Fulfill Your Passion, Make an Impact in Teaching K-12
Bachelor of Arts in Education
Your bachelor of arts degree in education with an endorsement in K-12 art, Spanish or religious studies will open the door for you to make a difference in the lives of children in kindergarten through grade 12.
As a K-12 art teacher, you can introduce your youngest learners to basic art concepts and have fun exploring the tactile nature of art as self-expression. The older the students get, your lessons can become increasingly complex, introducing artists, varying methods, the history that influenced artists of each generation and the importance of art as social commentary — critical, analytical or explanatory. And the fun part is that you could have the opportunity to teach a group of children throughout their formative years and directly affect their ability to express themselves through art and their understanding of art in a global and historical context.
As a K-12 Spanish teacher, you will introduce your youngest students to basic Spanish vocabulary and concepts. As students grow and continue to develop their Spanish vocabulary, your instruction will expand to include the Spanish and Latin American culture and traditions, reading and writing in Spanish, and enriching the spoken language through grammar, sentence structure, and dialogue. With the help of your lessons and instruction, your students will use vocabulary and grammar to engage in Spanish conversation, read Spanish literature, and develop an understanding of Spanish culture and civilization.
As a K-12 religion teacher, you will introduce your youngest students to the basic doctrine of the Roman Catholic faith rooted in the Gospel message and the person of Jesus Christ. As they grow, so will the depth of your instruction, to help them understand the rich and cherished traditions and liturgical practices of the faith. With the help of your guidance and lessons, your students will nurture and develop in faith throughout their formative years, providing them with a solid foundation to live morally and faithfully in our complex modern world.
Required Courses for Your Major
Select your major to see required courses
Art Education K-12 Spanish K-12 Religious K-12
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
Art Major with Teaching Endorsement Requirements
K-12 endorsement in art requires methods and clinical experience (student teaching) in both elementary and secondary classrooms. To graduate with a bachelor of arts degree with an endorsement in art you must complete 141 credit hours:
- 41 credit hours in general education
- 54 credit hours in art courses
- 46 credit hours in education courses
Religious Studies with Teaching Endorsement Requirements
K-12 endorsement in religious requires methods and clinical experience (student teaching) in both elementary and secondary classrooms. To graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in education with a religious studies endorsement, you must complete 122/123 credit hours:
- 38 credit hours in general education
- 36 credit hours in religious studies
- 48-49 credit hours in education courses
Spanish with Teaching Endorsement Requirements
K-12 endorsement in Spanish requires methods and clinical experience (student teaching) in both elementary and secondary classrooms. To graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in education with a Spanish endorsement, you must complete 125/126credit hours:
- 44 credit hours in general education
- 36 credit hours in Spanish major courses
- 45/46 credits hours in Education courses
Teaching Certification
Students who successfully meet state required competencies may qualify for a Nebraska Teaching Certificate. Continuous growth in knowledge, pedagogy and professionalism, as well as satisfactory performance during student teaching and completion of Praxis Content test(s) for each content area as required by Nebraska Rule is in the recommendation for certification.
It is recommended to apply for the Nebraska certification at the time of program completion. If not, rule changes in effect at time of application will need to be made up as deficiencies. Since certification requirements of various states differ, a student planning to teach in a state other than Nebraska should inquire about specific requirements for that state.
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The Teacher Education Department is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education (888) 285-2556.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application and transcripts.
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Formal Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Students are eligible to seek formal admission into the Teacher Education Program in the second semester of the sophomore year. Criteria for candidacy:
- Initial field experience successfully completed
- Introductory courses EDU 101 and SPE 101 successfully completed
- Professional dispositions for teaching developed
- Minimum grade point average of 2.65
- Submit the completed Admission to Teacher Education Application and Professional Dispositions by stated date in Anthology. Failure to complete both forms by stated date may result in removal from interview process.
