The College of Education offers several degree options for undergraduate students. For those students interested in becoming a teacher, our Teacher Education Program offers preparation at the early childhood, elementary, and secondary levels. The Teacher Education Program offers a variety of content areas and grade levels to choose from to fit your specific interests and strengths:
Undergraduate Programs Leading to New Mexico Teacher Licensure
In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in early childhood include: 1) six hours of reading instruction, including the teaching of reading; 2) supervised field experience; 3) successful completion of a semester of intern teaching, and; 4) successful completion of required state assessments.
BS in Education - Early Childhood Education (Birth-3rd Grade)
The 120 credit hour bachelor's degree in ECE emphasizes teaching strategies for the young child. Early childhood educators receive training in child development through coursework that emphasizes the adult's role in the biological-physical, social, cultural, emotional, cognitive, and language domains. In addition, the early childhood educator possess knowledge of factors that can influence learning and development, such as the environment and nutrition.
In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in early childhood include 1) six hours of reading instruction, including the teaching of reading, 2) supervised field experience 3) Successful completion of a semester of Intern Teaching and 4) successful completion of required state assessments.
BS in Education - Elementary Education (Grades K-8)
The program consists of 120 credit hours of coursework. In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in elementary education include: 1) six hours of reading instruction; 2) supervised field experience; 3) successful completion of a semester of intern teaching, and; 4) successful completion of required state assessments.
The elementary education level prepares educators to meet the needs of students in grades kindergarten through 8th. The Teacher Education Program prepares students to become proactive classroom managers, reflective practitioners, and culturally responsive educators through coursework and field experiences. Coursework will also equip students with tools to evaluate curriculum and provide meaningful feedback to students through assessments.
The program consists of 120 credit hours of coursework. In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in elementary education include 1) six hours of reading instruction 2) supervised field experience 3) Successful completion of a semester of Intern Teaching and 4) successful completion of required state assessments.
BS in Education - Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)
In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in secondary education include: 1) three hours of reading instruction; 2) supervised field experience; 3) 24 credit hours in one teaching field; 4) successful completion of a semester of Intern Teaching, and; 5) successful completion of required state assessments.
Secondary education focuses on teaching students in grades 7-12. The educator at this level must possess a specialization in an academic teaching field with a choice of mathematics, science, social science, or English/Language Arts. The educator must also have the ability to manage a classroom for optimal learning, identify factors that could negatively impact learning such as environmental or social factors, and meet the individual needs of students with disabilities. The 120 credit hour secondary education program at USW is designed to meet those needs.
In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in secondary education include 1) three hours of reading instruction 2) supervised field experience 3) 24 credit hours in one teaching field 4) Successful completion of a semester of Intern Teaching and 5) successful completion of required state assessments.
BS in Education - Special Education (Grades K-12)
In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in special education include: 1) six hours of reading instruction; 2) supervised field experience; 3) 24 credit hours in one teaching field with a choice of mathematics, science, English/language arts, or social science; 4) successful completion of a semester of intern teaching, and; 5) successful completion of required state assessments.
Special education remains a high-need area in New Mexico public schools. USW recognizes this need and offers a bachelor's degree focusing on the delivery of special education services for grades kindergarten through 12. Students enrolled in the special education licensure program will gain knowledge related to disabilities, special education law, and modification of curriculum to meet the individual needs of the student.
In addition to the coursework, other program requirements for licensure in special education include 1) six hours of reading instruction 2) supervised field experience, 3) 24 credit hours in one teaching field with a choice of mathematics, science, English/language arts, or social science 4) Successful completion of a semester of Intern Teaching and 5) successful completion of required state assessments.
Click here for more information on the Teacher Education Program (TEP)
NExT+ Professional Learning Assessment
Program Description
New Experienced Teachers + Program (NExT+ Program), is an online educational opportunity that allows experienced educational paraprofessionals to earn undergraduate credit through a prior learning assessment portfolio submission process. Prior learning is knowledge acquired through work, professional development training programs, independent study, volunteering, or community service. Candidates may obtain up to 30 credits based on prior learning experiences that align with course learning outcomes. Credits earned will apply toward an undergraduate degree in education at University of the Southwest. Candidates must have 3 years of work experience as a paraprofessional in a PreK-12 classroom to apply to the NExT+ Program.
The University of the Southwest values the diversity of its students. This diversity includes the unique experiences, interests, and intellectual pursuits that lead to the acquisition of knowledge that may be at the college level. College-level learning is the same, whether acquired in the traditional college classroom or through non-collegiate sources. This equivalency is validated by academically sound and rigorous prior learning assessment methods. The University of the Southwest employs prior learning assessment aligned with its institutional mission, academic integrity, and student educational attainment and success.
Undergraduate Programs Non - Licensure
The BSE in Teaching and Learning is a non-licensure track that offers candidates the opportunity to tailor their program of study. Students take core education courses and choose 51 credit hours of additional education courses. Candidates will gain knowledge and skills in learner diversity, learning environments, instructional practice, and professional responsibility. This customizable program is best suited for professions in education nonprofits, youth development, or community programs.
The BSE in Kinesiology and Health Education offers competencies in human physiology and movement, focusing on the sciences. Topics covered include: Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Fitness Testing, and Exercise Prescription. Candidates take 42 credit hours of kinesiology, 24 credit hours of science courses, and 9 credit hours of education courses. This program prepares students for professions in rehabilitation centers, personal training, and fitness centers.
Careers in Kinesiology
Kinesiology courses prepare students for a future in the health industry or professions such as community and public health services, personal fitness trainers, health club directors, and many more.
