Curricula - College of Education and Human Services

The College of Education and Human Services offers the master of education and the master of science in physician assistant in rural primary care, the baccalaureate degree in eight areas and the associate degree in nursing and early childhood.  Several specialized programs are also offered to enhance the student's preparation for professions and/or further study.  The College of Education and Human Services offers the following majors and minors:

Undergraduate Majors

Masters

Early Childhood Education, B.S.Ed .

Alternative Education, M.Ed.

Elementary Education, B.S.Ed .

Teaching and Learning, M.Ed.

Health and Physical Education, B.S. or B.S.Ed.

Physician Assistant, M.H.S.

Health Sciences, B.S.

Recreation Management, B.S.

Associate Degrees

Secondary Education, B.S.Ed .

Early Childhood Ed., A.A.S.

Special Education, B.S.Ed .

Healthcare Professions, A.S.

Sport Administration, B.S.

Nursing, A.S.

Minors

Because some majors have special requirements for admission or are limited in size, some students may not be able to declare their major of first choice.

Student Responsibility for Academic Program

Each student is individually and personally responsible for learning the requirements of the curriculum which he or she proposes to follow, and for seeing that these requirements are scheduled and completed for graduation.  Because information and policies presented in the University Catalog are subject to change before a new edition is published, a close working relationship with an assigned academic advisor is the best way for a student to meet this responsibility.

Degree Requirements

The College of Education and Human Services, recognizing the value of multicultural dimension to a student’s undergraduate experience, established a Multicultural policy:  A potentially life-transforming exercise that immerses individuals as participant observers in cultural, social, or ethnic environments that differ from their own.  An experience that makes students deeply value other cultures and instills in them greater sensitivity to other values and beliefs.  An experience that awakens in students an awareness of their own value systems and assumptions about life.

To meet this requirement, students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of field experience in a cultural, social or ethnic environment which differs from their own.  Upon review of this experience, each student is required to submit a detailed written summary of the experience which must include thorough reflections about the value of the experience to the student’s academic and personal growth.

Each Department of the College will be responsible for determining the method of implementation and oversight in order to fulfill the intent of this policy.

Effective date:  Fall 2000 – Freshman

Teacher Education Advanced Standing Policy

Advanced Standing is the official acceptance of candidates* into a teacher certification program, thus allowing the candidate to take selected advanced courses in his/her major leading to teacher certification.  The status of advanced standing is contingent on maintaining the acceptance criteria.
 

   Purpose:

1.   To ensure that teacher candidates are aware of and meet Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania required standards and prerequisites for student teaching and ultimately teacher certification.

2.   To ensure high quality graduates in teacher education.

3.   To provide all students with the opportunity to pursue alternate career options in a timely fashion.

Approval Process for Advanced Standing
into Teacher Education Certification Programs:
 

Note:  This information is considered to be descriptive in nature.  It does not constitute an irrevocable contract between the student and the College of Education Services.  The College of Education and Human Services reserves the right to make changes in the content of this document or in the documented course of study that it deems necessary or desirable to improve programs and/or to meet accreditation standards.  (These changes will always be made, however, through established procedures and announced in appropriate publications.)

Achieving Advanced Standing:

Any student seeking a Bachelor of Science in Education and teacher certification (Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health and Physical Education, Secondary Education, Special Education) must formally apply for advanced standing.  In order to complete the degree and certification requirements in eight semesters of full-time study, students should apply for formal admission to the program at the completion of 45 semester hours and Stage I of the Professional Development Plan.  Students must make formal written application and be officially accepted into their department’s undergraduate teacher education program.  Advanced Standing status will only be awarded when a student has completed the 45 hours, including 6 credits of math and 6 credits of English, Stage I of the Professional Development Assessment Plan, and has achieved an overall GPA of 3.0.  Acceptance is recommended by the department with approval of the Dean of the College of Education and Human Services.  Only candidates who have attained advanced class standing are eligible to enroll in 300 and 400 level courses.  Each program will designate, for its own majors, advanced professional courses.  Candidates who have attained advanced standing in teacher education must maintain the 3.0 GPA required for admission into the teacher education program in order to continue taking advanced professional education course work.

