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Program Description
The World Languages Education major helps prepare students for kindergarten through high school teaching positions and for other employment in fields related to their content language areas.
The following teaching options are available for majors in World Languages Education:
- Bilingual Education
- English as a Second Language
- French
- German
- Latin
- Russian
- Spanish
Pennsylvania does not issue a teacher certificate in Bilingual Education; many other states do. Completers of the English as a Second Language (ESL) option may qualify for the Pennsylvania Program Specialist: ESL credential if they hold a Pennsylvania teacher certificate.
Bilingual Education Teaching Option
Although Pennsylvania does not issue a teacher certificate in Bilingual Education, other states do. Thus, completion of this option as well as any tests or requirements stipulated by the pertinent state department of education (other than Pennsylvania) should lead to a teacher certificate in Bilingual Education. In addition to the Common Requirements of the World Languages Education major, candidates select one of the language emphases, i.e., French, German, Latin, Russian, or Spanish, complete the courses associated with that emphasis and also the Common Requirements for all Emphases. Consequently, candidates also become eligible for teacher certification in the language selected as their language emphasis. Further, completers of this B.S. degree and option may also become eligible for the English as a Second Language (ESL) credential by completing six additional credits, i.e., APLNG 410 or APLNG 484, and APLNG 493.
Candidates are expected to have taken their choice of language coursework beyond the intermediate level to be eligible for enrollment in FR 201, or GER 201, or LATIN 400, or RUS 204, or SPAN 200. In general, students are encouraged to take at least one course in the chosen language each semester without interruption. Participation in an approved Education Abroad Study Program is required, typically during semester six.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching Option
This option will lead to a baccalaureate degree only in conjunction with one of the other companion World Language Education Teaching options.
The ESL Teaching option is a joint offering of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education and the Department of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies in the College of the Liberal Arts. Dr. Youb Kim, Assistant Professor of Education and Applied Linguistics, and Joan Kelly Hall, Professor of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, are co-directors of the program.
This option prepares candidates for advanced work in ESL and for the Pennsylvania teacher credential Program Specialist: English as a Second Language (ESL). However, the Pennsylvania Department of Education only issues the Program Specialist: ESL credential to holders of Pennsylvania Instructional I or II certificates. Thus, completers of another World Languages Education Teaching option may first seek the Pennsylvania Instructional certificate in that language and may then add the Program Specialist: ESL credential, subsequently.
French Teaching Option
Completion of this option and pertinent tests required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education lead to the Pennsylvania Instructional I teacher certificate in French. Candidates are expected to have taken French coursework beyond the intermediate level to be eligible for enrollment in FR 201. In general, students are encouraged to take at least one course in French each semester without interruption. Participation in an approved Education Abroad Study Program is required, typically during semester six.
German Teaching Option
Completion of this option and pertinent tests required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education lead to the Pennsylvania Instructional I teacher certificate in German. Candidates are expected to have taken German coursework beyond the intermediate level to be eligible for enrollment in GER 201. In general, students are encouraged to take at least one course in German each semester without interruption. Participation in an approved Education Abroad Study Program is required, typically during semester six.
Latin Teaching Option
Completion of this option and pertinent tests required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education lead to the Pennsylvania Instructional I teacher certificate in Latin. Candidates are expected to have taken Latin coursework beyond the intermediate level to be eligible for enrollment in LATIN 400. In general, students are encouraged to take at least one course in Latin each semester without interruption. Participation in an approved Education Abroad Study Program is highly recommended, typically during semester six.
Russian Teaching Option
Completion of this option and pertinent tests required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education lead to the Pennsylvania Instructional I teacher certificate in Russian. Candidates are expected to have taken Russian coursework beyond the intermediate level to be eligible for enrollment in RUS 204. In general, students are encouraged to take at least one course in Russian each semester without interruption. Participation in an approved Education Abroad Study Program is required, typically during semester six.
Spanish Teaching Option
Completion of this option and pertinent tests required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education lead to the Pennsylvania Instructional I teacher certificate in Spanish. Candidates are expected to have taken Spanish coursework beyond the intermediate level to be eligible for enrollment in SPAN 110. In general, students are encouraged to take at least one course in Spanish each semester without interruption. Participation in an approved Education Abroad Study Program is required, typically during semester six.
