College of Education

Salvador Hector Ochoa, Dean
College of Education
Technology and Education Center
MSC05 3040
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001
(505) 277-2231, FAX: (505) 277-8427
Web site: http://coe.unm.edu


Introduction

College of Education vision:
Excellence and diversity through people, ideas and innovation.

Students completing programs in professional education must be prepared for a wider array of professional responsibilities than ever before. Education has expanded beyond the boundaries of the school to address the continuing education of children, youth and adults throughout a lifetime of learning. Such expansion of the perspective of education requires a focused mission and commitment to certain core values.

Our mission is the study and practice of education through teaching, research and service. We:

  • address critical educational issues;
  • test new ideas and approaches to teaching and learning; and
  • educate professionals who can:
    •    facilitate human growth and development in schools, homes, communities and workplaces,
    •    prepare students for participation in a complex and challenging society.

In carrying out our mission, we value:

  • excellence in all we do;
  • diversity of people and perspectives;
  • relationships of service, accountability, collaboration and advocacy;
  • the discovery, discussion and dissemination of ideas; and
  • innovation in teaching, technology and leadership.

The College is organized into multi-programmatic departments. Each is composed of several program units which work together in areas of common interest so that students and faculty make connections across fields of study. Prospective students should consult with the department in which the program is listed to get an update on any curricular changes approved after the publication of this Catalog.

At the baccalaureate levels, the College offers undergraduate initial (entry level) professional preparation programs for qualified individuals seeking careers in teaching and related occupations. Admission of qualified individuals to all initial professional preparation programs is competitive and must be successfully completed at least one semester in advance of the projected time of beginning professional study.

At the graduate level, the College offers advanced professional education in careers in teaching and related occupations. In addition, some advanced professional education programs in specialized areas (e.g., educational leadership, elementary education, secondary education and counseling) require prerequisite degrees, experiences and/or professional licensure.


Conceptual Framework

The College of Education (COE) faculty have approved a conceptual framework which is a guiding vision for professional education programs in the COE. The COE believes that professional education should seek to help individuals develop professional understandings, practices and identities. These understandings, practices and identities frame the lifelong learning of professional educators and reflect the values articulated in our Mission Statement and in state and national standards and competencies.

Understandings: The following frames the identity and practices of educational professionals. We seek to help you better understand:

Human Growth and Development
Culture and Language
Content of the Disciplines
Pedagogy
Technology
Professional Issues
Nature of Knowledge

Practices: The understandings enable the student, as a professional, to value and engage in practices that embody the following qualities:

Learner-Centered
Contextual
Coherent
Culturally Responsive
Technologically Current

Identities: Developing a professional identity is central to lifelong growth as a professional educator. The College of Education helps to develop the following attributes of a professional:

Caring
Advocacy
Reflection-in-Action
Communication
Collaboration
Ethical Behavior

Many careers in education require licensure (New Mexico state educator’s license) and additional teaching field endorsements added to these licenses. Students who complete an initial teacher preparation program or certain advanced professional education programs in specialized areas such as educational leadership, educational diagnostician, elementary/secondary education or counseling are eligible to apply for such licensure and endorsements. The planned programs in initial and advanced professional educator preparation are approved by the New Mexico Public Education Department and are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Other College units directly assist programs, faculty and students in understanding diversity in educational contexts and participation in educational outreach and research. These units include: Institute for Professional Development, Center for Multicultural Bilingual Education (MEC) which houses Latin American Programs in Education (LAPE), Institute for American Indian Education, American Indian Language Policy Research and Teacher Training Center and the Center for Education Policy Research.

The College offers jointly with the University of New Mexico–Gallup and the University of New Mexico Extended University an initial (entry level) teacher preparation program for bachelor’s completion and/or post-baccalaureate/Master’s completion students in Gallup. The College also offers an Elementary/Secondary Master’s degree program at the University of New Mexico–Gallup and at the University of New Mexico Teacher Education site at San Juan Community College in Farmington. These programs work closely with the Navajo Division of Teacher Education, the Gallup-McKinley School District, the University of New Mexico–Gallup, San Juan Community College, and school districts in the Four Corners region. For more information about the programs offered at Gallup and Farmington visit the UNM Statewide Programs Web site.


