World Languages (K-12) Education, B.S.

Program Code: WLED_BS

PROGRAM CURRENTLY ON HOLD; NOT ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
Begin Date of Enrollment Hold: April 25, 2024

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.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WORLD LANGUAGES (K-12) EDUCATION

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.

  1. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00
  2. 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.
  3. A grade of "C" or better in all specified courses.
  4. Completion of an early field experience specified by the certification program.
  5. Completion of a core of Education courses specified by the certification program.
  6. Completion of additional credits as specified by the certification program.
  7. Completion of at least 48 semester credit hours, including ENGL 15 or ENGL 30H, three credits of literature, and six credits of quantification
  8. Language proficiency as described below.
  9. 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.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
CI 280Introduction to Teaching English Language Learners Keystone/General Education Course3
CI 295Introductory Field Experience for Teacher Preparation3
CI 495EPracticum in Student Teaching--Secondary Education15
EDPSY 14Learning and Instruction Keystone/General Education Course3
EDTHP 115Education in American Society Keystone/General Education Course3
HDFS 229Infant and Child Development Keystone/General Education Course3
SPLED 400Inclusive Special Ed Foundations: Legal, Characteristics, Collaboration, Assessment, and Management4
SPLED 403BEvidence-Based Methods for Teaching Secondary Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings3
WLED 300Foundations of Second Language Teaching3
WLED 411Methods of Teaching World Languages in Grades 1-53
WLED 412WMethods of Teaching World Languages in Grades 6-123
WLED 495BField Experience for World Languages Teacher Preparation in Grades 1-53
WLED 495CField Experience for World Languages Teacher Preparation in Grades 6-123
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better for teacher certification
PSYCH 412Adolescence3
or HDFS 239 Adolescent Development Keystone/General Education Course
Requirements for the Option
Select an option33-51

Requirements for the Option

Bilingual Education Teaching Option (48-51 credits)
Prescribed Courses
WLED 4143
WLED 4223
WLED 444Language, Culture and the Classroom: Issues for Practitioners3
Additional Courses
Select 6 credits of 300- or 400-level option-related courses, with departmental recommendation6
Select an emphasis33-36
French Emphasis
Prescribed Courses
FR 201Oral Communication and Reading Comprehension 13
FR 202Grammar and Composition3
FR 316French Linguistics3
FR 331French and Francophone Culture I3
FR 332French and Francophone Culture II3
FR 401Advanced Oral Communication3
FR 402YAdvanced Grammar and Writing3
FR 4403
Additional Courses
FR 417French Phonology3
or FR 418 French Syntax
Select one of the following:3
Paris: Anatomy of a Global City Keystone/General Education Course
French Culture Through Film Keystone/General Education Course
France and the French-speaking World Keystone/General Education Course
Select one of the following:3
French and Francophone Literature I
French and Francophone Literature: Narrative
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
Prescribed Courses
GER 201Conversation and Composition 14
GER 301Intermediate Speaking and Listening3
GER 310Introduction to the Study of German Literature3
GER 344Intermediate German Culture3
GER 401YAdvanced Composition3
GER 411The Teaching of German3
Additional Courses
GER 412Contrastive Analysis of Modern German and English3
or GER 430 History of the German Language
GER 431History of German Literature and Culture I3
or GER 432 History of German Literature and Culture II
Select 3 credits of the following:3
The Amish Keystone/General Education Course
Contemporary German Culture Keystone/General Education Course
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
Prescribed Courses
CAMS 5Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations Keystone/General Education Course3
CAMS 50Words: Classical Sources of English Vocabulary Keystone/General Education Course3
CAMS 400WComparative Study of the Ancient Mediterranean World3
LATIN 402Republican Literature3
LATIN 404Silver Age Literature3
LATIN 403Augustan Age Literature3
LATIN 450W3
LING 1023
Additional Courses
CAMS 101The Roman Republic and Empire Keystone/General Education Course3
or CAMS 150 Classical Archaeology--Ancient Rome Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Cultural Diversity: A Global Perspective Keystone/General Education Course
Roman Civilization Keystone/General Education Course
Classical Mythology Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Studies in Classical and Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology
Special Topics
Special Topics
Russian Emphasis
Prescribed Courses
RUS 204 14
RUS 2144
RUS 3043
RUS 3053
RUS 4003
RUS 412Russian Translation3
RUS 4503
Additional Courses
RUS 4503
or RUS 497 Special Topics
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Russian Culture and Civilization Keystone/General Education Course
Russian Folklore Keystone/General Education Course
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 Keystone/General Education Course
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
Prescribed Courses
SPAN 110Intermediate Conversation 13
SPAN 215The Science of Spanish: A Beginner's Guide to Hispanic Linguistics3
SPAN 253WIntroduction to Literary & Cultural Studies en Español Keystone/General Education Course3
SPAN 314Spanish Sounds3
SPAN 410Advanced Oral Expression and Communication3
SPAN 412Translation3
SPAN 4403
Additional Courses
SPAN 210Readings in Iberian Civilization3
or SPAN 220 Readings in Ibero-American Civilization
SPAN 316Building Words and Sentences in Spanish3
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.