What is World Languages Education?
The World Languages Education (WLED) major prepares graduates to teach in all grades from Pre-K through 12. Candidates choose from among the following language specializations: French, German, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. Along with studies on campus and in local schools, students in this major typically complete a semester abroad experience to promote proficiency in the language they will teach.
You Might Like This Program If...
You aspire to teach another language, and to help open children’s eyes about languages in diverse cultural contexts.
Entrance to Major
Baccalaureate degree candidates must meet the following requirements 1-3 by the end of their third semester. Requirements 4-9 must be met by the end of the fourth semester when students typically participate in the Entrance-to-Major process.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00
- Documentation of at least 80 hours of volunteer or paid education work experience with learners of the age group the candidate plans to teach. Candidates for World Languages Education must document 40 of these hours with learners who come from backgrounds that are different from the candidate's.
- A grade of "C" or better in all specified courses.
- Completion of an early field experience specified by the certification program.
- Completion of a core of Education courses specified by the certification program.
- Completion of additional credits as specified by the certification program.
- Completion of at least 48 semester credit hours, including ENGL 15 or ENGL 30H, three credits of literature, and six credits of quantification
- Language proficiency as described below.
- Approval from the professional education adviser or the head of the pertinent certification program.
French Option
Proficiency equivalent through FR 3
Literature selection options in language: FR 351 or FR 352
FR 201 and FR 202
Spanish Option
Proficiency equivalent through SPAN 3
Literature selection options in language: SPAN 210, SPAN 220, or SPAN 253W
SPAN 215
German Option
Proficiency equivalent through GER 3
Literature selection options in language: GER 310
GER 201
Russian Option
Proficiency equivalent through: RUS 3
Literature selection options in language: RUS 304
RUS 204
Latin Option
Proficiency equivalent through: LATIN 3
Literature selection options in language: CAMS 45, LATIN 404
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in World Languages Education with a dual certification option in Bilingual Education Teaching, a minimum of 140 credits is required; with an option in English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching, a minimum of 136 credits is required, i.e., a minimum of 123 credits for the companion World Languages Education Teaching option selected, plus 12 credits to meet eligibility for the Program Specialist: ESL credential; with an option in French Teaching, a minimum of 128 credits is required; with an option in German Teaching, a minimum of 126 credits is required; with an option in Latin Teaching, a minimum of 125 credits is required; with an option in Russian Teaching, a minimum of 124 credits is required; with an option in Spanish Teaching, a minimum of 128 credits is required (See also Teacher Education Programs):
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 1 |
| Requirements for the Major | 88-106 |
9-12 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes 9-12 credits of General Education GS and GH courses.
Requirements for the Major
Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)
A grade of C or better per course is required for teacher certification.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification | ||
| CI 280 | Introduction to Teaching English Language Learners  | 3 |
| CI 295 | Introductory Field Experience for Teacher Preparation | 3 |
| CI 495E | Practicum in Student Teaching--Secondary Education | 15 |
| EDPSY 14 | Learning and Instruction | 3 |
| EDTHP 115 | Education in American Society | 3 |
| HDFS 229 | Infant and Child Development | 3 |
| SPLED 400 | Inclusive Special Ed Foundations: Legal, Characteristics, Collaboration, Assessment, and Management | 4 |
| SPLED 403B | Evidence-Based Methods for Teaching Secondary Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings | 3 |
| WLED 300 | Foundations of Second Language Teaching | 3 |
| WLED 411 | Methods of Teaching World Languages in Grades 1-5 | 3 |
| WLED 412W | Methods of Teaching World Languages in Grades 6-12 | 3 |
| WLED 495B | Field Experience for World Languages Teacher Preparation in Grades 1-5 | 3 |
| WLED 495C | Field Experience for World Languages Teacher Preparation in Grades 6-12 | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification | ||
| PSYCH 412 | Adolescence | 3 |
| or HDFS 239 | Adolescent Development | |