Undergraduate Study

Undergraduate programs that lead to teaching careers are listed under Initial Teacher Preparation Programs; those that lead to other occupational careers are listed under Non-teaching Programs. Teaching licensure programs require a teaching field or endorsement area.

Initial Teacher Preparation Programs

Students completing the University of New Mexico graduation requirements and the curriculum for a teaching license receive a Bachelor’s degree and are eligible to apply for Level I Licensure in New Mexico. The degree is one of the following: Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.Ed.), Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Eligibility for initial teaching license (Level I) also requires passage of a set of examinations prior to licensure. The examinations required by the State of New Mexico are part of the National Evaluation Series (NES). For more information about licensure, check with the New Mexico Public Education Department Web site or call (505) 827-6587. For complete information, contact the College Advisement Center in Travelstead Hall and the Department Office listed for each program:

  • Art Education –See College of Fine Arts - Art and Art History Undergraduate Program section of this Catalog.
  • Community Health Education (B.S.; 7–12th grades license) –Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, Johnson Center
  • Elementary Education (B.S.Ed.; K–8th grades license) –College Advisement Center, Travelstead Hall
  • Music Education –See College of Fine Arts - Music Undergraduate Program section of this Catalog.
  • Physical Education (B.S.Ed. K–12th grades license) –Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, Johnson Center
  • Secondary Education (B.A.Ed. or B.S.Ed.; 7–12th grades license) –College Advisement Center, Travelstead Hall
  • Special Education (B.S.Ed., Special Ed. K–12th Elementary Ed K–8th dual licensure) –College Advisement Center, Travelstead Hall 273

Note that initial teacher preparation programs in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education are also available at the Master’s level.

Non-Teaching Programs

Students completing the requirements and curriculum for a non-teaching program major receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. For complete information, contact the College Advisement Center, Travelstead Hall, and the Department Office listed.

  • Athletic Training (B.S.) –Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, Johnson Center
  • Exercise Science (B.S.) –Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, Johnson Center
  • Family and Child Studies (B.S.) –Department of Individual, Family and Community Education, Simpson Hall
  • Health Education (B.S.) –Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, Johnson Center
  • Nutrition and Dietetics (B.S.) –Department of Individual, Family and Community Education, Simpson Hall

The Department of Individual, Family and Community Education in Simpson Hall also offers a second degree in Nutrition and Dietetics (B.S.), which can be completed by students who have been awarded a degree outside of the Nutrition and Dietetics field.

Minor Programs

Students completing the requirements and curriculum for one of the following receive a minor. For complete information, contact the Department office:

  • Athletic Coaching –Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, Johnson Center
  • Bilingual Education –Department of Language, Literacy and sociocultural Studies, Hokona Hall
  • Family and Child Studies –Department of Individual, Family and Community Education, Simpson Hall
  • School Health Education –Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, Johnson Center
  • Library Science –Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies, Hokona Hall
  • Nutrition and Dietetics –Department of Individual, Family and Community Education, Simpson Hall
  • Special Education –Department of Educational Specialties, Hokona Hall
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) –Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies, Hokona Hall

Teaching Fields for Initial Teacher Preparation

Initial (entry level) teaching licenses in Elementary Education and Secondary Education require that one or more concentrations/teaching fields are completed. Most of the College’s professional educator preparation and degree programs require one or more of the following primary teaching fields approved by the New Mexico Public Education Department: Communicative Arts/Language Arts, Mathematics, Modern and Classical Languages, Physical Education, Science and Social Studies. In the student’s academic program, the chosen teaching field is met through a 24–56 credit hour concentration. Multiple teaching fields or minors are encouraged and can be completed through careful planning with a faculty advisor.

These teaching fields are well-designed programs that also meet the needs of the State of New Mexico.

For complete information on the endorsement fields of:
Bilingual Education, Library Media, Navajo Language, Reading and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) contact the Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies department in Hokona Hall.

For complete information on the teaching fields of:
Health Education and Physical Education contact the College Advisement Center or the Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, located in Johnson Center.

