University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

BS in Education Online

Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)- Graduates of the BSED-ECCE are prepared to serve young children birth to five years of age [0-5] in diverse, bilingual settings outside of state public schooling.  Students with this degree often seek careers in the care and education of infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children, for settings such as private and public childcare, early intervention, community and child-welfare programs, and Head Start. 

Marketable Skills

The Marketable Skills for ALL of the programs above are:

  • Social Responsibility Skills: Ability to act ethically and responsibly for the benefit of children, society and the public good
  • Instruction Design Skills—Knowledgeable and able to apply best practices and linguistically responsive instruction for diverse student populations to promote all students’ success
  • Data Use and Assessment Skills- Ability to use formative and summative assessments to inform instruction and meet the needs of diverse learners
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-solving Skills: Ability to critically analyze information, find solutions to difficult or complex social and educational issues and to take transformative action
  • Cooperation and Communication Skills: Ability to work with various professionals in school settings; ability to apply responsive classroom management; ability to effectively engage parents and community members in the educational process

The Bachelor of Science in Education offers two pathways for students seeking a degree in the field of education: one leading to Texas teacher certification and another for students who aim to prepare for a career in various areas such as early childhood education, after school programs, nonprofit work, and community outreach.

Texas Teacher Certification Pathway

The BS in Education degree concentrations that lead to certification require that students complete:

  1. the University Core Curriculum;
  2. supplementary coursework, with a grade of "C" or better in each course;
  3. pre-service teaching coursework, with a required minimum combined G.P.A. of 3.0 for these courses;
  4. Educator Preparation Program (EPP)/Residency coursework, with a required minimum combined G.P.A. of 3.0 for these courses;  and
  5. successful completion of Student Teaching Residency I and II.

Students seeking this pathway will apply to the Educator Preparation Program prior to reaching the EPP/Residency designated coursework. For information about admission, fees, and EPP program requirements, visit the Center for Student Success website.

Background Check Requirement

As part of the Educator Preparation Program (EPP), candidates are required to pass background checks to be eligible to complete field-based experiences and clinical teaching (student teaching) as well as apply for their standard teaching certificate:

Pursuant to the Texas Education Code TEC, §22.0835, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to student teaching; pursuant to the TEC, §22.083, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator. A candidate may be ineligible for issuance of a certificate on completion of the EPP if an individual has been convicted of an offense.

A person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in an educator preparation program or planning to take a certification examination may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding the person's potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense.

Effective August 1, 2015, MorphoTrust, the Texas Department of Public Safety fingerprinting vendor, can no longer utilize P-numbers in place of social security numbers for completion of the fingerprinting process. As a result, candidates attempting to be fingerprinted using a non-valid 9-digit social security number will not be allowed to complete the fingerprinting process, which is required for the background check necessary for teacher certification in Texas.

Non-certification Pathways

The Bachelor of Science in Education also offers two concentrations for students who are interested in a career in the field of education outside of the realm of state public school teaching. Students interested in working in organizations involving education or child-advocacy, early childhood learning or childcare, early childhood intervention, or Head Start should consider a concentration in:

Early Childhood Care and Education

This program is offered both on campus, and 100% fully online through UTEP Connect. 

The Bachelor of Science in Education- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) program prepares educators to serve young children birth to five years of age [0-5] in diverse, bilingual settings outside of state public schooling. Emphasis in this program is on the care and education of young dual language and English language learners. This is a non-licensure concentration for students seeking professional preparation for working with infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children, in settings such as private and public childcare, early intervention, community and child-welfare programs, and Head Start.

The BS in Education-ECCE does not lead to Texas teacher certification. However, graduates of this degree may earn Texas teacher certification by later being admitted and completing program and state testing requirements under the College of Education Alternative Certification Program (ACP). the ACP has pathways both with and without a master's degree that graduates from the BS in Education-ECCE may choose from.

To earn the BS in Education-ECCE degree, students must complete The University Core Curriculum, College of Education Required Coursework and selected elective courses. 

This concentration requires that students complete:

  1. the University Core Curriculum,
  2. required College of Education Courses, (60 SCH) and
  3. 18 SCH of open electives.