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Select an option | 33-51 | |
Requirements for the Option
Bilingual Education Teaching Option (48-51 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| WLED 414 | 3 | |
| WLED 422 | 3 | |
| WLED 444 | Language, Culture and the Classroom: Issues for Practitioners | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits of 300- or 400-level option-related courses, with departmental recommendation | 6 | |
| Select an emphasis | 33-36 | |
French Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| FR 201 | Oral Communication and Reading Comprehension 1 | 3 |
| FR 202 | Grammar and Composition | 3 |
| FR 316 | French Linguistics | 3 |
| FR 331 | French and Francophone Culture I | 3 |
| FR 332 | French and Francophone Culture II | 3 |
| FR 401 | Advanced Oral Communication | 3 |
| FR 402Y | Advanced Grammar and Writing | 3 |
| FR 440 | Teaching of Romance Languages | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| FR 417 | French Phonology | 3 |
| or FR 418 | French Syntax | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Paris: Anatomy of a Global City | ||
| French Culture Through Film | ||
| France and the French-speaking World | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| French and Francophone Literature I | ||
| French and Francophone Literature II | ||
| Contemporary French Literature | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Contemporary France | ||
| African Literature of French Expression | ||
| Race and Gender Issues in Literatures in French | ||
- 1
Proficiency in the language of choice must be demonstrated by either examination or coursework equivalent to the completion of 12 credits in order to enroll in FR 201.
German Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| GER 201 | Conversation and Composition 1 | 4 |
| GER 301 | Intermediate Speaking and Listening | 3 |
| GER 310 | Introduction to the Study of German Literature | 3 |
| GER 344 | Intermediate German Culture | 3 |
| GER 401Y | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| GER 411 | The Teaching of German | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| GER 412 | Contrastive Analysis of Modern German and English | 3 |
| or GER 430 | History of the German Language | |
| GER 431 | History of German Literature and Culture I | 3 |
| or GER 432 | History of German Literature and Culture II | |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| The Amish | ||
| Contemporary German Culture | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
GER 480 | ||
GER 481 | ||
GER 482 | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| Foreign Study--German | ||
| Seminar in German Culture | ||
GER 482 | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Foreign Study--German | ||
- 1
Proficiency in the language of choice must be demonstrated by either examination or coursework equivalent to the completion of 12 credits in order to enroll GER 201.
Latin Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| CAMS 5 | Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations | 3 |
| CAMS 50 | Words: Classical Sources of English Vocabulary | 3 |
| CAMS 400W | Comparative Study of the Ancient Mediterranean World | 3 |
| LATIN 402 | Republican Literature | 3 |
| LATIN 404 | Silver Age Literature | 3 |
| LATIN 403 | Augustan Age Literature | 3 |
| LATIN 450W | History of Latin | 3 |
| LING 102 | 3 | |
| Additional Courses | ||
| CAMS 101 | The Roman Republic and Empire | 3 |
| or CAMS 150 | Classical Archaeology--Ancient Rome | |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| Cultural Diversity: A Global Perspective | ||
| Roman Civilization | ||
| Classical Mythology | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| Studies in Classical and Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Special Topics | ||
Russian Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| RUS 204 | 1 | 4 |
| RUS 214 | Intermediate Russian III | 4 |
| RUS 304 | Readings in Russian III | 3 |
| RUS 305 | Advanced Russian Conversation | 3 |
| RUS 400 | 3 | |
| RUS 412 | Russian Translation | 3 |
| RUS 450 | 3 | |
| Additional Courses | ||
| RUS 450 | 3 | |
| or RUS 497 | Special Topics | |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| Russian Culture and Civilization | ||
| Russian Folklore | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| Russian Literature in English Translation: 1800-1870 | ||
| Russian Literature in English Translation: 1870 to Present | ||
| The Culture of Stalinism and Nazism | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| Research Project | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Foreign Studies | ||
- 1
Proficiency in the language of choice must be demonstrated by either examination or coursework equivalent to the completion of 12 credits in order to enroll in RUS 204.