For complete information on the teaching fields of:
Fine Arts/Theatre, Dance or Music Education contact the Department of Theatre, Dance or Music Education in the College of Fine Arts.

For complete information on the teaching fields of:
Communicative Arts, Social Studies, World Languages, Mathematics and Science contact the College Advisement Center or the Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy in Hokona Hall.


Academic Advisement and General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Students planning to apply to teacher preparation programs and non-teaching programs should contact the College of Education Advisement Center, Hokona Hall. This should be done as early in their University course work as possible. Information and advisement procedures for both teacher preparation and for non-teaching programs are available. All students preparing to be teachers should meet with a College advisor to discuss general education requirements for licensure.

Academic requirements, criteria and application procedures for admission to a program in the College are available at the Advisement Center. After completion of the application process and formal admission to the College of Education, and a program in the College, the programs assigns a faculty advisor.

All students must meet the minimum criteria below prior to making application for admission into any College program. However, meeting these criteria does not necessarily guarantee admission.


Application and Admissions Process

  1. The student meets with a College Advisement Center Advisor.
  2. Student obtains an application packet from the College of Education Advisement Center, Travelstead Hall. Some programs require applications to be submitted online through Tk20™, which can be accessed from the College of Education Web site.
  3. Student completes an application packet and provides additional information as required. Student returns complete packet to College Advisement Center or submits completed application through Tk20™.
  4. Upon receipt, the Advisement Center reviews packet to determine a) that minimum requirements for all programs (see above) are met and, when appropriate, that additional minimum requirements for teacher preparation programs are also met; and b) that all required information is included.
  5. The Advisement Center refers all applications meeting program requirements to the program(s) to which the student is seeking admission.
  6. Program faculty review application and, if required, schedule an interview.
  7. Program faculty recommends admission or denial of admission and the College Advisement Center communicates with the student by mail and email. Note: Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. When more students apply than can be accommodated, programs give preference to students who demonstrate qualifications above minimum requirements.
  8. Students who are in non-degree status who are offered admission and plan to major or complete a program in the College of Education must contact the Admissions Office to initiate.
  9. Students who are not admitted are encouraged to request an appointment with the program coordinator to review their application and the reasons for not being admitted.

Students already enrolled at the University of New Mexico, whether in Undergraduate Studies, another degree-granting College or in non-degree status are not eligible to take 300- and 400- level professional education courses (some specific courses are approved for exception) or to transfer to the College until they are formally admitted to the College of Education.

Minimum Criteria for Undergraduate Application to Teacher Preparation Programs

1. Grade point average options for applicants with 26 or more credit hours, or who are transferring from another institution:

  • College grade point average 2.50 criteria.
  • 2.70 GPA for the last 24 credit hours; or
  • 3.0 GPA for the last 12 credit hours at UNM (content courses only) plus 2.50 GPA on the previous two semester/quarters wherever taken.
  • For Elementary Education: 2.75 for all course work, applicants must have no more than 9 credit hours remaining in addition to their required Teacher Education credit hours. Advisors determine eligibility.
  • For Secondary Education: 2.50 for all course work and 2.50 in the endorsement area, applicants must have no more than 6 credit hours remaining in addition to their required Teacher Education credit hours. Advisors determine eligibility.

2. Provide documentation of successfully passing the NES Essential Academic Skills Subtest I, II and III. For more information visit the New Mexico Teacher Assessments Web site.

3. Specific program criteria in addition to the above minimum may be required (contact the College Advisement Center).


Minimum Criteria for Undergraduate Application to the College of Education–All Programs

  1. 26 credit hours of course work completed. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after completing 26 credit hours.
  2. Grade point average: 2.50 overall, or 2.50 for the last 60 credit hours (all course work, all institutions).

Some non-teaching programs have specific criteria in addition to the above eligibility criteria required for all programs. These are available from the specific program or the College Advisement Center. Admission to all programs is limited by the capacity to offer quality programs; admission and selection is a competitive process. The faculty recommends admission for only those students who, from their application materials, appear to be the best qualified to profit from the program.


