FGCU College of Education Undergraduate Brochure 2023

OUR DEGREE PROGRAMS Undergraduate: 8 CHILD AND YOUTH STUDIES, (B.S.) A degree in Child and Youth Studies (CYS) prepares tomorrow’s leaders through community-based teaching and learning. Authentic learning takes place with our extensive range of partners who facilitate students to be agents of change in our community and beyond.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (B.A.) The B.A. in Early Childhood Education is designed to prepare students for certification from the Florida Department of Education for Prekindergarten/Primary (age 3 to grade 3), as well as Prekindergarten/ Disability endorsement, ESOL endorsement, and Reading Endorsement.

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (B.A.) The B.A. in Elementary Education is designed to prepare students for teaching in Florida’s elementary schools and for certification by the Florida Department of Education as elementary school teachers (K through grade six), as well as ESOL endorsement, and Reading endorsement.

SECONDARY EDUCATION (B.A.) The B.A. in Secondary Education offers three majors: Secondary Biology (6-12 grades) Secondary Mathematics (6-12 grades) Secondary Social Science (6-12 grades) Field experiences are central to the Secondary Education program and commence in the first semester with increasing involvement throughout the program.

SPECIAL EDUCATION (B.A.) The B.A. in Special Education is designed to prepare students to attain certification in Exceptional Student Education, K-12 grades, which cover teaching children with emotional and behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities/mental retardation, specific learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. Students are also prepared for ESOL endorsement and Reading endorsement.

ABOUT FGCU Since opening in 1997, FGCU has made an indelible impact on Southwest Florida. It is a catalyst for the area’s economy and a cultural hub for the community. Our students enjoy one of the highest graduate employment rates among the state’s universities. Our campus and region serve as a living laboratory from which life-improving discoveries emanate. And our sports teams energize the entire region. Inspiring those who inspire others – that’s The FGCU Effect.

@fgcu_coe @fgcucoed @fgcu_coe

EDUCATION MINOR For those who want to strengthen their chosen major with a foundation in education, FGCU’s Education Minor program is ideal. Throughout Southwest Florida, the need is great for anyone working in K-12 education.

fgcu.edu/coe

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Undergraduate Programs

There is no profession more critical to our future than teaching.

WHY COME TO FGCU?

Inspiring young minds to learn to question, to reason and discover is vital to their success and to the future of our society.

Teachers are the people who spark the flame that makes this happen. At Florida Gulf Coast University’s College of Education, we are proud to imbue our students with the skills and knowledge they need to take on one of the toughest and most rewarding careers possible. Are you up for the challenge? If so, we are ready to help you reach the pinnacle of your chosen profession.

PREPARED UPON GRADUATION

FGCU’s College of Education prepares graduates for careers in Pre K-20 education, curriculum, research and leadership with undergraduate and graduate programs.

NATIONALLY ACCREDITED

WHY TEACH? »

According to the Learning Policy Institute, there is a serious shortage of teachers the United States. In 2022, the U.S. saw 300,000 vacancies in teaching positions. Lee County alone hires nearly 1,000 teachers every year.

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Student enrollment is anticipated to increase by 3 million over the next decade, which means that demand for teachers will continue to remain high.

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Besides the rewards of engaging young minds, there are personal lifestyle advantages, such as 15 weeks off during summer break, something virtually no other profession can offer. In addition, it allows you to be home when your children are there.

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FGCU College of Education provides several financial aid and scholarship opportunities, including the Schulze Future Teacher Scholarship (Undergraduate) – a $7,500 scholarship award that covers tuition ($6,000) and supplies ($1,500) over the academic year.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FACTS Employment rate for College of Education undergraduates

88-100%

Average starting salary in Southwest Florida

$48,000+

Employment rate for teaching graduates NEARLY

100%

8

100%

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

graduate employment rate in 5-county region

700+

$30M

hours of classroom internship experience

in scholarships and financial aid awarded each year

Programs are fully nationally accredited, including a doctoral program for teachers,educational administrators and other professional school personnel.

BALANCED, RESEARCH-DRIVEN COURSES

Classroom sessions are balanced and reinforced by research, leadership, service and field experience with diverse populations, traditions and cultures that provide a rich base of experience.

INTEGRATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Undergraduate education programs are integrated, meaning they have common courses and experiences that provide prospective teachers with skills to meet the needs of second language learners and students with special needs.

TRAINING FOR CAREER PATHS

The College of Education offers real-world comprehensive clinical experiences. Our students spend 700+ hours in the classroom completing observation, field experience and internship requirements.

SMALLER CLASS SIZES

FGCU prides itself on its low student-to-teacher ratio.

That means that class sizes are small and students get lots of personal attention from professors who are passionate about teaching and committed to helping students graduate.