All College of Education Required Coursework require a combined minimum grade point of 3.0. A total cumulative grade point of 2.75 or higher is required for this degree program.

Some of the courses in this concentration require a field-based experience component, which may include students participating in school district or local childcare activities in their local area. School districts or childcare centers may require participants to pass background checks prior to being allowed on-site for such activities. Students seeking this concentration may choose to meet with a Center for Student Success (CSS) program advisor (on-campus format) or UTEP Connect program advisor (100% fully online) to further discuss courses with field-based experience components and possible background check requirements.

Required Credits: 120

  • Complete and pass the THEA or TSI within the first two semesters.
  • Plan on taking at least 15 SCH in Fall/Spring semesters and 3 to 6 SCH during Summer terms.
  • Aim for a 3.0 GPA or higher; maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.

Degree Plan

Concentration in Early Childhood Care & Education
Required Credits: 120
University Core Curriculum
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements.42
College of Education Required Coursework (60 SCH)
Required:
BED 3344Parent & Community Adv in BED3
BED 4340Principles of Bilingual/ESL Ed3
BED 4345Biliteracy Dev and Assessment3
or ECED 4335 Lang & Lit in the Early Years
ECED 2300EC Profession & Programming3
ECED 2310Infant Care and Education3
ECED 2320Toddler Care and Education3
ECED 3300Child Dev Appl to EC Practice3
ECED 3305Approaches to EC Care & Ed3
ECED 3310The Arts in the Early Years3
ECED 3345Design Learn Env EC Care & Ed3
ECED 3360Observ & Assess Young Child3
ECED 3380STEAM Learning in Early Years3
ECED 4300Responsive Class Management3
ECED 4320Early Exper & Devel Brain3
ECED 4357Play & Learn in the Early Yrs3
ECED 4367Manage & Lead EC Care & Ed3
RED 3315Foundations of Lit and Learn3
SPED 3310Intro to Inclusive Spec Ed3
SPED 4350Workshop in Special Education (Collab in Early Intervention)3
SPED 4350Workshop in Special Education (Behav Interven YG CHild)3
All College of Education Coursework require a combined minimum grade point of 3.0
Electives
Students work with their advisor to select 6 Elective Courses (18 SCH Total) from the list below)18
ARTE 3307
Teaching SS in Bil Elem Class
Teaching Sci in Bil Elem Clsrm
Teaching Academic English
La Chicana
Improvisation
World Dance
Intro to Child & Ad Devel
Teach Social Studies Elem Clas
Teaching Sci in Element Class
Children's Literature
Writing Processes of Children
Community Health
Health Ed Elem Schl Teach Lab
P.E. for the Classroom Teacher
Number Concepts
Geometry & Measurement
Proportion and Algebra
Philosophy of Education
Physical Science I
Physical Science II
Introduction to Sociology
Soci of Marriage and Family
Cultural Diversity
Social Inequality
Language/Power on the Border
Family Violence
Pedagogical Issues in Spanish
Literacy Instruction for SWDs
Tchg Students with Hi Inc Dis
Tchg Students with Lo Inc Dis
Gender & Popular Culture
Chicano Studies: Societal Issu
Total Hours120

University Core Curriculum

The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.

All courses require a C or better

I. Communication (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.
Select six hours of the following: 6
For students whose secondary education was in English:
Written and Oral Communication
Writing About Literature
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition 2
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm
For students whose secondary education was not in English:
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl
Total Hours6

II. American History (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role.
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
Total Hours6

III. Language, Philosophy & Culture  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-African Amer Studies
Latina/o Presence in the U.S.
English Literature
English Literature
Intro to American Fiction
Intro to American Drama
Intro to American Poetry
Making of the "Other" Americas
World History to 1500
World History Since 1500
Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics
Introduct to Religious Studies
Seeing & Naming: Conversations
Introduction to Womens Studies
Global Feminisms
Total Hours3

IV. Mathematics  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience.
Select one of the following:3
College Algebra
Trigonometry and Conics
Math in the Modern World
Math for Social Sciences I
Calculus I
Precalculus 1,2
Math for Social Sciences II
Statistical Literacy
Elementary Statistical Methods
1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted.
2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement.
Total Hours3

