Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP)
To receive a license to teach in the public school system, students in the English Teaching emphasis must also complete the 35-credit STEP administered through the Department of Secondary Education. The student enrolls in this three-semester sequence of courses after having completed nearly all teaching major and minor requirements and after having been granted full admission to the program, which entails meeting various admission criteria. See the Department of Secondary Education for further information regarding this program.
Graduate Program in Literature and Writing
Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree that combines their interest in teaching, writing, and literature are encouraged to apply to the Literature and Writing Program. The new Literature and Writing degree allows students to begin or advance academic careers involving literature and various kinds of writing. Some courses in pedagogy are offered, as are courses in composition and rhetoric, literary studies, and creative writing. The flexibility of the program encourages students to pursue their own interests. For more information, go to the
Literature and Writing web page.
More information about the graduate programs in English and American Studies can be found on the English department website.
Information about applying to Graduate School can be found at http://www.usu.edu/graduateschool/.
For more information, contact Keith Grant-Davie, director of graduate studies in English, at (435) 797-3547 or keith.grantdavie@usu.edu
Helpful Resources and Links
USU
English Department Honors
College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS)
State
State Office of Education
Utah Council of Teachers of English/Language Arts
Utah Education Network
National
National Council of Teachers of English
Frequently Asked Questions about the English Education program
What do I learn in the English Education program?
The English Education program works with the Secondary Education program to prepare you to teach English in middle school or high school. Courses in the English Department focus specifically on content and theory. By taking courses in literary studies, you will develop the background knowledge in literature necessary to work with students. The courses in English methods will combine your content knowledge with pedagogical theory, giving you a firm methodology for teaching literature, literacy, and writing. Courses in Secondary Education (taken through the College of Education) are meant to provide you with knowledge about best classroom practices. The three elements - content, method, and practice - provide the basis for effective and reflective teaching.
Is it possible to finish in four years?
You can finish a major in English with an emphasis in English Education in four years. To become a certified teacher, though, you need to complete the program in Secondary Education as well (see more details here) and that will require an extra year. You should think about this year as one in which you obtain professional license on top of your degree. To teach in most public schools, you will need to be a certified teacher. Private schools can have different requirements.
Can I major in Secondary Education?
No. The Secondary Education program is a licensing program, not a major. You need to have a major in an academic department with a teaching emphasis.
Can I minor in English Education?
Yes. An English Teaching Minor requires 27 credit hours of coursework. English Teaching minors must also fulfill the grammar competency requirement. For more information on these courses see either the course catalog or the major requirements sheet (available from the English Department or the advising center or online).
When do I apply for the teaching certification program in the College of Education?
You must have Junior standing (60 credits) to apply for the certification program.
How should I sequence my course work?
Because the methods courses require good content background, we recommend that you take your content courses first - courses in literary studies. Then begin your methods courses once you are a junior or senior. We also recommend that you take English 4500 and 4510 as two of your last courses.
What is English 1120 and how does the grammar exam work?
English 1120 is required of all English Education students. It is a prerequisite for many upper-division English courses and for admission to the teacher certification program. You should complete this requirement as soon as possible. You may either enroll in the course or you may take the challenge exam to opt out of the course. To pass the grammar exam requires a score of 80% or better. The exam is offered for a fee by the English Department and is available at the Writing Center at any time except for the first and last weeks of classes.
Are there internship possibilities in the English Education program?
Yes. You will have the opportunity to apply for internships as part of your course of study. The credit you receive is elective credit and the experience is invaluable. We strongly encourage our students to take an internship in a local school early in their academic careers so they can get a sense of the teaching profession. An internship can also put you ahead in your search for a job. Linda Morse (linda.morse@usu.edu), the coordinator for internships in the department, can help you find a situation that is right for you.
FAQ about Requirements
Can I graduate without certification?
Yes. If you complete the requirements for an English major with a teaching emphasis, you can graduate with a B.A. in English. Importantly, though, you would still need to have a minor and some minors (like the ESL minor) require certification. Check with your minor advisor if you have questions.
Will my transfer credits count?
To determine if your credits will transfer, you can check the USU Transfer Guide. For information about schools not on this list, please contact Dr. Brock Dethier (brock.dethier@usu.edu), Director of Undergraduate Studies.
What is the required major and cumulative GPA?
You will need a 2.75 cumulative GPA to be accepted as an English major and to be accepted into the English Education program. To maintain your major status, you will need to maintain a 2.75 major GPA.
How do I declare an English Education major or minor?
Contact the HASS Advising Office (TSC 302, 435-797-3883). You need a 2.75 GPA to declare an English major or minor. In addition, you must maintain a 2.75 GPA to remain in the program in good standing.
Do I need to have a minor?
Yes. Students in the English Teaching emphasis are required to complete a teaching minor. For a list of the acceptable teaching minors click here.
What combination of English Education courses and Secondary Education courses do I need to take?
The courses you take in the English Department and the courses you take in Secondary Education are different courses. They fulfill different requirements and are completely different (though interrelated) programs. As an English major with an emphasis in teaching, you are required to complete a requisite number of literary studies courses as well as six English methods courses (see specific requirements). These courses include Teaching Writing, Teaching Literature, Ethnic Literacy, Young Adult Literature, Multicultural American Literature, and the English Education Capstone course. These are courses that are required for your English major and are separate from the courses you take in Secondary Education. For more information about the courses you take in Secondary Education, see the Secondary Teacher Education Program requirements on the Secondary Education website.
Can I take courses pass/fail?
No. You must have a grade in all your major courses.
Can I repeat a course?
Yes. Your initial grade remains noted on your transcript, but the new grade is figured into your GPA.