Undergraduate Teacher Education Program (UTEP)

The Off-Campus Undergraduate Teacher Education Program (UTEP) in concert with Kaskaskia College, Lewis & Clark Community Colleges, Lincoln Land Community College, Southwestern Illinois College, and Lincoln Christian University is designed for students who are working towards their associate degree (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science). As students complete their associate degree, they work toward their prerequisites for entry into the teacher education program at Greenville University. Then, students “transfer” to Greenville University to earn their bachelor degree, completing the Greenville University courses at their home college/university location. Students are able to complete their field experience and student teaching requirements within their region.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission can be made anytime. It is preferable that is it done no later than during the semester after successful completion of the partnership college’s Introduction to Education course(s). Admission is contingent upon:

1. successful completion of all prerequisite courses as outlined on the advisement sheet by chosen major and attainment of an Associate of Art or Associate of Science degree from the partnership college,
2. attaining a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in cumulative partnership coursework and in the Greenville University professional studies core,
3. a grade of “C” or higher in all coursework required for certification including transfer credit,
4. receipt of passing scores on all areas of the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP).  In lieu of the TAP test, the ACT plus Writing and SAT test results may be used.  See the Guide to Teacher Education for details.
5. receipt of completed admissions checklist,
6. receipt of a favorable criminal background check (note: drug screening may be required for field experience), and
7. approval by the Committee on Teacher Education (COTE).

Once all requirements listed above are verified and compiled by Greenville University Admissions, students’ files will be presented to the Committee on Teacher Education (COTE) for admissions consideration. Notification will be mailed to students of their acceptance by COTE. All students must be admitted by COTE to the program before they begin Greenville University coursework.

Once admitted to the teacher education program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 in cumulative institutional coursework and in the professional studies core. If the GPA is not maintained:

1. The student will not be allowed to continue in the program until the deficiency is removed.
2. Student must create a remediation plan and present it to their academic advisor.
3. Student may reapply to the program when the 2.75 GPA is attained.

Degree Requirements

Students majoring in education must be admitted to the teacher education program by the Committee on Teacher Education (COTE). A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required for admission. Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) regulations state that all candidates completing a teacher education program must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses leading to licensure. Admission to the professional internship which includes student teaching is also granted by COTE for students meeting all of the requisite requirements including a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all coursework and professional education courses. A minimum of 120 credit hours are required for graduation from Greenville University.