INFORMATION FOR CURRENT GRADUATE STUDENTS

Program of Study

All graduate level students must submit to the Office of Student Affairs a program of study which has been approved by their academic advisor. To obtain a Program of Study Form, visit the forms page. After submission, the Office of Student Affairs will seek approval from the College of Education Graduate Director and the Dean of the Graduate School. The Program of Study is a list of courses that satisfy degree requirements for your program. You will be unable to graduate without completing all courses listed on this program. If you need to make a change in your program, you should obtain a program adjustment form from the Office of Student Affairs.

For more information on the Program of Study, please review the Graduate Studies Bulletin.

Professional Program

All students who are in a teacher education program must be admitted to the Professional Education Program no later than one semester before internship or directed teaching. This is separate from admission to a degree program. If you have any questions concerning your status with the professional program or would like information concerning requirements for your program, contact the Office of Student Affairs.

Internship / Directed Teaching

All students in a teacher certification program must apply for internship or directed teaching. Deadlines and application process vary by program. See your advisor or the Office of Student Affairs for information. Before you will be allowed to begin your internship or directed teaching, you must have on file in the Office of Student Affairs: 1.  Notification from the SC Department of Education of a clear FBI and SLED background check.*  See the Office of Certification for deadlines for submitting fingerprint cards.   2. Successful completion of course work and experiences required prior to Internship.   3. Minimum academic standards (varies by program)   4. Admission to the Professional Program in Education.  5. Approved program of study (for graduate students only).  Placements for internships and directed teaching are made by the Office of Clinical Experiences. Students must successfully complete an internship or directed teaching semester, before being recommended for certification.

*South Carolina State law requires a background check be conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on all students prior to Internship II, Internship B, and Directed Teaching.  A prior criminal record could prevent participation in internships/directed teaching and certification as a teacher in South Carolina.  Students admitted to an initial certification program are required to secure, complete, and submit an application for certification which includes a fingerprint card and fee for the SDE, to the College of Education Office of Students Affairs.  See the Office of Certification for deadlines for submitting application and fingerprint cards.

Comprehensive Exams

All Master level students are required to take comprehensive examinations (comps). See your advisor for requirements to determine if you are eligible to take the exam. If your program requires a comprehensive exam application for the Masters level, it can be obtained on the Office of Student Affairs forms page.

Ed.S., Ed.D., and Ph.D. students should see an academic advisor for testing requirements.

Certification

Before completion of a USC Teacher Education, Administration, Library Media, Counseling, or Speech Pathology program which leads to school certification, students should apply for certification through the College of Education, Office of Certification which is located in the Office of Student Affairs.

Before a recommendation can be made concerning your certification, students must pass all portions of the Praxis II exam which is required for your area. See your advisor for specifics concerning required exams and the most appropriate time to take the certification exams.