Programs of Study in Teacher Preparation Programs

All Undergraduate programs in the College build on a strong base of general (liberal) education, a teaching field, teaching and learning support courses and professional education. It is important to note, however, that these dimensions of study in teacher preparation programs are regulated by the State of New Mexico through the Public Education Department regulations. In teacher preparation, the bachelor’s degree must include course work in general education, a teaching field, support courses and professional education. The teaching field and the professional education studies are grounded in the State of New Mexico competencies that each licensed teacher is expected to possess and demonstrate. These competency standards are built into the teaching field, support courses and the professional education areas of study. Visit the New Mexico Public Education Department Web site.


General Education Requirements for Teaching Programs

 (44 credit hours minimum)

Credit
Hours
1. Communication Arts 9
2. History (Must include American History and Western Civilization) 6
3. Mathematics 6
4. Social Studies 9
5. Science 8
6. Fine Arts 3
7. Second Language 3


NOTE:
Many of these general education courses can be part of a student’s first year or second-year program either on main campus or at a two-year branch. Students should seek advisement information from the College of Education Advisement Center as early as possible in order to assure meeting these licensure requirements. Students in Farmington, Gallup and Taos should seek early advisement from the College of Education Advisement Center. Please see the College of Education Student Advisement Web site for more information. 

Teaching Fields (24–56 credit hours)

Twenty-four to 56 credit hours in a primary teaching field are required in a degree program for teacher preparation and licensure. A composite teaching field may require up to 56 credit hours.

Teaching and Learning Support

Students who are interested in teaching as a career, admission to the College of Education and a teacher preparation program are encouraged to complete the courses and activities prior to application. Students should contact the Advisement Center to obtain a list of specific courses and requirements that support and enhance the application to that program. In addition to course work, experiences in teaching/learning settings and working with diverse populations are expected of all applicants. There are a variety of opportunities in many different settings for students to gain experience in these two areas if they start early.

Professional Education

Each teacher preparation program includes a designated set of credit hours ranging from 24 to 42 in the initial teacher licensure area (see above). These credit hours must include completion of the performance standards (competencies) in the licensure area and completion of student teaching and/or additional practicum and supervised field experiences. Field experience is an integral part of professional study that requires the demonstration of performance competencies and is one of the most important prerequisite experiences to meeting eligibility for teacher licensure. The College establishes professional partnerships and professional relationships working with many school districts and some individual schools in New Mexico to support the student teaching experience. Students participating in field experience, including student teaching, practice under the direction of school-based faculty and mentors with the support and supervision of College faculty and mentors.

Students should seek information from the specific program to which they are admitted. Planning for field experience should be initiated far in advance of the placement. Many College programs integrate methods courses with student teaching and may require a full year placement in one school setting. Most programs require a student teaching seminar. While student input is sought by many of the programs, students must not initiate conversations with schools. Program faculty and Field Services Center (FSC) staff collaborate with school district personnel to determine field experience placements. Students may not contact schools and/or individual teachers or administrators on their own in any attempt to influence or arrange their own placement. Students who do not follow this process may jeopardize their ability to receive a field placement. In most instances, a student teaching fee is charged for each semester a student is enrolled in practicum, pre-student teaching and student teaching.


Requirements for Field Experience Including Practicum, Pre-Student Teaching, and Student Teaching

The student must:

  1. Be admitted to a specific teacher education program in the College of Education at the University of New Mexico. Any stipulations indicated at the time of admission must have been removed.
  2. Satisfactorily complete all prerequisites required for their specific program.
  3. Have earned the minimum overall cumulative grade point average required. See the specific program, as well as meet any specified minimum grade point average requirements established for courses in the major area, prior to entry into student teaching. Requirements are not identical in all programs.
  4. Plan, with the appropriate program faculty advisor, a field experience semester or academic year that matches the program requirements with individual student resources (time, readiness, finances). A total semester schedule of no more than 15 credit hours of course work, including student teaching experiences, is strongly recommended.
  5. Earn grades of C or better in required professional education major and teaching field courses. Some programs have more stringent requirements.
  6. File an application for graduation in the College of Education Advisement Center.

