MAJOR IN SECONDARY EDUCATION
Villanova University's Undergraduate Teacher Education Program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to prepare candidates for the 7-12 Instructional Level I Certification required to teach in Pennsylvania's public schools. Pennsylvania is one of 46 states party to an interstate agreement that enables certified candidates to teach in other states. Please check with your home state for the teacher certification process as each state is different.
EXPLORE THE MAJOR
In addition to curriculum requirements outlined by the College, students need to apply to the Pennsylvania Certification Program, as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to become a certified teacher.
PDE requires students to have:
- completed 48 credits
- a minimal 3.0 GPA
- six credits in English
- six credits in mathematics
- two recommendations from professors
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to student teach.
To be recommended for certification students must:
- Have a final 3.0 GPA
- Pass the state-required Praxis exams
- Satisfactory performance in their field experiences including a minimal B- in student teaching
- Successful creation of a presentation electronic portfolio
To obtain PA Instructional I Teacher Certification students must take and earn qualifying scores* on the PAPA/Basic Skill Test and on all Subject Area tests for specific instruction areas.
Pennsylvania uses the GPA sliding scale. View PA Certification Test Score Requirements.
All student seeking PA teacher certification must take and pass the Praxis exam for their content area. Learn more about the testing process and requirements.
Title II of the Higher Education Act of 1998, section 207, requires colleges and universities to make public the results of the Praxis tests required to teach in Pennsylvania's public schools. Villanova teaching candidates must pass the PAPA test of basic skills to enter the program. The Praxis II subject assessment tests are required for state certification in the specific teaching areas. For more information, contact Title II officer, Nancy Franz, at 610.519.5593. Visit the Title II website to view pass rates.
Pennsylvania participates in the Interstate Agreement - National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, NASDTEC. However, each state may have a few additional requirements. In compliance with federal law, our Education – Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosure Page contains information about specific state requirements.
CONTENT AREAS
Students may choose from one of the following content areas: Biology, Chemistry, English, French, Latin, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies and Spanish. Learn about the course of study at Villanova and the certification requirements for each content area.
- Biology 7-12 Praxis Test 5235
- Qualifying score: 147
Learn more about the Praxis requirements.
- Chemistry 7-12 Praxis Test: 5245
- Qualifying score: 154
Learn more about the Praxis requirements.
- English 7-12 Praxis Test: 5038
- Qualifying score: 167
Learn more about the Praxis requirements.
- French 7-12 Praxis Test: 5174
- Qualifying score: 162
Learn more about the Praxis requirements.
- Latin 7-12 Praxis Test: 5601
- Qualifying score: 152
Learn more about the Praxis requirements.
- Mathematics 7-12 Praxis Test: 5161
- Qualifying score: 160
Learn more about the Praxis requirements.
- Physics 7-12 Praxis Test: 5265
- Qualifying score: 140
Learn more about the Praxis requirements.
- Social Studies 7-12 Praxis Test: 5081
- Qualifying score: 157
Learn more about the Praxis requirements.
- Spanish 7-12 Praxis Test: 5195
- Qualifying score: 168
Learn more about the Praxis requirements.