Admissions Requirements
Program admission requirements are based on state requirements for entrance to a teacher education/alternative track programs, as well as common elements for MSU teacher education programs. Applicants must meet the following admission criteria. (Students cannot be conditionally admitted to this program or admitted as unclassified.) To meet certification regulations, IECE MAT students must, depending on their employment and certification status, satisfy the practicum requirement in one of two ways:
- Option 6 (for students employed as the lead teacher in a public preschool or Head Start classroom with temporary provisional certification - Option 6 under state regulations): Complete a minimum of four credit hours of EDEC 600 (enrolled for one credit each semester). Under Option 6, students will complete the program with a minimum of 43 credit hours.
- Traditional (for students NOT currently employed as a lead teacher - Traditional under state regulations): Complete six credit hours of EDUC 650 during final semester. Under the Traditional option, students will complete the program with a minimum of 45 credit hours.
- Official transcript from an accredited institution verifying a baccalaureate degree with a GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; or a GPA of 3.0 on a four point scale on the last 30-hours of coursework taken at either the graduate or undergraduate level.
- Successful completion of the following PRAXIS pre-professional skills assessments:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE): Reading (5712) – 156;
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE): Writing (5722) – 162; and
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE): Mathematics (5732) – 150, OR
Successful completion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with the following corresponding scores:
- Verbal with a minimum score of 150,
- Quantitative with a minimum score of 143, and
- Analytical Writing with a minimum score of 4.0.
- Completion of and successful evaluation by program faculty of an admission interview demonstrating 1) effective communication, 2) creativity, 3) critical thinking, 4) ability to effectively collaborate with others, and 5) an understanding of the professional dispositions required of teachers.
- A signed statement that the applicant has read and understands the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Certified Personnel and Kentucky's fitness and character requirements for teachers.
- Submission of a graduate application form and general admission to graduate study (for criteria, refer to "Admission to Graduate Study").
- Submission of a national and state criminal history background check by the Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation that meets the requirements of Kentucky House Bill 204.
- Proof of CAN (Child Abuse and Neglect) Central Registry Check from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Eligibility to Continue in the Program
In order to continue in the IECE MAT program, the student must achieve and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Exit Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Submission and review of the program completion portfolio demonstrating proficient performance of the competencies for early childhood educators.
- Attainment of state mandated pass scores on required PRAXIS examination(s). Current requirement is a score of 166 on Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education.
Certification
Once a candidate is admitted to the MAT program, he/she must begin taking classes within 90-days and are immediately eligible to be employed as a highly qualified teacher with temporary provisional certification.
At time of admission to the program, candidates will be eligible to be employed with temporary provisional certification. In order to begin the KTIP year, candidates must pass the IECE PRAXIS. Candidates must complete the IECE certification program and KTIP within three years of initial hire with temporary provisional certification. If candidates fail to complete the program and KTIP, they will no longer be highly qualified for IECE.
Program Requirements
Foundations
| EDSP 601 | Survey of Exceptional Children | 3 |
| EDF 610 | Advanced Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| EDF 680 | History and Philosophy of Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 0-9 |
EDSP 601: or a previously taken equivalent introduction to special education course taken at the graduate or the undergraduate level.
EDF 610, EDF 680: or a previously taken equivalent introduction to professional education course taken at the graduate or the undergraduate level.
Concentration in IECE
Methods
| IECE 654 | Administration in Early Childhood Programs | 3 |
| IECE 615 | Families and Young Children | 3 |
| IECE 655 | Advanced Early Childhood Assessment | 3 |
| EDEC 637 | Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| EDSP 605 | Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
| IECE 631 | Guidance for Young Children | 3 |
| EDEC 627 | Infant and Toddler Curriculum | 3 |
| IECE 601 | Early Intervention | 3 |
| EDEC 611 | Early Childhood Curriculum Planning | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 27 |
Research Competency
| EDF 600 | Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Practicum
For candidates enrolled in Traditional program
For candidates enrolled in Option 6 with temporary provisional certification