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Undergraduate Programs

The college offers the bachelor of education (BEd) degree in elementary education (with early childhood and special education options available) and in secondary education (with a special education option available) and the bachelor of science (BS) degree in kinesiology and leisure science. Specific degree requirements for these undergraduate programs, including copies of the General Education Core requirements specified for education majors, are available in the Office of Student Academic Services, Wist Annex 2-126. For program requirements for the BEd, see the Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies section of the Catalog. For program requirements for the BS in KLS, see the kinesiology and leisure science section of the Catalog.

Admission Requirements

Students applying for admission to the bachelor of education program must have achieved upper division status by completing a minimum of 55 credit hours from an accredited college. Students seeking admission to the elementary program may be admitted to the college with a minimum of 36 credit hours completed by the end of the semester in which they are applying. BS majors in KLS follow specific General Education Core requirements listed on their program sheet. Students must also meet the following criteria:

1. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 at each postsecondary institution attended.
2. For secondary education majors, GPA of 2.75 additionally in the content major. 
3. Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or Computer Based Academic Skills Assessments (CBT): minimal state passing scores in reading, writing, and mathematics subtests.
4. Personal interview to assess fluency and intelligibility in oral communication, prior related field experiences, interest and motivation in the field, and suitability to the profession. 
5. Completion of pre-education core requirements (i.e., General Education Core requirements specified for education majors). 
6. Documented current active involvement with school-age children at the grade level of most interest in future teaching. Preferably, students will have had a variety of field experiences with both elementary and secondary level children.
7. Original TB certificate clearance as required by state Department of Education school regulations. Contact the Department of Health for more information. 
8. Liability insurance. 

Admission requirements are subject to change. Call the Office of Student Academic Services for updated information. 

Exceptionally well-qualified students who are off-island during the semester of application may be admitted on a provisional basis pending the satisfactory completion of the personal interview. The provisional restriction must be removed immediately upon arrival at the Manoa campus and no later than the first day of regular registration.

Students who are denied admission to the College of Education may request reconsideration of their application from the assistant dean for student academic services. However, only students who have achieved a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 and who attain the minimum qualifying passing score on the PPST/CBT may request reconsideration. In addition, students must show strong evidence of future potential in the field and a strong record of recent scholarship. 

During the admission process, applicants may be referred to, reviewed by, or interviewed by appropriate faculty members regarding their qualifications and potential as educators. The behavior of applicants should reflect high ethical and professional standards at all times. Behavior will be evaluated on the basis of past experience and current interaction with college personnel.

Applicants should be aware that admission to the college does not guarantee admission to student teaching (teaching residency). Students' progress in teacher education programs will be evaluated at several points throughout the program. 

Application Procedures

1. Submit a current College of Education application form with official transcripts of all previous college work to the appropriate place.
   1. Classified UHM undergraduate students submit the College of Education application and official transcripts to the Office of Student Academic Services, College of Education. 
   2. Undergraduate applicants from other campuses, classified/unclassified UHM graduate students, and unclassified UHM undergraduate students submit the College of Education application to the Office of Student Academic Services and send a completed UH system application form and transcripts to UHM's Office of Admissions and Records.
2. Make arrangements for the interview, the PPST/CBT and state Department of Health TB clearance certificate. 
3. Additionally, for enrollment in the music education program, make sure official transcripts of all university studies are on file in the music department office by the date of application, arrange for a timely interview with the music education faculty, and present evidence of musical/vocational aptitude in support of application. 

Application Deadlines

The deadline is March 1 for fall admission; September 1 for spring admission. Deadlines are subject to change. Call the Office of Student Academic Services for updated information.

Student Teaching

The College of Education plans, arranges, and supervises student teaching experiences at the elementary and secondary levels in public and private schools on O'ahu. Since student teaching is a full-time experience, students may not register concurrently for other courses or undertake employment during school hours. 

Prerequisites for registering for student teaching and seminar, which are offered on a mandatory CR/NC basis, include the following:

1. Enrollment in the College of Education as a classified student and completion of all course work;
2. Completion of the required foundations and methods courses with a grade of C or better;
3. A cumulative GPA of not less than that required for admission to the college;
4. For BEd in secondary education majors: A completed application for student teaching, verified by an academic adviser, submitted to the Department of Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies no later than September 1 or February 1 for a practicum assignment for the subsequent semester (there is no student teaching program during the summer session);
5. Recommendation by the student's college of education instructors;
6. For BEd in secondary majors: 
   An interview and recommendation by a designated teacher education personnel for assignment processing and/or referral to the student review committee; 
7. A current, original TB health clearance certificate from the state Department of Health that is valid through the student teaching experience (TB certificate must be filed with the Office of Student Academic Services).

Students should check with their academic adviser concerning specific requirements.

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