Prior to field experience in schools, all students must:

  1. Register as a Student Teacher in the Field Services Portal and ensure all contact information remains current and that it is updated as needed. Programs faculty and /or the Field Services Center need to contact students on final placement issues, especially during the early summer months, when phone numbers and email addresses can change. Name, address, phone and e-mail changes must be updated in the Field Services Portal and given to the program coordinator, as well as in the College of Education Advisement Center.
  2. Meet fingerprint and background check requirements of the school district where the student is placed. Background check results and /or district authorization must be current and dated within two years.
  3. Provide the Field Services Center with evidence of liability insurance. Liability insurance is strongly recommended unless specifically required by program and/or school district.

General Requirements for Graduation

College Requirements

Students must meet all University requirements for graduation, as well as general requirements of the College and the specific requirements of the program. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all requirements. Students should contact their faculty advisors as early in their studies as possible. An application for the final degree check should be completed and filed with the College Advisement Center. In order to graduate, a graduation check must be turned in no later than the following dates:

Fall Semester: May 1
Spring Semester: October 1
Summer Session: March 1


Graduation Requirements

  1. Completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours. No more than 5 credit hours of credit earned in workshops may be used toward any bachelor’s degree.
  2. Maintenance of a grade point average of 2.00 or higher on the 120 credit hours being counted for graduation; at least a 2.00 grade point average in all work attempted at the University of New Mexico.
  3. Completion of 40 credit hours in courses numbered 300 or above.
  4. Completion of the prescribed curriculum that leads to the desired degree. Students are entitled to graduate under the curriculum in effect at the time of their transfer into the College, if they have been in continuous attendance, or they may graduate under the curriculum that is in effect in the semester that they graduate.
  5. Completion of English 120 with a C or better. Students who are exempt from taking ENGL 110, and students who receive a grade of "B-" or higher in ENGL 110 (or 112, or 113) or equivalents at another institution, may choose to satisfy the minimum competence in English writing requirement (ENGL 120) through the Writing Proficiency Portfolio program administered by the English department.
  6. Grades of "C" or better in required professional education major and teaching field courses. Some programs have more stringent requirements.

Licensure

Students who complete the requirements for a teaching license are eligible to apply for a level I license with the state of New Mexico. Visit the New Mexico Public Education Department Web site.


Graduate Study

Students may seek advanced graduate study in most College programs. Graduate study may lead to a Master’s degree, a doctoral degree or an education specialist certificate. In some instances, it is possible to pursue professional development studies that do not lead to a degree or a certificate. Graduate programs provide advanced study in educational careers and initial training in some specialized areas. Most programs offer emphases or specialty areas within the graduate program.

Students wishing to pursue graduate programs in education must meet both the minimum University requirements for admissions to graduate study and admission requirements of the College and its programs. Individual programs may establish prerequisites and requirements for admission in addition to those of the University and the College. Formal admission to graduate status must occur prior to, or concurrently with, admission to a specific program. Expenses incurred to visit the campus, to interview faculty prior to admission to a graduate program or in moving to Albuquerque are solely the responsibility of the applicant or student.

Specific information about admission and program requirements can be found in the section: Alphabetical Listing and Description of Areas of Study.

Master’s Programs

The College offers programs leading to the Master of Arts (M.A.) or the Master of Science (M.S.) in the following areas of study. More information can be found in program and course descriptions in this Catalog, the College Advisement Center and the Department Office listed:

