 290 – Historical Research Methods & Writing recommended
Concentration in Marine Science
Maine Certification Area: 395 Life Science (BIO, ENV, MAR)
| Concentration Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| MAR 105/105L – Evolution/Ecology of Marine Organisms w/Lab | 4 |
| MAR 106/106L – Cellular/Molecular Biology of Marine Organisms w/Lab | 4 |
| MAR 250/250L – Marine Biology w/Lab | 4 |
| MAR 270/270L – Oceanography w/Lab | 4 |
| Two (2) MAR Elective Organismal Biology Area Courses** | 6–8 |
| One (1) Non-Organismal Marine Science Course** | 3–4 |
| Total Credits | 25–28 |
CONCENTRATION IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE - Chemistry Track
Maine Certification Area: 350 Physical Science (CHE, PHY)
| Concentration Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| CHE 110/110L – General Chemistry I w/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 111/111L – General Chemistry II w/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 210/210L/210S – Organic Chemistry I w/Lab and LabLecture | 5 |
| CHE 307/307L – Quantitative Analysis w/Lab or CHE 310/310L – Fundamentals of Biochemistry w/Lab | 4–5 |
| PHY 110 – General Physics I or PHY 210 – University Physics I | 4 |
| PHY 111 – General Physics II or PHY 211 – University Physics II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 25–26 |
Concentration in Physical Science – Multi-disciplinary Track
Maine Certification Area: 350 Physical Science (CHE, PHY)
| Concentration Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| CHE 110/110L – General Chemistry I w/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 111/111L – General Chemistry II w/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 210/210L/210S – Organic Chemistry I w/Lab and LabLecture | 5 |
| MAR 270/270L – Oceanography w/Lab | 4 |
| MAR 366 – Adv Oceanography I: Geological/Biological | 3 |
| PHY 110 – General Physics I or PHY 210 – University Physics I | 4 |
| PHY 111 – General Physics II or PHY 211 – University Physics II | 4 |
| PHY 305 – Revolutions of 20th Century Physics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 31 |
Concentration in Physical Science – Physics Track
Maine Certification Area: 350 Physical Science (CHE, PHY)
| Concentration Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| CHE 110/110L – General Chemistry I w/Lab | 4 |
| CHE 111/111L – General Chemistry II w/Lab | 4 |
| PHY 110 – General Physics I or PHY 210 – University Physics I | 4 |
| PHY 111 – General Physics II or PHY 211 – University Physics II | 4 |
| PHY 208 – Energy and Climate Change | 3 |
| PHY 305 – Revolutions of 20th Century Physics | 3 |
| PHY 310 – Biophysics Structure and Motion or PHY 320 – Medical Physics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 25 |
Middle and Secondary Education with Certification With Physical Education Concentration
The Physical Education Concentration includes twenty-five (25) credits offered through the Exercise and Sport Performance Department. This twenty-five (25)-credit concentration needs to be added to either an Elementary or Middle and Secondary Education Major.
To complete this concentration a student can major in Elementary Education with an academic discipline concentration and then add the twenty-five (25)-credit concentration enabling the student to be certified in Secondary Education and get a Conditional Certification in Physical Education. Please note, Physical Education is not a stand-alone concentration.
| Physical Education Concentration Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| ATC 306 – Psychology of Sport and Exercise | 3 |
| BIO 208/208L – Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology I w/Lab | 4 |
| EXS 180 – Motor Learning and Performance | 3 |
| EXS 205 – Sports Youth Physiology | 3 |
| EXS 310 – Kinesiology and Biomechanics | 3 |
| EXS 312 – Foundations of Coaching | 3 |
| EXS 330/330L – Fitness Evaluation and Prescription w/Lab | 3 |
| EXS 340 – Concepts of Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
| Total Credits | 25 |
| Certification Requirements – Select one (1) of the following options | Credits |
|---|---|
| English Conditional Certification – Must take nine (9) credits of ENG as part of CAS Core Requirements | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| History Conditional Certification – Must take nine (9) credits of HIS as part of CAS Core Requirements | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
| Life Sciences Conditional Certification – Must take BIO 105/105L as part of CAS Core Requirements | Credits Fulfilled by Core Requirements |
Completion Requirements
All coursework, including the internship, should be completed within a five (5)-year timeframe. A delay beyond the five (5) years might warrant the retaking of coursework. Furthermore, if state certification requirements change prior to your completion even within the five (5)-year timeframe, those changes must be incorporated into a revised program plan, in order to meet state certification regulations.
Transfer Credit
Individuals who have full acceptance in the Teaching Certification Program can transfer up to, but no more than six (6) education credits from other universities.
In-service or workshop-type courses that do not carry college credit will not be accepted for transfer equivalency.
No course of any kind will be accepted from other institutions after your acceptance into the program at UNE without a course equivalency granted prior to the course being taken.
Admissions
See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
Financial Information
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
This catalog outlines the academic programs, degree criteria, policies, and events of the University of New England for the 2024–2025 academic year and serves as the official guide for academic and program requirements for students enrolling at the University during the Summer of 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters.
The information provided is accurate as of its publication date on April 26, 2024.
The University of New England reserves the right to modify its programs, calendar, or academic schedule as deemed necessary or beneficial. This includes alterations to course content, class rescheduling, cancellations, or any other academic adjustments. Changes will be communicated as promptly as possible.
While students may receive guidance from academic advisors or program directors, they remain responsible for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the catalog relevant to their enrollment year and for staying informed about any updates to policies, provisions, or requirements.