Requirements and procedures for attaining advanced standing in teacher education programs in the College of Education and Human Services will be explained in detail in mandatory orientation sessions.  With the assistance of the program faculty advisor, each student will be guided in completion of the various stages of the Professional Development Assessment Plan.  Each education major is assigned to a Faculty Advisor in the chosen teacher education program.  The Faculty Advisor is available to answer questions regarding specific courses in the program, course content, career-related questions, or any other major-related issues.

*Students become candidates after achieving advanced standing.

Requirements for Advanced Standing:

A student shall apply for admission to teacher education after completion of 45 credit hours including 6 credits in math and 6 credits in English.  A 3.0 GPA is required.  All candidates must pass the Praxis I and Praxis II before graduating with a degree in Education.

Program Progress:

If a candidate’s progress becomes questionable as measured against the
following standards, the student may be placed on probation or dropped from
the program if recommended by the department chair in collaboration with the faculty in the program.

   The candidate shall maintain:
 

1.   Standards of English 100 and English 110 in all written work:  grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage, vocabulary, pronunciation and handwriting.

2.   Standards of English oral communication.

3.   A professional attitude and demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills throughout all education assignments as evidenced by interacting effectively with peers, university instructors, and public school students and personnel,
as well as clients and staff of community agencies.

4.   An overall and major cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher.

5.   Acceptable pass rates on Praxis I and Praxis II.

College of Education and Human Services Programs

Academic Development and Counseling

The Department of Academic Development and Counseling is housed in Russell Hall.  Department faculty provide academic and student support through advisement, counseling, classroom teaching, programming, and workshops.

The following offices and programs are housed in the Department of Academic Development and Counseling:

·    Counseling Center - Counseling is provided to students on request or by referral.

·    Disability Services for Students - Assistance is provided to students with disabilities with a variety of academic and personal needs.

·    Educational Opportunity Program - A grant program providing counseling, academic advising, academic skill development course work, and tutoring to Pennsylvania residents whose educational and economic backgrounds impair their initial ability to successfully pursue higher education.  A five-week summer component enables student participants to earn seven credits and begin the successful transition from secondary education to higher education.

·    Office for Student Retention - Coordinates University-wide efforts to enhance student retention.

·    Student Support Services Program - A federal grant program providing counseling, academic advising, tutoring, and academic support programming to first generation University students from low-income families.

·     Exploratory Studies Advisement - Coordination of advisement of Exploratory Studies (undecided) students.  Counseling, advisement, vocational testing and assessment, programming workshops, and resources provided to Exploratory Studies students and volunteer advisors of Exploratory Studies students. 

·    Upward Bound - A federal grant program providing academic support, academic skill development, advising, counseling, and various cultural and academic enrichment experiences to high school students meeting program criteria in grades 9-11 in the Williamsport and Lock Haven area.  The program provides a five-week residential summer component with course work in writing, math, science, foreign language, and SAT preparation

·    Tutorial Center - Peer tutoring is provided for selected 100 and 200
level courses.

Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education program of study is a four-year sequence of course work designed to prepare students for the professional role of working with children from birth to age eight.  Professional development is grounded on a foundation of basic child development knowledge, an appreciation for both the historic and contemporary status of children, child care and education, observation and aid experiences in early childhood education settings, plus a broad based preparation
in general education.  Acquisition of essential content base occurs predominantly during the first two years of college course work.  Students begin to take professional methods course work and expand their experiences with young children in their junior and senior years of studies.  Learning how to teach and to apply research and theory into practice is a progressive event which takes place over a two year span of course work.

Elementary Education

A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Education with certification in Elementary Education prepares graduates to teach grades kindergarten through sixth (eighth in middle schools) in public or private school settings.  A dual certification in both Elementary Education and Special Education is also available to students.

LHU's Elementary Education program prepares students to teach elementary level students, and it offers elective concentrations in reading, special education or other supporting areas.  The program emphasizes classroom management competence, knowledge of subject matter and an understanding of the learning process and student motivation.  Students are required to exhibit a strong academic background in science, mathematics, social studies, art and literature.  Students should also develop fluent speaking and writing skills before progressing into the junior year and the Elementary Professional Semester.

We have high expectations and high standards for our students.  An advanced standing check at the end of the sophomore year requires students to have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.  They must pass the Praxis I and the Praxis II before graduation.

Health and Physical Education

Students majoring in Health and Physical Education receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education which reflects chosen career paths.  Preparation for these career choices involves selecting among the four academic tracks summarized below.