  • Counseling (M.A.) –Department of Individual, Family and Community Education, Simpson Hall
  • Educational Leadership (M.A.) –Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy, Hokona Hall
  • Educational Psychology (M.A.) –Department of Individual, Family and Community Education, Simpson Hall
  • Elementary Education (M.A.) –Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy, Hokona Hall
    Mathematics, Science, and Educational Technology Concentration: Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy, Hokona Hall
  • Family Studies (M.A.) –Department of Individual, Family and Community Education, Simpson Hall
  • Health Education (M.S.) –Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, Johnson Center
  • Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies (M.A.)
    American Indian Education Concentration: Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies, Hokona Hall
    Literacy/Language Arts Concentration: Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies, Hokona Hall
    Bilingual Education Concentration (English/Spanish): Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies, Hokona Hall
    TESOL Concentration: Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies, Hokona Hall
    Educational Thought Concentration: Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies, Hokona Hall
    Social Studies Concentration: Department of Language Literacy and Sociocultural Studies, Hokona Hall
  • Nutrition (M.S.) –Department of Individual, Family and Community Education, Simpson Hall
  • Physical Education (M.S.)
    Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, Johnson Center
    Exercise Science Concentration: Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, Johnson Center
    Sports Administration Concentration: Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science, Johnson Center
  • Secondary Education (M.A.) –Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy, Hokona Hall
    Mathematics, Science, and Educational Technology Concentration: Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy, Hokona Hall
  • Special Education (M.A.) –Department of Special Education, Hokona Hall

The Master’s degree in most of these programs is offered under Plan I (with thesis) and Plan II (without thesis). Plan I requires a minimum of 24 credit hours plus thesis. Plan II requires a minimum of 32 credit hours. Many degree programs require more credit hours than these minimum requirements.

Unless otherwise restricted by individual graduate programs, up to 50% of the required course work for a Master’s degree in the College of Education may be transferred from another institution or applied from the University of New Mexico non-degree Extension courses. In addition, University graduate degree policies require for Plan I and Plan II that at least 50% of the required course work be completed after admission to the graduate degree program and be taken in graduate status at the University of New Mexico. Also, all degree requirements must be completed within a seven-year period.

Master's Completion with Initial Teacher Preparation Program

Students who have completed a Bachelor's degree with a major outside of education and who are seeking a teaching career in elementary, secondary, and special education may be qualified to apply for admission to a planned professional educator preparation program leading to eligibility for licensure and completion of a master's degree. Such application must be completed far in advance of the projected time to begin such professional study and requires concurrent application to Graduate Studies. Selection for admission is competitive. For information on the elementary and secondary education programs, contact the Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy department in Hokona Hall at (505) 277-4533. For information on the special education program, contact the Special Education department in Hokona Hall at (505) 277-5018. Individuals should contact a faculty advisor regarding details and admission.

Teaching Fields of Initial Teachers

Initial (entry level) teaching licenses in Elementary Education and Secondary Education require that one or more teaching fields are completed. Most of the College's professional education preparation and degree programs require one or more of the following primary teaching fields approved by the New Mexico Public Education Department: Communicative Arts/Language Arts, Mathematics, Modern and Classical Languages, Physical Education, Science, and Social Studies. In the student's academic program, the chosen teaching field is math through a 24-56 credit hour concentration. Other minors and endorsements that can be added to a primary teaching field include: Bilingual Education, Fine Arts, Health Education, Library Media, Navajo Language, Reading and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Multiple teaching fields and minors are encouraged and can be completed through careful planning with a faculty advisor.

These teaching fields are well-designed programs that also meet the needs of the State of New Mexico.

For information on the endorsement fields of: 
Bilingual Education, Library Media, Navajo Language, Reading and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) contact the Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies department in Hokona Hall.

For information on the teaching fields of:
Health Education and Physical Education contact the College Advisement Center or the Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Science in Johnson Center.

For information on the teaching fields of:
Fine Arts/Theatre, Dance or Music Education contact the Department of Theatre and Dance or the Department of Music in the College of Fine Arts.

For information on the teaching fields of:
Communicative Arts, Social Studies, World Language, Mathematics, and Science contact the College Advisement Center or the Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy in Hokona Hall.

Criteria for Master's Degree Completion Application to a Teacher Preparation Program

Many students applying for admission to a teacher preparation program have already completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The application process and criteria are the same as nine criteria listed above for undergraduate admission with the following exceptions:

  1. Some programs use only one grade point average option.
  2. Master's applicants to teacher preparation programs must take and pass the NES Essential Academic Skills Subtest I, II and III. For more information visit the New Mexico Teacher Assessments Web site. The official test result must be on file, with the application in the program when the review of applications is started. 
  3. Application to Graduate Studies must be completed at the same time.

