English (Teacher Certification), Bachelor of Arts
(Focus: 4TH – 8TH or 7TH – 12TH Grade Teacher Certification)
This program leads to a profession which requires an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001 This requires that all applicants seeking to become licensed must undergo a criminal background check prior to licensure. Students in this program should check with the College of Education and P-16 Integration on the requirements for a criminal background check prior to student teaching.
The English degrees at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, which include the BA in English, MA in English, MA in English as a Second Language, and MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, cultivate in students scholarly and creative achievement through graduate and undergraduate courses in literature, language, rhetoric and composition, creative writing, and secondary English language arts. We promote student literacy – specifically the abilities to read, write, and think critically – as well as an appreciation for the English language. We encourage faculty to pursue excellence in teaching, foster collegiality, contribute scholarly research, and engage in service to the university and Rio Grande Valley community. The English degrees, as a collaboration among the Department of Literatures and Cultural Studies, the Department of Writing and Language Studies, and the Creative Writing Program in the College of Fine Arts, support culturally responsive pedagogy and community engagement. A student with an English major possesses skills in critical thinking, writing, and reading. English majors can enter professions such as teaching, writing, editing, media production, the law, public service, and advocacy, and they are prepared for continued graduate or professional study.
Note: For a PDF version of the degree requirements for this program go to the Undergraduate Programs page on the UTRGV website.
Core Curriculum Requirements – 42 Hours
Students must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements.
Recommended
Language, Philosophy, and Culture – 3 hours
Any ENGL 2300-level literature course from the core curriculum.
Major Requirements – 27 Hours (27 advanced)
English Foundation – 6 hours (6 advanced)
Required
Literature – 9 hours (9 advanced)
Choose 3 hours of Survey courses from:
Choose 3 hours of Genre/Theme courses from:
Choose 3 hours of Period/Single Author courses from:
Linguistics – 6 hours (6 advanced)
Required
Rhetorical Writing – 3 hours (3 advanced)
Required
Creative Writing – 3 hours (3 advanced)
Required
English Language Arts/Reading – 57 HOURS (54 advanced)
Children’s/School Literature Concentration – 6 hours (6 advanced)
Required
| ENGL 3337 | Children's and Adolescent Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 4338 | Teaching Secondary School Literature | 3 |
Language – 3 hours (3 advanced)
Choose from:
Writing – 3 hours (3 advanced)
Choose from:
Literature Survey – 3 hours (3 advanced)
Choose from:
Reading Courses – 18 hours (18 advanced)
Choose one area:
Grades 4-8 Certification Preparation – 18 hours (18 advanced)
Area of Certification: English Language Arts and Reading (4-8)
| READ 3320 | Early Literacy Development | 3 |
| READ 3324 | Reading Comprehension and Assessment | 3 |
| READ 4340 | Reflective Reading and Writing Assessment | 3 |
| READ 4341 | Media Literacies for Secondary ELA/R Teachers | 3 |
| READ 4342 | Narrative and Expository Analysis and Critical Literacy | 3 |
| READ 4343 | Literacy, Culture, and Diverse Learners | 3 |
Grades 7-12 Certification Preparation – 18 hours (18 advanced)
Area of Certification: English Language Arts and Reading (7-12)
| READ 3324 | Reading Comprehension and Assessment | 3 |
| READ 4340 | Reflective Reading and Writing Assessment | 3 |
| READ 4341 | Media Literacies for Secondary ELA/R Teachers | 3 |
| READ 4342 | Narrative and Expository Analysis and Critical Literacy | 3 |
| READ 4343 | Literacy, Culture, and Diverse Learners | 3 |
| READ 4344 | Writing Methods, Inquiry, and Study Skills for ELA/R Teachers | 3 |
Teacher Certification – 24 hours (21 advanced)
Required
| EDFR 2301 | Intercultural Context of Schooling | 3 |
| EDUC 3301 | The Teaching Profession and Student Learning in Contemporary Schools | 3 |
| EDUC 3302 | Knowledge of Student Development and Learning | 3 |
| EDUC 3304 | Instructional Planning and Assessment in Culturally Sustaining Classrooms | 3 |
| EDUC 3306 | Evidence-Based Teaching in Positive Learning Environments | 3 |
| READ 4305 | Disciplinary Literacy in Content Area Classrooms | 3 |
| EDUC 4611 | Student Teaching Secondary or All-Level | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 81
Total Credit Hours: 126
Admission, Progression, And Graduation Requirements, if applicable:
Progression requirements
For teacher certification, students must apply for admission and be accepted to the College of Education and P-16 Integration prior to enrolling in teacher certification courses, except for EDFR 2301 which is open to all students.