Spanish Emphasis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| SPAN 110 | Intermediate Conversation 1 | 3 |
| SPAN 215 | The Science of Spanish: A Beginner's Guide to Hispanic Linguistics | 3 |
| SPAN 253W | Introduction to Literary & Cultural Studies en Español | 3 |
| SPAN 314 | Spanish Sounds | 3 |
| SPAN 410 | Advanced Oral Expression and Communication | 3 |
| SPAN 412 | Translation | 3 |
| SPAN 440 | 3 | |
| Additional Courses | ||
| SPAN 210 | Readings in Iberian Civilization | 3 |
| or SPAN 220 | Readings in Ibero-American Civilization | |
| SPAN 316 | Building Words and Sentences in Spanish | 3 |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| Spanish for Social Services | ||
| Topics in the Cultures of Spain | ||
| Topics in Cultural Contact and Exchange | ||
| Topics in the Cultures of Latin America | ||
| Topics in the Cultures of the Americas | ||
| Foreign Study--Spanish | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| Foreign Study--Spanish | ||
| The Contemporary Spanish American Novel | ||
| Masterpieces of Spanish American Literature | ||
| Masterpieces of Spanish Prose | ||
| Masterpieces of Spanish Drama and Poetry | ||
| Special Topics | ||
- 1
Proficiency in the language of choice must be demonstrated by either examination or coursework equivalent to the completion of 12 credits in order to enroll in SPAN 110.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching Option (45-49 credits)
Select 33-37 credits: This option must be taken in conjunction with one of the other World Languages Education Teaching Options.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| APLNG 493 | Teaching English as a Second Language | 3 |
| WLED 444 | Language, Culture and the Classroom: Issues for Practitioners | 3 |
| WLED 483 | Evaluating Schools Performances and Programs with English Language Learners (ELLs) | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| APLNG 410 | Teaching American English Pronunciation | 3 |
| or APLNG 484 | Discourse-Functional Grammar | |
Holders of a baccalaureate degree and a valid Pennsylvania Instructional certificate, who seek only the Program Specialist: English as a Second Language credential, must complete the following 15 credits of Prescribed and Additional Courses. Typically, they do so in connection with other post-baccalaureate studies.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| APLNG 493 | Teaching English as a Second Language | 3 |
| WLED 300 | Foundations of Second Language Teaching | 3 |
| WLED 444 | Language, Culture and the Classroom: Issues for Practitioners | 3 |
| WLED 483 | Evaluating Schools Performances and Programs with English Language Learners (ELLs) | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| APLNG 410 | Teaching American English Pronunciation | 3 |
| or APLNG 484 | Discourse-Functional Grammar | |
French Teaching Option (36 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| FR 201 | Oral Communication and Reading Comprehension 1 | 3 |
| FR 202 | Grammar and Composition | 3 |
| FR 316 | French Linguistics | 3 |
| FR 331 | French and Francophone Culture I | 3 |
| FR 332 | French and Francophone Culture II | 3 |
| FR 401 | Advanced Oral Communication | 3 |
| FR 402Y | Advanced Grammar and Writing | 3 |
| FR 440 | Teaching of Romance Languages | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| FR 417 | French Phonology | 3 |
| or FR 418 | French Syntax | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Paris: Anatomy of a Global City | ||
| French Culture Through Film | ||
| France and the French-speaking World | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| French and Francophone Literature I | ||
| French and Francophone Literature II | ||
| Contemporary French Literature | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Contemporary France | ||
| African Literature of French Expression | ||
| Race and Gender Issues in Literatures in French | ||
- 1
Proficiency in French must be demonstrated by either examination or coursework equivalent to the completion of 12 credits in order to enroll in FR 201.
German Teaching Option (34 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| GER 201 | Conversation and Composition 1 | 4 |
| GER 301 | Intermediate Speaking and Listening | 3 |
| GER 310 | Introduction to the Study of German Literature | 3 |
| GER 344 | Intermediate German Culture | 3 |
| GER 401Y | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| GER 411 | The Teaching of German | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| GER 157N | The Amish | 3 |
| or GER 200N | Contemporary German Culture | |
| GER 412 | Contrastive Analysis of Modern German and English | 3 |
| or GER 430 | History of the German Language | |
| GER 431 | History of German Literature and Culture I | 3 |
| or GER 432 | History of German Literature and Culture II | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
GER 480 | ||
GER 481 | ||
GER 482 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Foreign Study--German | ||
| Seminar in German Culture | ||
GER 482 | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Foreign Study--German | ||
- 1
Proficiency in German must be demonstrated by either examination or coursework equivalent to the completion of 12 credits in order to enroll in GER 201.