Prescribed Courses
APLNG 493Teaching English as a Second Language3
WLED 444Language, Culture and the Classroom: Issues for Practitioners3
WLED 483Evaluating Schools Performances and Programs with English Language Learners (ELLs)3
Additional Courses
APLNG 410Teaching American English Pronunciation3
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.

Prescribed Courses
APLNG 493Teaching English as a Second Language3
WLED 300Foundations of Second Language Teaching3
WLED 444Language, Culture and the Classroom: Issues for Practitioners3
WLED 483Evaluating Schools Performances and Programs with English Language Learners (ELLs)3
Additional Courses
APLNG 410Teaching American English Pronunciation3
or APLNG 484 Discourse-Functional Grammar
French Teaching Option (36 credits)
Prescribed Courses
FR 201Oral Communication and Reading Comprehension 13
FR 202Grammar and Composition3
FR 316French Linguistics3
FR 331French and Francophone Culture I3
FR 332French and Francophone Culture II3
FR 401Advanced Oral Communication3
FR 402YAdvanced Grammar and Writing3
FR 4403
Additional Courses
FR 417French Phonology3
or FR 418 French Syntax
Select one of the following:3
Paris: Anatomy of a Global City Keystone/General Education Course
French Culture Through Film Keystone/General Education Course
France and the French-speaking World Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of the following:3
French and Francophone Literature I
French and Francophone Literature: Narrative
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)
Prescribed Courses
GER 201Conversation and Composition 14
GER 301Intermediate Speaking and Listening3
GER 310Introduction to the Study of German Literature3
GER 344Intermediate German Culture3
GER 401YAdvanced Composition3
GER 411The Teaching of German3
Additional Courses
GER 157NThe Amish Keystone/General Education Course3
or GER 200N Contemporary German Culture Keystone/General Education Course
GER 412Contrastive Analysis of Modern German and English3
or GER 430 History of the German Language
GER 431History of German Literature and Culture I3
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)
Prescribed Courses
CAMS 5Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations Keystone/General Education Course3
CAMS 50Words: Classical Sources of English Vocabulary Keystone/General Education Course3
CAMS 400WComparative Study of the Ancient Mediterranean World3
LATIN 402Republican Literature3
LATIN 403Augustan Age Literature3
LATIN 404Silver Age Literature3
LATIN 450W3
LING 1023
Additional Courses
CAMS 33Roman Civilization Keystone/General Education Course3
or CAMS 45 Classical Mythology Keystone/General Education Course
CAMS 101The Roman Republic and Empire Keystone/General Education Course3
or CAMS 150 Classical Archaeology--Ancient Rome Keystone/General Education Course
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)
Prescribed Courses
RUS 204 14
RUS 2144
RUS 3043
RUS 3053
RUS 4003
RUS 412Russian Translation3
RUS 4503
Additional Courses
RUS 4503
or RUS 497 Special Topics
Select one of the following:3
Russian Culture and Civilization Keystone/General Education Course
Russian Folklore Keystone/General Education Course
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 Keystone/General Education Course
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)
Prescribed Courses
SPAN 110Intermediate Conversation 13
SPAN 215The Science of Spanish: A Beginner's Guide to Hispanic Linguistics3
SPAN 253WIntroduction to Literary & Cultural Studies en Español Keystone/General Education Course3
SPAN 314Spanish Sounds3
SPAN 410Advanced Oral Expression and Communication3
SPAN 412Translation3
SPAN 4403
Additional Courses
SPAN 210Readings in Iberian Civilization3
or SPAN 220 Readings in Ibero-American Civilization
SPAN 316Building Words and Sentences in Spanish3
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 Keystone/General Education Course 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 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EDUC 1001FR 202*#3
ENGL 15*#†3HDFS 229*#†3
FR 201*#3EDTHP 115*#3
EDPSY 14*#3Science Selection3
Science Selection3Art Selection3
Mathematics Selection*#†3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*†3WLED 300*#3