Admission is a competitive process. Either prior to admissions or during the program, graduate students must meet state licensure requirements, which include:

  1. Concentration-teaching field requirements as described in previous parts of the section.
  2. A planned professional teacher preparation program.

Licensure

Students who complete the requirements for a teaching license are eligible to apply for a level I license with the state of New Mexico. For further information about licensure, visit the New Mexico Public Education Department Web site.

Doctoral Programs

The College offers the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and the degree of Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). There are nine approved majors that are offered through either one or both of these degrees. Each program must meet all requirements of Graduate Studies at the University and any additional requirements of the College. Some majors offer only the Ph.D. or the Ed.D. Other majors offer both degrees. Students seeking admission should contact the appropriate department office for information and complete the procedures prescribed by the concentration and Graduate Studies.

The nine majors are listed below with a directive as to where more information can be found in the Alphabetic Listing and Description of Areas of Study that follows:

  • Counselor Education (Ph.D.) –See description for Counselor Education
  • Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) –See description for Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy
  • Educational Linguistics (Ph.D.) –See description for Educational Linguistics
  • Educational Psychology (Ph.D.) –See description for Educational Psychology
  • Family Studies (Ph.D.) –See description for Family Studies
  • Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies (Ph.D.) –See description for Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies
  • Physical Education, Sports and Exercise Science (Ph.D.) –See description for Professional Physical Education
  • Special Education (Ed.D., Ph.D.) –See description for Special Education
  • Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education (Ed.D., Ph.D.) –See description for Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy

Ph.D. candidates pursue a supporting area of 24 credit hours outside their major area and in many cases outside of the College; Ed.D. candidates must earn 18 credit hours outside their major area. All degree programs require a core of courses, including appropriate work in research. In all, a minimum of 72 credit hours of graduate work (exclusive of dissertation credit) is required in each of the programs in education.

See sections elsewhere in this Catalog which describe Doctoral degrees, specifically the role of the Committee on Studies and the Transfer of Credits. Credit hours applied to a Master's degree, when appropriate, may be included and applied to the doctoral program of studies. Not more than one-third of the required credit hours may be independent study which includes problems, directed readings, internship, field experience and practicum. Credit hours taken beyond the required 72 are not subject to this limitation.

Each candidate for the doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) shall be required to possess skills appropriate for the conduct of scholarly inquiry in the chosen field. The identification and evaluation of these skills are determined by the candidate’s committee on studies. Certification that these inquiry skills have been achieved is required prior to undertaking work on a dissertation. This procedure is in compliance with the Foreign Language or Alternative Requirement discussed under Doctoral degrees sections in this Catalog.

At least half of the credit hours of graduate study, exclusive of dissertation, to be applied towards a doctorate program of studies must be completed at the University of New Mexico. The Education Specialist certificate is not an entry point for doctoral programs and is designed for purposes other than doctoral study. As such, course work completed in an Education Specialist certificate is not normally applied to a doctorate program.

Education Specialist Certificate Programs*

The Education Specialist Certificate (or Sixth-Year Program) is available in Curriculum and Instruction (elementary and secondary teaching fields), Educational Leadership and Special Education. Persons interested in the certificate programs should contact the appropriate department for specific requirements.

The graduate certificate requires at least 30 credit hours beyond the Master’s degree and is planned individually for each candidate under the direction of the faculty of the program involved. The certificate is designed for the individual who does not wish to pursue the doctorate but is interested in continued advanced graduate work in a specific area. Also, advanced licensure eligibility, such as educational leadership, may be accomplished through the certificate. Not more than one-third of the required credit hours may be problems, directed readings and/or workshop credit. Students working under this plan must be admitted to graduate study and are subject to the regular Graduate Studies requirements. All course work must be taken within the five-year period beginning with the semester admitted to the Education Specialist Certificate. Students must submit a Program of Studies to Graduate Studies within the five-year period allotted and at least the semester prior to the semester of planned intent to graduate.

*Not a degree.