Latin Teaching Option (33 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| CAMS 5 | Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations | 3 |
| CAMS 50 | Words: Classical Sources of English Vocabulary | 3 |
| CAMS 400W | Comparative Study of the Ancient Mediterranean World | 3 |
| LATIN 402 | Republican Literature | 3 |
| LATIN 403 | Augustan Age Literature | 3 |
| LATIN 404 | Silver Age Literature | 3 |
| LATIN 450W | History of Latin | 3 |
| LING 102 | 3 | |
| Additional Courses | ||
| CAMS 33 | Roman Civilization | 3 |
| or CAMS 45 | Classical Mythology | |
| CAMS 101 | The Roman Republic and Empire | 3 |
| or CAMS 150 | Classical Archaeology--Ancient Rome | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Studies in Classical and Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Special Topics | ||
- 1
Proficiency in Latin must be demonstrated by either examination or coursework equivalent to the completion of 12 credits in order to enroll in 400-level Latin courses.
Russian Teaching Option (35 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| RUS 204 | 1 | 4 |
| RUS 214 | Intermediate Russian III | 4 |
| RUS 304 | Readings in Russian III | 3 |
| RUS 305 | Advanced Russian Conversation | 3 |
| RUS 400 | 3 | |
| RUS 412 | Russian Translation | 3 |
| RUS 450 | 3 | |
| Additional Courses | ||
| RUS 450 | 3 | |
| or RUS 497 | Special Topics | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Russian Culture and Civilization | ||
| Russian Folklore | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Russian Literature in English Translation: 1800-1870 | ||
| Russian Literature in English Translation: 1870 to Present | ||
| The Culture of Stalinism and Nazism | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Research Project | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Foreign Studies | ||
- 1
Proficiency in Russian must be demonstrated by either examination or coursework equivalent to the completion of 12 credits in order to enroll in RUS 204.
Spanish Teaching Option (33 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| SPAN 110 | Intermediate Conversation 1 | 3 |
| SPAN 215 | The Science of Spanish: A Beginner's Guide to Hispanic Linguistics | 3 |
| SPAN 253W | Introduction to Literary & Cultural Studies en Español | 3 |
| SPAN 314 | Spanish Sounds | 3 |
| SPAN 410 | Advanced Oral Expression and Communication | 3 |
| SPAN 412 | Translation | 3 |
| SPAN 440 | 3 | |
| Additional Courses | ||
| SPAN 210 | Readings in Iberian Civilization | 3 |
| or SPAN 220 | Readings in Ibero-American Civilization | |
| SPAN 316 | Building Words and Sentences in Spanish | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Spanish for Social Services | ||
| Topics in the Cultures of Spain | ||
| Topics in Cultural Contact and Exchange | ||
| Topics in the Cultures of Latin America | ||
| Topics in the Cultures of the Americas | ||
| Foreign Study--Spanish | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Foreign Study--Spanish | ||
| The Contemporary Spanish American Novel | ||
| Masterpieces of Spanish American Literature | ||
| Masterpieces of Spanish Prose | ||
| Masterpieces of Spanish Drama and Poetry | ||
| Special Topics | ||
- 1
Proficiency in Spanish must be demonstrated by either examination or coursework equivalent to enroll in SPAN 110.
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Advising and Certification Center
228 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0488
ed@admissions.psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).
