& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Graduate Certificate Programs 235
Graduate Certificate in Instruction
The graduate certificate in Instruction is tailored to serve students, like
you, who have completed a bachelor's degree with little or no previous
coursework in education. It prepares you to earn a teaching license in
Elementary Education (K-6) with an Early Adolescence (5-8) specialty,
or Early Adolescence (5-8) / Young Adult Education (9-12).
Program Structure
The program prepares students to become licensed teachers in the state of
Minnesota. Students also have the opportunity to complete the master's degree
in Instruction that same academic year or within the following five years.
Students can choose between the following teacher preparation areas:
• Elementary Education (K-6) with an Early Adolescence (5-8) specialty
• Early Adolescence / Young Adult (5-12)
Students choosing Early Adolescence / Young Adult have the choice of
the following specialty areas:
• Communication Arts and Literature
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Life Science
• Physical Science
• World Languages and Cultures (Spanish or French)
To earn the master's degree, students complete nine credits beyond the
licensure preparation courses. Master's coursework focuses on
cultivating teacher leadership and scholarship through research.
Program Delivery
Saint Mary's M.A. in Instruction is offered two different ways to
accommodate adult learners. The program on the Twin Cities campus is
delivered part-time on evenings and weekends, and is accommodating
for learners who want to continue to work while going to school.
The Winona campus M.A. in Instruction is offered full-time for one year
with housing options so students can live on campus. Students will
attend classes over the course of a full day with some evening sessions.
All students are expected to spend significant time in K-12 schools in
conjunction with their coursework.
A transcript analysis is conducted through the admission process to evaluate
content preparedness. Additional content area courses may be required.
Admission Requirements
Applicants may apply for admission to master degree programs at any
time during the year. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate
degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall
grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate
the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework.
If the grade point average upon admission is below 2.75, or if a grade
point average is not available, or language proficiency is not adequate,
the applicant may be admitted with provisional status.
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
1. Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee
(fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or
veterans and active military personnel) and,
2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s
degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites
and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one
that is sent or carried to the university in an envelope sealed by the
granting university. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S.
must be evaluated by a university accepted evaluation source, such
as World Education Services, www.wes.org, or Educational
Credential Evaluators, www.ece.org, and be deemed equivalent to
accredited U.S. university standards.) and,
3. A personal statement which includes:
a. brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience
b. a statement indicating desired licensure and/ or content area; the
career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking
admission to the program
c. description of the areas the applicant considers to be his or her
strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop
greater strengths and abilities
d. personal information the applicant wishes to share, and
4. Letter(s) of recommendation that verify professional and/or volunteer
experience and academic ability, and
5. A current résumé listing educational background and work
experience, and
6. All applicants must complete an interview with a program
administrator, and
7. All applicants must complete a spontaneous writing proficiency exam.
Application materials should be sent to the address based on the
location applicant chooses:
Winona
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
MAI Graduate Program
700 Terrace Heights #23
Winona, MN 55987-1399
Minneapolis
Admissions
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs
2500 Park Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404