- Formal interview with Teacher Education Committee
Academic Description
Fulfill Your Passion, Make an Impact in Teaching K-12
Bachelor of Arts in Education
Your bachelor of arts degree in education with an endorsement in K-12 art, Spanish or religious studies will open the door for you to make a difference in the lives of children in kindergarten through grade 12.
As a K-12 art teacher, you can introduce your youngest learners to basic art concepts and have fun exploring the tactile nature of art as self-expression. The older the students get, your lessons can become increasingly complex, introducing artists, varying methods, the history that influenced artists of each generation and the importance of art as social commentary — critical, analytical or explanatory. And the fun part is that you could have the opportunity to teach a group of children throughout their formative years and directly affect their ability to express themselves through art and their understanding of art in a global and historical context.
As a K-12 Spanish teacher, you will introduce your youngest students to basic Spanish vocabulary and concepts. As students grow and continue to develop their Spanish vocabulary, your instruction will expand to include the Spanish and Latin American culture and traditions, reading and writing in Spanish, and enriching the spoken language through grammar, sentence structure, and dialogue. With the help of your lessons and instruction, your students will use vocabulary and grammar to engage in Spanish conversation, read Spanish literature, and develop an understanding of Spanish culture and civilization.
As a K-12 religion teacher, you will introduce your youngest students to the basic doctrine of the Roman Catholic faith rooted in the Gospel message and the person of Jesus Christ. As they grow, so will the depth of your instruction, to help them understand the rich and cherished traditions and liturgical practices of the faith. With the help of your guidance and lessons, your students will nurture and develop in faith throughout their formative years, providing them with a solid foundation to live morally and faithfully in our complex modern world.
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The Teacher Education Department is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education (888) 285-2556.
Admissions Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application and transcripts.
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Formal Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Students are eligible to seek formal admission into the Teacher Education Program in the second semester of the sophomore year. Criteria for candidacy:
- Initial field experience successfully completed
- Introductory courses EDU 101 and SPE 101 successfully completed
- Professional dispositions for teaching developed
- Minimum grade point average of 2.65
- Submit the completed Admission to Teacher Education Application and Professional Dispositions by stated date in Anthology. Failure to complete both forms by stated date may result in removal from interview process.
- Formal interview with Teacher Education Committee
Curriculum
Required Courses for Your Major
Select your major to see required courses
Art Education K-12 Spanish K-12 Religious K-12
Degree Requirements
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
Art Major with Teaching Endorsement Requirements
K-12 endorsement in art requires methods and clinical experience (student teaching) in both elementary and secondary classrooms. To graduate with a bachelor of arts degree with an endorsement in art you must complete 141 credit hours:
- 41 credit hours in general education
- 54 credit hours in art courses
- 46 credit hours in education courses
Religious Studies with Teaching Endorsement Requirements
K-12 endorsement in religious requires methods and clinical experience (student teaching) in both elementary and secondary classrooms. To graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in education with a religious studies endorsement, you must complete 122/123 credit hours:
- 38 credit hours in general education
- 36 credit hours in religious studies
- 48-49 credit hours in education courses
Spanish with Teaching Endorsement Requirements
K-12 endorsement in Spanish requires methods and clinical experience (student teaching) in both elementary and secondary classrooms. To graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in education with a Spanish endorsement, you must complete 125/126credit hours:
- 44 credit hours in general education
- 36 credit hours in Spanish major courses
- 45/46 credits hours in Education courses
Teaching Certification
Students who successfully meet state required competencies may qualify for a Nebraska Teaching Certificate. Continuous growth in knowledge, pedagogy and professionalism, as well as satisfactory performance during student teaching and completion of Praxis Content test(s) for each content area as required by Nebraska Rule is in the recommendation for certification.
It is recommended to apply for the Nebraska certification at the time of program completion. If not, rule changes in effect at time of application will need to be made up as deficiencies. Since certification requirements of various states differ, a student planning to teach in a state other than Nebraska should inquire about specific requirements for that state.