French Option: World Languages (K-12) Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDUC 100 | 1 | FR 202*# | 3 |
| ENGL 15*#† | 3 | HDFS 229*#† | 3 |
| FR 201*# | 3 | EDTHP 115*# | 3 |
| EDPSY 14*# | 3 | Science Selection† | 3 |
| Science Selection† | 3 | Art Selection† | 3 |
| Mathematics Selection*#† | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*† | 3 | WLED 300*# | 3 |
| FR 331*† | 3 | CI 280*† | 3 |
| FR 316*† | 3 | FR 332* | 3 |
| CI 295*# | 2 | FR 351 or 352*#† | 3 |
| Mathematics Selection*# | 3 | Science Selection† | 3 |
| Health and Physical Activity† | 1.5 | ||
| 15.5 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| WLED 411* | 3 | Art Selection | 3 |
| WLED 495B* | 3 | FR 402Y* | 3 |
| SPLED 400* | 4 | FR 440 or WLED 399A* | 3 |
| CAS 100A† | 3 | FR 401* | 3 |
| FR 417 or 418* | 3 | FR 137, 138N, or 139* | 3 |
| FR 430, 458, or 470* | 3 | ||
| 16 | 18 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| WLED 412W* | 3 | CI 495E*1 | 15 |
| ENGL 202A or 202B† | 3 | ||
| SPLED 403B* | 3 | ||
| WLED 495C* | 3 | ||
| Health and Physical Activity† | 1.5 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 16.5 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 127 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
- 1
No additional coursework permitted during student teaching.
German Option: World Languages (K-12) Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDUC 100 | 1 | HDFS 229*#† | 3 |
| GER 201*# | 4 | GER 301* | 3 |
| ENGL 15*#† | 3 | EDTHP 115*# | 3 |
| EDPSY 14*# | 3 | Science Selection | 3 |
| Mathematics Selection*#† | 3 | Art Selection† | 3 |
| Science Selection† | 3 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| GER 310*#† | 3 | WLED 300*# | 3 |
| HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*† | 3 | CI 280*† | 3 |
| CI 295*# | 2 | GER 344* | 3 |
| GER 157N or 200N* | 3 | Science Selection† | 3 |
| Mathematics Selection*#† | 3 | Art Selection† | 3 |
| Health and Physical Activity† | 1.5 | ||
| 15.5 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| WLED 411* | 3 | GER 399, 440, or 497* | 3 |
| WLED 495B* | 3 | GER 431 or 432* | 3 |
| GER 401Y* | 3 | GER 412 or 430* | 3 |
| SPLED 400* | 4 | GER 411 or WLED 399A* | 3 |
| CAS 100A† | 3 | 400-Level German Literature* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 18 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| WLED 412W* | 3 | CI 495E*1 | 15 |
| WLED 495C* | 3 | ||
| ENGL 202A or 202B† | 3 | ||
| SPLED 403B* | 3 | ||
| Health and Physical Activity | 1.5 | ||
| 13.5 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 125 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
- 1
No additional coursework permitted during student teaching.
Latin Option: World Languages (K-12) Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDUC 100 | 1 | EDPSY 14*# | 3 |
| ENGL 15*#† | 3 | HDFS 229*#† | 3 |
| CAMS 50*† | 3 | LING 102* | 3 |
| CAMS 5* | 3 | CAMS 45 or 33*#† | 3 |
| Science Selection† | 3 | Mathematics Selection *#† | 3 |
| Art Selection† | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDTHP 115*# | 3 | CAS 100A† | 3 |
| LATIN 404*# | 3 | CI 295*# | 3 |
| HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*† | 3 | WLED 300*# | 3 |
| Mathematics Selection*#† | 3 | CI 280* | 3 |
| Science Selection† | 3 | CAMS 101 or 150* | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| WLED 411* | 3 | CAMS 410* | 3 |
| WLED 495B* | 3 | CAMS 440W, 497, LATIN 404, or LATIN 497* | 3 |
| LATIN 402* | 3 | CAMS 400W* | 3 |
| SPLED 400* | 4 | ENGL 202A or 202B† | 3 |
| Science Selection† | 3 | Art Selection† | 3 |
| Health and Physical Activity† | 1.5 | Health and Physical Activity† | 1.5 |
| 17.5 | 16.5 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SPLED 403B* | 3 | CI 495E*1 | 15 |
| WLED 412W* | 3 | ||
| WLED 495C* | 3 | ||
| LATIN 403* | 3 | ||
| LATIN 450W* | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 125 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
- 1
No other coursework permitted during student teaching.
