BS in Elementary Education

120 Credit Hours North Florida College’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEE) prepares students to become highly effective educators for grades K-6 and to pursue Florida Professional Teacher Certification. Offered in a flexible, predominantly online format, the program combines online coursework with supervised field experiences and clinical practice in elementary school settings. Students are admitted in the fall and spring semesters. While most coursework is completed online, students should expect limited in-person requirements, which may include workshops, seminars, orientations, and other program-related activities, in addition to required field experiences and clinical practice. The curriculum combines educational theory with practical classroom application, emphasizing evidencebased instructional strategies, child development, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, classroom management, assessment, educational technology, and inclusive teaching practices. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions necessary to create engaging learning environments that support the academic, social, and emotional growth of diverse learners. Through coursework and extensive field experience, candidates gain hands-on experience working with students in the K-6 classroom setting. The program fosters reflective practice, ethical decision-making, collaboration, and leadership while preparing graduates to address the evolving needs of today's classrooms. All lower- and upper-division coursework complies with Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules governing teacher preparation programs. Graduates of BSEE are prepared for careers as elementary school teachers and educational professionals who are committed to student success, lifelong learning, and service to their communities. At the time of publication, the program is undergoing the application process with the Florida Department of Education for approval as a state-approved Initial Teacher Preparation Program. Students may pursue Florida teacher certification through available state certification pathways, subject to applicable Florida Department of Education requirements.

Prospective students must possess an Associate in Arts degree to be eligible for program entry. Transcripts must be evaluated to discern appropriate courses required to complete the BSEE. In accordance with s. 1004.04(3)(b), F.S., candidates must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the general education component of undergraduate studies or must have completed the requirements for a baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited or otherwise approved college or university as defined by applicable State Board of Education rule. Prospective students seeking admission to the program must possess an Associate in Arts degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on undergraduate coursework. Candidates must also complete EDF 2005 with a grade of “C” or higher prior to applying to the program. Transcripts from all previously or currently attended institutions must be submitted and evaluated to determine the candidate’s cumulative GPA, completion of required coursework, and overall eligibility for acceptance into the program.

Requirements include:

1. Completed application for admission with payment of the $30 non-refundable fee to the NFC Office of Admissions. Applications are accepted March 1through July 1 for Fall admission and July 1 through November 15 for admission in the Spring. Applicants must submit a completed application packet for admission into the program. Applicants will not be considered if all criteria have not been met.
   
   
2. Final, official, sealed transcripts from all previously or currently enrolled colleges to the NFC Office of Admissions. Bachelor of Science Degree 
   
   
3. Completion of an Associate in Arts or Baccalaureate degree.
   
   
4. Good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
   
   
5. Completion of general education requirements and lower division courses. Florida General Education Core (State Rule 6A-14.0303) requires that, prior to the award of a baccalaureate degree, students entering a Florida College System institution in Fall Term 2015, and thereafter, must complete at least one (1) Florida General Education Core course from each of the general education areas.
   
   a. Associate in Arts graduates must have completion of 36 semester hours of general education and 24 semester hours of electives prior to enrollment in the BSEE degree. A student who has completed an Associate in Arts or baccalaureate degree conferred by a Florida College System institution or state university in Florida is considered to have met general education requirements, including requirements for general education core courses.
   
   b. Completion of EDF 2005 Introduction to the Teaching Profession with a minimum grade of “C” or higher. If EDF 2005 was not completed as part of the A.A. degree, it must be completed before acceptance into the BSEE program.
   
   
6. Gordon Rule (State Rule 6A-10.030) requires all students enrolling in a Florida public college or university after October 1982 to complete the following prior to entry into the upper division: six (6) semester hours of English coursework and six (6) semester hours of additional coursework in which the student is required to demonstrate college-level writing skills through multiple writing assignments and six (6) semester hours of mathematics coursework at the level of college algebra or higher. Each Gordon Rule course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Gordon Rule courses are designated by “(GR)” following the course title.
   
   
7. Students must demonstrate foreign language competency through completion of two (2) credits of the same foreign language in high school or two (2) semesters of the same foreign language in college with grades of “C” or higher.
   
   
8. Students must complete the Florida Civic Literacy Requirement, including successful completion of an approved civic literacy course and an approved civic literacy assessment, in accordance with Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules.
   
   
9. Background Screening and Admission Requirement: Because successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education requires supervised field experiences and clinical practice in K–12 school settings, applicants must satisfy applicable background screening requirements before final admission to the program. Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program is contingent upon the applicant's ability to satisfy the background screening requirements necessary for participation in required school-based experiences. If a screening result identifies a criminal offense, pending criminal matter, or other circumstance that may affect the applicant's eligibility for field experience, clinical practice, Florida educator certification, or employment requiring direct contact with students, the applicant's admission decision may be placed on hold pending review and determination of eligibility. A criminal history does not necessarily result in denial of admission. Applicants whose screening results require further review will be evaluated in accordance with applicable Florida law and established North Florida College procedures. When appropriate, applicants may be required to provide additional documentation or obtain an eligibility determination from the Florida Department of Education or other appropriate authority. An applicant who is determined to be ineligible to participate in required field experiences or clinical practice will not be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program unless and until the applicant demonstrates eligibility to complete those required experiences. Applicants should be aware that admission to the program does not guarantee Florida educator certification or employment. Eligibility for Florida educator certification is determined by the Florida Department of Education pursuant to applicable law and rule. Florida law also establishes circumstances under which an individual is ineligible for educator certification or employment in positions requiring direct contact with students. Students are responsible for maintaining eligibility for required field experiences and clinical practice throughout the program. Changes in an individual's criminal or disciplinary history may require additional screening and may affect continued participation in school-based experiences.

Applications are considered for admission after all required application materials have been received, certified, and the application window has closed. Applicants will be notified of the admission decision via email after the admissions committee completes its review and makes final determinations. Applications will be ranked and selected on the cumulative GPA as determined by submitted transcripts. A graduation check will be performed on those transcripts that do not reflect a cumulative GPA in order to establish one. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds available seats, priority will be given to residents of Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor counties. When all other qualifications are equal, graduates of NFC’s Associate in Arts degree will receive preference. Students who are provisionally accepted into the program will be given a deadline to accept their seat in the program. Failure to accept the offered seat by the posted deadline may result in forfeiture of the offer of admission. All provisionally accepted students must have completed a background screening in the school district where field experience will occur by the day of orientation to be cleared to register for the program. Students admitted to the BSEE program are required to attend orientation. Attendance at orientation may be excused under extreme circumstances and only with prior notification.