Individuals who already possess an undergraduate degree and want to pursue certification for 7-12 secondary history/social studies can apply for enrollment in the Post-Bacc pathway, which prepares students for state certification without a master’s degree. (If students with an undergraduate degree have the interest and circumstances to complete a graduate degree with teacher certification, Central offers a Master of Arts in rotating cycles.)
To enter the Post Bacc pathway at Central, students MUST PASS Praxis Social Studies Content Knowledge (5081).
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Step One
The first step is applying to Central Graduate Admissions for Post-Bacc status.
Please be aware that admission to start classes as a post-bacc student in history/social studies does not guarantee acceptance into the Professional Program for Teacher Certification.
Step Two
The Social Studies Coordinator will receive notification of your admission as a post-bacc student and send you a welcome email requesting all your college/university transcripts for full review.
They will then conduct a general education and history/social studies content area review of your transcript(s) to see what history, social studies, and educational prerequisite courses you might need to take.
A School of Education review might also occur to determine any additional educational requirements you might need to fulfill to meet Central and State of Connecticut certification requirements.
Please be aware that the Central History Department only accepts classes toward your track if you received a grade of C or better.
After the review is done, you receive an Initial Planned Program of Study signed by the Social Studies Coordinator and a Dean in the School of Education, that will be submitted to Graduate Admissions.
Educational Prerequisites
The customized Planned Program of Study lists general education, content area, and educational courses each post-bacc student has already completed and still needs to complete. It guides you to meet the prerequisites, which include:
- One of the following from your undergraduate program:
- A major in history plus at least 18 credits in accepted social studies courses; OR
- A major in political science, economics, or geography including at least 18 semester hours of credit in history across U.S., Western Civilization/European, and Non-Western history; OR
- An interdisciplinary major consisting of 39 semester hours of credit in subjects covered under history/social studies, with at least 18 semester hours of credit in history across U.S., Western Civilization/European, and Non-Western history, and at least 18 semester hours of credit in accepted social studies, including at least one course in each of the following areas: political science, economics, and geography.
- Completion of a historical research methods/historical craft course such as HIST 301 with a grade of B or better.
- EDF 215: Education in a Multicultural Society and PSY 136: Lifespan Development.
- If your undergraduate degree and any additional transcript(s) do not meet one of these conditions, we work with you to develop a Planned Program of Study to get you certified.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you’re currently certified in another content area and want cross-endorsement in History/Social Studies 7-12 Secondary, you must contact the State of Connecticut Department of Education. All cross-endorsement programs are administered at the state level. If you’re currently certified in another state and want to pursue reciprocity with Connecticut, you must also contact the State of Connecticut Department of Education.
The Professional Program
The Professional Program is a formal series of courses and practicums for teacher education. In consultation with the Social Studies Coordinator, post-bacc students apply to the Professional Program after they have completed most of their prerequisites and/or while enrolled in HIST 301 if it’s needed.
Applicants in HIST 301 receive conditional acceptance until they complete the course with a grade of B or better.
The State of Connecticut requires that students start a Professional Program for Teacher Certification after they have met certain criteria.
Admission to Central and pursuit of post-bacc certification do not guarantee acceptance into the Professional Program. Students must submit a formal application and pass an interview.
Before applying, be sure that you meet the minimum requirements:
- Passing score on the Praxis II Social Studies: Content Knowledge test
- School of Education requirements
- 2.70 or better cumulative undergraduate GPA
- 3.00 or better cumulative GPA for all Social Science courses: Economics, Geography, History, Political Science
- A grade of B or better in HIST 301/another approved historical research methods/craft course OR prior approval to take HIST 301 in the semester that you apply.
Application Process
The earlier you begin, the better the chances you will meet all the deadlines. Professional Program applications are usually due September 10 and February 10.
Guidance for completing the application through the Watermark online portal
In addition to the minimum requirements, students’ application essays must receive a passing score from the History Department’s Social Studies Committee.
Students must also pass an interview during which an applicant’s motivation, skills, content knowledge, and overall disposition are evaluated.
Acceptance and Completion
Once accepted to the Professional Program, post-bacc students take a sequence of courses that requires no less than three semesters and includes theoretical and field experience-based courses.
Student teaching practicums are offered only in the spring semesters.
Important student teaching information
IMPORTANT NOTE: Connecticut law requires all students in teacher/educator certification programs to undergo state and national criminal background checks before participating in school-based field experiences. You’re responsible for the cost of the background check and will be provided with the necessary consent forms and other documents needed to conduct it. As part of the background check, you will be fingerprinted. If you fail to pass the background check, you might be unable to complete your chosen degree program at Central Connecticut State University. The University will not be responsible for your inability to complete your chosen degree program.