Russian Option: World Languages (K-12) Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDUC 100 | 1 | EDPSY 14*# | 3 |
| ENGL 15*#† | 3 | HDFS 229*#† | 3 |
| RUS 204*# | 4 | RUS 214* | 4 |
| Science Selection† | 3 | RUS 100 or 110* | 3 |
| Art Selection*† | 3 | Mathematics Selection*#† | 3 |
| Health and Physical Activity† | 1.5 | ||
| 15.5 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDTHP 115*# | 3 | CAS 100A† | 3 |
| HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*† | 3 | CI 295*# | 3 |
| RUS 304*#† | 3 | WLED 300*# | 3 |
| Science Selection† | 3 | CI 280*† | 3 |
| Mathematics Selection*#† | 3 | RUS 305* | 3 |
| Health and Physical Activity† | 1.5 | ||
| 15 | 16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| WLED 411* | 3 | RUS 412* | 3 |
| WLED 495B* | 3 | RUS 494, 497, or 499* | 3 |
| RUS 143* | 3 | RUS 497 | 3 |
| SPLED 400* | 4 | Art Selection† | 3 |
| Science Selection† | 3 | ||
| 16 | 12 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SPLED 403B* | 3 | CI 495E*1 | 15 |
| WLED 412W* | 3 | ||
| WLED 495C* | 3 | ||
| ENGL 202A or 202B† | 3 | ||
| RUS 400* | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 121 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
- 1
No additional coursework is permitted during student teaching.
Spanish Option: World Languages (K-12) Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDUC 100 | 1 | HDFS 229*#† | 3 |
| SPAN 100* | 3 | SPAN 110 or 200*# | 3 |
| ENGL 15*#† | 3 | SPAN 215* | 3 |
| EDPSY 14*# | 3 | EDTHP 115*# | 3 |
| Science Selection† | 3 | Art Selection† | 3 |
| Mathematics Selection*#† | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*† | 3 | WLED 300*# | 3 |
| SPAN 253W*#† | 3 | CI 280*† | 3 |
| CI 295*# | 3 | Spanish Phonology*1 | 3 |
| Science Selection† | 3 | Art Selection† | 3 |
| Mathematics Selection*#† | 3 | Science Selection† | 3 |
| Health and Physical Activity† | 1.5 | ||
| 16.5 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| WLED 411* | 3 | SPAN 472, 476, 490, or 497* | 3 |
| WLED 495B* | 3 | SPAN 305, 353, 354, 355, or 356* | 3 |
| CAS 100A† | 3 | SPAN 410* | 3 |
| SPLED 400* | 4 | SPAN 412* | 3 |
| SPAN 418* | 3 | SPAN 210 or 220* | 3 |
| SPAN 440* | 3 | ||
| 16 | 18 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| WLED 412W* | 3 | CI 495E*2 | 15 |
| WLED 495C* | 3 | ||
| ENGL 202A or 202B† | 3 | ||
| SPLED 403B* | 3 | ||
| Health and Physical Activity† | 1.5 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 16.5 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 128 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.
- 1
SPAN 414 is no longer offered; students are encouraged to take SPAN 314 to satisfy requirement.
- 2
No additional coursework permitted during student teaching.
Career Paths
Our graduates teach in public and private schools in Pennsylvania, elsewhere in the U.S., and overseas. Education is a profession, and all teachers are expected to continue studying and developing new skills throughout their careers. In most U.S. states, teacher certification is a multi-stage process, with graduate study beyond a bachelor’s degree expected early in a teacher’s career. Graduates of this program who work in public schools usually go on to earn a master’s degree. Alumni who wish to continue educational studies at the graduate level through Penn State can do so at University Park and through the University’s World Campus.
Careers
In addition to resources like the College’s Advising and Certification Center and Penn State Career Services, the University hosts large education career fairs in both the fall and spring semesters, which bring recruiters to campus from throughout Pennsylvania and the United States.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
Accreditation
The College of Education educator preparation programs are fully accredited at the Initial and Advanced levels by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The next CAEP program review will be Fall 2026. CAEP advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ACCREDITATION OF THE WORLD LANGUAGES (K-12) EDUCATION PROGRAM
Professional Licensure/Certification
Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
141 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1500
rmz101@psu.edu