V. Life & Physical Sciences  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences.
Select one of the following:1-4
Astronomy Lab I
Elem Astronomy-Solar System
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies
Introductory Biology Lab
Human Biology Laboratory
Topics in Study of Life I
Organismal Biology Laboratory
Introductory Biology
Human Biology
General Biology
Organismal Biology
Human Anat/Physio Lab I
Human Anat/Physio Lab II
Human Anat/Physiology I
Human Anat/Physiology II
Laboratory for CHEM 1305
Laboratory for CHEM 1306
Intro General Chemistry Lab
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab
General Chemistry
General Chemistry
Intro to General Chemistry
Intro Organic & Biochemistry
Environmental Sci. Lab
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301
Intro to Environment Science 2
Intro to Environmental Sci
Laboratory for GEOG 1306
Physical Geography
Lab for GEOL 1313
Lab for GEOL 1314
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
Laboratory for Geology 1212
Principles of Earth Sciences
Principles of Earth Science
The Blue Planet
Natural Hazards
Intro to Physical Geology
Intro to Historical Geol
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Wellness Dynamics
Microorganisms and Disease
General Physics I
General Physics II
Laboratory for PHYS 2320
Laboratory for PHYS 2321
Introductory Mechanics
Introductory Electromagnetism
Total Hours 6

VI. Political Science  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations.
Required Courses:
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Total Hours6

VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog
Intro-Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Geography
Intro to Linguistics
Econ for Engrs & Scientists
Intro to Chicano Studies
Asian American Studies
Interpersonal Communication
Mass Media and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Ed Psychology
Action Research in Classrooms
Introduction to Linguistics
Cultural Geography
Leadership in Action
Introduction to Linguistics
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Cultural Geography
Total Hours3

VIII. Creative Arts (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art.
Select one of the following:3
Art Appreciation
History of Art I
History of Art II
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat
Introduction to Dance
Intro-Art of Motion Pict.
Music Appreciation
Jazz to Rock
Music, Culture, and Society
Introduction to Theatre
Total Hours3

IX. Component Area Option (six hours)

a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice.
Intro to Global Business
Public Speaking
Business/Profession Comm
Intro-Computational Thinking
Computer Programming Sci/Engr
Eng Innovation and Leadership
Engineering Design Experience
Applied Engineering Analysis
Introduction to Leadership
Inquiry in Math & Science
Comm. Var. Across the Lifespan
Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Total Hours0

4-Year Sample Plan

BS IN EDUCATION
FRESHMAN
Fall
BIOL 1203
BIOL 1103
Introductory Biology
and Introductory Biology Lab
3
MATH 2303Number Concepts3
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
STAT 1380Statistical Literacy3
UNIV 1301Seminar/Critical Inquiry3
Spring
COMM 1301Public Speaking3
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
PSCI 2303Physical Science I3
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
Creative Arts Elective3
SOPHOMORE
Fall
GEOL 1313
GEOL 1103
Intro to Physical Geology
and Lab for GEOL 1313
4
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
MATH 2304Geometry & Measurement3
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
PSCI 3304Physical Science II3
Spring
ANTH 1310Cultural Geography3
or GEOG 1310 Cultural Geography
or SOCI 1310 Cultural Geography
ENGL 3305Children's Literature3
or ENGL 4354 Writing Processes of Children
HIST 2302World History Since 15003
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
JUNIOR
Fall
EDPC 2300Intro to Child & Ad Devel3
KIN 4101P.E. for the Classroom Teacher1
or HSCI 4101 Health Ed Elem Schl Teach Lab
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
Spring
KIN 4101P.E. for the Classroom Teacher1
or HSCI 4101 Health Ed Elem Schl Teach Lab
MATH 3305Proportion and Algebra3
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
SENIOR
Fall
SPED 3310Intro to Inclusive Spec Ed3
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
Spring
Student Teaching Residency I 3
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
Fall
Student Teaching Residency II6
Concentration Course 3
Total Hours120