Frequently Asked Questions
Five-Year Teacher Education ProgramMaintaining Certification
Graduation
Doctoral Students
Five Year Teacher Education Program FAQ's
Q: Does WVU offer a 4-year Bachelor’s degree program in education?
A: No; our program is a 5-year, dual-degree (Bachelor’s and Master’s) program.
Q: When do I apply?
A: At the end of you sophomore year.
Q: Is admission to the program competitive?
A: Yes. Admission is competitive, especially in the elementary area, and grade-point-average is the most significant factor.
Q: After I graduate, can I teach in other states?
A:
Q: Can I take classes during summers at a college/university back home and transfer the credits to WVU?
A: Yes. Before enrolling in courses at another institution, you should meet with your advisor to complete a Transient Application form.
Q: Will WVU accept Advanced Placement (AP) or college credits that I completed in high school?
A: Yes. Keep in mind that each major has specific course requirements, however.
Q: Is it possible to participate in a study-abroad experience as a 5-year teacher education student?
A: Yes. However, it is suggested that the study-abroad experience be completed before entering the spring semester of the sophomore year.
Q: Who will my advisor be for the 5-year teacher education program?
A: We have two 5-year teacher education advisors; Lawrence Iorio (Lawrence.Iorio@mail.wvu.edu) and Beth Gallon Lefevre (BGLefevre@mail.wvu.edu). You meet with either advisor every semester during your 5-year educational experience.
Q: When will I complete my student teaching?
A: In the first semester of year 5, or the first semester of the graduate level year.
Q: How will I be assigned a school placement?
A: Once you receive notice of acceptance into the Professional Education Program you are given a placement in one of our Professional Development Schools (PDS). The placement is assigned by the PDS Coordinator,
Q: How will I know what classes to register for, each semester?
A: Each semester, during pre-registration, you will visit with your advisor to receive a suggested schedule for the following semester. Once that has been completed you will receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN), which will allow you access to the STAR Registration site, which will allow you to register for classes on-line.
Q: How do I know if I am a sophomore, junior, senior, etc?
A: The following key can be used to determine class status;
| Freshman |
0 - 28
|
credit hours completed |
| Sophmore |
29 - 58
|
credit hours completed |
| Junior |
59 - 88
|
credit hours completed |
| Senior |
88 +
|
credit hours completed |
Maintaining Certificaton FAQ's
Q: Where do I begin the renewal process?
A: If you are employed by a
If you live in
If you live outside
Q: What renewal options are available?
A: 1. Master’s degree in a curriculum related to the public school program.
2.Courses related to improvement of instruction and to the educator’s assignment/certification.
3. Courses needed to qualify for an additional endorsement.
4. Credit prescribed by the county as a result of the educator’s evaluation.
5. Master’s plus thirty, master’s plus forty-five, or doctorate advanced salary classification.
6. Sixty years of age.
Q: What college credit is acceptable?
A: For renewal purposes, the credit may be either undergraduate or graduate level; however it must meet all the following criteria
**Be completed at an accredited institution
**Reflect a grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
**Be completed after the effective date of the license to be renewed
**Be completed within the five-year period immediately preceding the date the application is received by the WV Dept. of Ed.
**Relate to the renewal option selected by the educator and the superintendent
**Relate to the public school program
Q: What is the county superintendent’s role in the certification process?
A: The county superintendent is responsible for advising all educators who are employed or reside in her/his county about renewal options. Additionally, all certificates that are renewed or upgraded from the three-year to five-year or permanent status require the recommendation of the superintendent as well as verification of applicable educational experience.
Q: When should I file the application to renew my certificate?
A: The educator should file the application for the renewal as soon as the requirements are fulfilled, but not before January 1 of the year in which the certificate will expire.
For additional information please contact the:
West Virginia Department of Education at http://wvde.state.wv.us
Graduation FAQ's
Q: I’m finishing my last class, what do I need to do to graduate?
A: APPLY EARLY IN THE SEMESTER! All HRE Master and Doctoral students complete an “Application for Graduation and Diploma”; master’s degree students must also complete a “Request to Graduate” form obtaining advisor approval. Submit forms, along with a $30 diploma fee (check made out to WVU), to Char. To obtain these forms, you may email Char.Allen@mail.wvu.edu or phone 304-293-3637 or contact your department or program advisor.
Q: I have an “incomplete” on my transcript, can I graduate?
A: Any ‘I’ (incomplete), or ‘NR’ (no report) must to taken care of prior to degree completion, even if the course is NOT required for your degree. The instructor must complete a Grade Modification Form and submit to our office.
Q: If I’m making up an ‘incomplete’ does that constitute current enrollment?
A: No. All students must be enrolled in at least one WVU credit hour in the semester (or summer for an August degree) in which they are planning to graduate.
Q: Is there a graduation ceremony for August graduates?
A: No. All August graduates will automatically be invited to attend the College Commencement the following May.
Q: I’m graduating in December, are there any graduation ceremonies for us to attend?
A: Institutional Advancement will send out invitations to all December graduates. If you graduate in August and want to attend the December WVU Convocation, you need to consult the WVU Homepage for additional information.
Doctoral Student FAQ's
Q. Is there a handbook for doctoral students?
A. Yes, click here.
Q: How can I transfer credits from another institution to WVU for my graduate degree?
A: Request PRIOR approval of your advisor by completing a Transient Application for Graduate Studies; submit form to Char for processing. Once the grade has been posted to the transcript, request an official transcript be sent to Char. Doctoral students need only provide Char with a copy of their transcript to verify courses that are part of their Program of Study. A copy will be kept for your colleges file and the original forwarded to Admissions and Records to post the course to your WVU transcript. (link to form)
Q: How do I set up my doctoral committee and/or program?
A: Char or your chairperson can give you the Doctoral Committee Approval and Program of Study forms (requiring member signatures for each form). Char will also be able to help you with committee formation regulations. Once member signatures are obtained, return form(s) to Char, who will meet with the dean for final approval.
Q: I’m a doctoral student and will be taking my comprehensive examinations. Is there anything I need to do prior to the exams?
A: You need to complete an Admission to Candidacy form specifying the date of approval along with your committee Chairperson’s signature. Submit to Char for processing. You will have five years from this date to complete your degree.
Q: What does my committee need when I’m ready to submit my dissertation prospectus?
A: An Approval of Prospectus form must be completed and signed by your entire committee and submitted to Char for processing. (link to form)
Q: I’ll be defending my thesis/dissertation this semester, what do I need to do?
A: Once you’ve verbally established a final defense date with your committee members, complete a Shuttle Sheet Request form, obtain committee signatures and submit to Char at least 3 weeks PRIOR to your defense date.