FR 331*†3CI 280*†3
FR 316*†3FR 332*3
CI 295*#2FR 351 or 352*#†3
Mathematics Selection*#3Science Selection3
Health and Physical Activity1.5 
 15.5 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
WLED 411*3Art Selection3
WLED 495B*3FR 402Y*3
SPLED 400*4FR 440 or WLED 399A*3
CAS 100A3FR 401*3
FR 417 or 418*3FR 137, 138N, or 139*3
 FR 430, 458, or 470*3
 16 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
WLED 412W*3CI 495E*115
ENGL 202A or 202B3 
SPLED 403B*3 
WLED 495C*3 
Health and Physical Activity1.5 
Elective3 
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EDUC 1001HDFS 229*#†3
GER 201*#4GER 301*3
ENGL 15*#†3EDTHP 115*#3
EDPSY 14*#3Science Selection3
Mathematics Selection*#†3Art Selection3
Science Selection3 
 17 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GER 310*#†3WLED 300*#3
HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*†3CI 280*†3
CI 295*#2GER 344*3
GER 157N or 200N*3Science Selection3
Mathematics Selection*#†3Art Selection3
Health and Physical Activity1.5 
 15.5 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
WLED 411*3GER 399, 440, or 497*3
WLED 495B*3GER 431 or 432*3
GER 401Y*3GER 412 or 430*3
SPLED 400*4GER 411 or WLED 399A*3
CAS 100A3400-Level German Literature*3
 Elective3
 16 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
WLED 412W*3CI 495E*115
WLED 495C*3 
ENGL 202A or 202B3 
SPLED 403B*3 
Health and Physical Activity1.5 
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EDUC 1001EDPSY 14*#3
ENGL 15*#†3HDFS 229*#†3
CAMS 50*†3LING 102*3
CAMS 5*3CAMS 45 or 33*#†3
Science Selection3Mathematics Selection *#†3
Art Selection3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EDTHP 115*#3CAS 100A3
LATIN 404*#3CI 295*#3
HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*†3WLED 300*#3
Mathematics Selection*#†3CI 280*3
Science Selection3CAMS 101 or 150*3
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
WLED 411*3CAMS 410*3
WLED 495B*3CAMS 440W, 497, LATIN 404, or LATIN 497*3
LATIN 402*3CAMS 400W*3
SPLED 400*4ENGL 202A or 202B3
Science Selection3Art Selection3
Health and Physical Activity1.5Health and Physical Activity1.5
 17.5 16.5
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SPLED 403B*3CI 495E*115
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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EDUC 1001EDPSY 14*#3
ENGL 15*#†3HDFS 229*#†3
RUS 204*#4RUS 214*4
Science Selection3RUS 100 or 110*3
Art Selection*†3Mathematics Selection*#†3
Health and Physical Activity1.5 
 15.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EDTHP 115*#3CAS 100A3
HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*†3CI 295*#3
RUS 304*#†3WLED 300*#3
Science Selection3CI 280*†3
Mathematics Selection*#†3RUS 305*3
 Health and Physical Activity1.5
 15 16.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
WLED 411*3RUS 412*3
WLED 495B*3RUS 494, 497, or 499*3
RUS 143*3RUS 4973
SPLED 400*4Art Selection3
Science Selection3 
 16 12
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SPLED 403B*3CI 495E*115
WLED 412W*3 
WLED 495C*3 
ENGL 202A or 202B3 
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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EDUC 1001HDFS 229*#†3
SPAN 100*3SPAN 110 or 200*#3
ENGL 15*#†3SPAN 215*3
EDPSY 14*#3EDTHP 115*#3
Science Selection3Art Selection3
Mathematics Selection*#†3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HDFS 239 or PSYCH 412*†3WLED 300*#3
SPAN 253W*#†3CI 280*†3
CI 295*#3Spanish Phonology*13
Science Selection3Art Selection3
Mathematics Selection*#†3Science Selection3
Health and Physical Activity1.5 
 16.5 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
WLED 411*3SPAN 472, 476, 490, or 497*3
WLED 495B*3SPAN 305, 353, 354, 355, or 356*3
CAS 100A3SPAN 410*3
SPLED 400*4SPAN 412*3
SPAN 418*3SPAN 210 or 220*3
 SPAN 440*3
 16 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
WLED 412W*3CI 495E*215
WLED 495C*3 
ENGL 202A or 202B3 
SPLED 403B*3 
Health and Physical Activity1.5 
Elective3 
 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 POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE WORLD LANGUAGES (K-12) EDUCATION PROGRAM

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

https://ed.psu.edu/academics/departments/department-curriculum-and-instruction