Professional Development Credit Council

The College offers professional development courses at the graduate level. These courses may qualify for graduate degree credit only with the approval of the academic program unit and the faculty advisor. Professional development courses are often designed in conjunction with educators or school districts and are approved through the College of Education Professional Development Credit Council.

Proposals submitted for professional development credit are reviewed according to criteria set by the Council. The Council authorizes the College to offer professional development courses for those proposals determined to be of sufficient rigor and merit to meet the criteria. The Council membership consists of a balance between College faculty and professional educators (including teachers, staff development leaders, teachers’ union representatives).

College of Education Undergraduate and Graduate Committees

Specific policies, curriculum approval, faculty and student matters are addressed through the College of Education Undergraduate and Graduate Committees.


Additional Information

Enrollment Limitations

Students may not enroll for more than 18 credit hours during a regular semester (Fall or Spring), or 9 credit hours during an eight -week summer session, without faculty or academic advisor approval. Maximum overload enrollment may not exceed 21 credit hours during a regular semester or 12 credit hours during an eight-week summer session. To request approval for an overload a student must:

  1. Have maintained a GPA of 3.00 or higher;
  2. Have earned at least 30 credit hours; and
  3. Complete a Course Work Overload Request with their faculty advisor or academic advisor.

Information about the enrollment limitation and approval for overload requests and the required form may be obtained from the College of Education Advertisement Center.

Probation and Suspension

Students are placed on probation at the end of any semester in which the cumulative GPA for courses taken at UNM falls below a 2.00. Students are allowed to remain on probation for two semesters. The student could be liable for suspension if the cumulative GPA is not raised by the end of the second semester.

Dean's list and Honor Roll

Undergraduate students in the College of Education are eligible each semester for recognition of excellence in academic achievement. Transcripts are automatically updated by the Office of the Registrar.

To be placed on the Dean's List of the College of Education, students must achieve a minimum semester GPA of 3.75 on a minimum of 12 credit hours.

For more information about these awards in the College of Education, contact the Advisement Center in Travelstead Hall (505) 277-3190.

Adding Outside Majors and Minors outside the College of Education

The College of Education degree programs allow for students to add other majors and minors offered at different Colleges and Schools at UNM. Some Colleges and Schools do not allow their majors or minors to be added to College of Education degrees. Visit the outside College or School for major and/or minor possibilities and requirements.

Applying Courses to Multiple Credentials

Courses may be applied to multiple credentials, except under the following conditions:

  • For multiple awards of the same major or program (example: earning a BA. in Family Studies and then returning for a B.S. in Family Studies; earning a B.S.Ed. with a concentration in Mathematics and a B.S.Ed. with a concentration in Physical Science).
  • For multiple credentials of the same type across two awards (example: earning a B.S. in Biology and a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education with a concentration-teaching field in Life Science Education because the majority of requirements are shared Biology courses).
  • For multiple credentials within the same degree program (example: to meet both a major and minor requirement, as in a major in Spanish and a minor in Latin American Studies).
  • For graduate credit.

This list represents the basic rules of the University. Consult the College Advisement Center of further information.

Learning Outcomes Assessment

The College of Education utilizes the Tk20™ higher education learning outcomes assessment management system. Tk20™ is a comprehensive data management and portfolio development system that allows students to be active online participants in multiple areas of their college experience including: course instruction, online assignment submission, learning outcomes assessment, and career portfolio management. The system also allows the College of Education to more effectively demonstrate the accountability of learning outcomes to professional accreditation agencies as well as assist the College in communicating the quality of student preparation to our constituencies. This system requires a one-time $125.00 fee for students who have been admitted to any of the College of Education undergraduate or graduate programs. The one-time fee is assessed at the point when the admitted student initially enrolls in course work in the College. More specific information regarding Tk20™ can be accessed via the College of Education Web site.


Associated Departments

Counselor Education


Educational Linguistics


Educational Media/Library Science


Educational Psychology


Family and Child Studies


Health Education


Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies


Nutrition and Dietetics


Professional Physical Education


Special Education


Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy


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Office of the Registrar

MSC 11 6325
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131

Phone: (505) 277-8900
Fax: (505) 277-6809