The initial teacher certification programs prepare exemplary collaborative educational leaders with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they need to make positive impacts in and outside the classroom.  USC’s two graduate degree programs that lead to teacher certification are the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Master of Teaching degrees. Certified teachers are NOT eligible for these degrees.

Certification

In the teacher certification degree programs (M.A.T. and M.T.), the degree requirements and certification requirements are linked. Inasmuch as the certification requirements are the responsibility of the S.C. State Board of Education, if state regulations change, degree requirements are also subject to change. All candidates seeking teacher certification must:

• successfully complete the requirements of the degree program
• achieve test scores at or above those established by the state on the program-appropriate exams (Praxis II Series); scores earned on the Praxis must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs, College of Education, Wardlaw 113, USC, and to the South Carolina Department of Education
• submit to an FBI and SLED background check for prior felony convictions and be cleared by the FBI and SLED prior to internship/directed teaching
• pay all certification fees as required
• successfully complete EEDA and ADEPT requirements with a positive recommendation for certification.

Professional Program in Education and Internship/Directed Teaching

Candidates are required to obtain formal admission to the professional program in education prior to the internship or directed teaching experience. Candidates seeking teacher certification must also apply for internship or directed teaching in order to successfully complete their program of study. Placement for internship and directed teaching will be made only in the Columbia metropolitan area.

Initial Teacher Preparation Programs

Initial Teacher Certification Programs