·    Teacher certification in Health and Physical Education is the most popular program and prepares students to become certified to teach both health and physical education in grades K-12.  Academic requirements include a 2.75 grade point average (GPA) in the major and overall, with at least a C grade in all major courses.  Additionally, students must complete eighty hours of professional development activities (PDA) prior to their junior year professional semester.  The PDA must involve hands on learning experiences with children in a variety of educational settings.  Students must also pass the Praxis I and Praxis II Exams, participate in a departmental interview, and present a personal professional portfolio as part of their professional development.  All students become members of the Pennsylvania Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (PSAHPERD) and LHU AHPERD, and active participation is expected.  Most graduates pursue teaching careers in K-12 health and physical education programs; some find they prefer to work in allied fields, while others continue their education with graduate studies. 

·    Sport and Physical Education in Correctional Setting is a track developed
as a result of feedback from our many alums that have chosen careers in correctional settings.  This track includes core courses in Physical Education, Sport and Corrections and a field experience in a correctional setting.  Graduates are following careers with county, state, federal, and private correctional agencies.

·    Coaching Track students follow a program that combines several elements
of the teaching track and the sport administration program.  They generally complete their professional field experience with an athletic team or program with the intention of becoming part of the athletic program or continuing graduate studies as a graduate assistant coach.  Graduates find careers in colleges with professional sport teams, as well as in sport administration.

·    Aquatic Track students complete a program which combines many of the physical education and sport administration courses and prepares students
as specialists in the area of aquatics.  Students can obtain several aquatics certifications which prepare them to follow careers in aquatic, health and fitness and sport settings as teachers and administrators of aquatic programs.

Health Science

The Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science provides a student with a thorough background which prepares students for direct access to careers in the field or for admission to graduate and professional programs in a variety of allied health fields.  The program includes a strong foundation in the natural sciences combined with human sciences and applied, practical and clinical experiences.

Students are encouraged to explore a variety of professional and career options as they progress through the program and may do so before selecting from five tracks:  Athletic Training/Sports Medicine, Pre-Professional, Pre-Physical Therapy,
Pre-Physician Assistant, or Community Health.

Affiliations that offer early acceptance and accelerated programs leading to advanced degrees are available for qualified students.

Master of Education in
Teaching and Learning/Alternative Education

The Master of Education in Teaching and Learning/Alternative Education is designed to enable individuals who work in educational and related settings to develop competencies that are characteristic of those who assume leadership roles in bringing about educational improvement.  Inherent in this program is the concept of the reflective decision-maker.  When implementing change within their educational setting, students will consider the philosophical, developmental, instructional, and evaluative foundations of proposed changes and seek to implement changes that will demonstrate coherence of these elements.  An intended outcome of the program is to increase each student’s awareness of the factors that affect change in schools so that they may become effective change agents.  Teachers will be recognized as instructional leaders only as program emphasis is placed on their ability to make substantive applications in their classrooms.  Distance education will be an inherent part of the program in order to provide access among diverse populations of urban and rural teachers outside their particular geographic areas.

Nursing

A two-year Associate of Science degree in Nursing is offered at the Clearfield Campus.  Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the state board exam
for registered nurse.

Prerequisites for the program, as required by the State Board of Nursing, are:

·    Standard high school course with 4 units of English, 3 units of Social Studies,
2 units of Math (1 must be Algebra) and 2 units of Science, with a grade of “C” or higher.

·    Must have Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry, with a grade of “C” or higher.

·    If transferring from another university, in addition to above, must also have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

The nursing department also has an Advanced Placement Program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s).  This program allows the LPN who meets the criteria to complete his or her registered nurse degree in one year.  The criteria include:

·    Graduation from an NLN accredited program.

·    Proof of LPN licensure and official transcript.

·    Proof of 1,000 work hours in a clinical setting (within the last 3 years).

·    Completion of the Lock Haven University Clinical Skills Checklist.

·    Passing a medication calculation exam with a grade of “A”.

·    Transcripts of satisfactory completion of required general education credits (a grade of “C” or higher), which would have been taken during the first year of the nursing program, i.e., English Composition, Introduction to Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Developmental Psychology, and Introduction to Microbiology.

NOTE:  A MINIMUM OF 34 LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY CREDIT HOURS ARE REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION.

Physician Assistant Program

The Physician Assistant Program is a 24-month graduate curriculum awarding the Master of Health Science (MHS) degree as well as a certificate as a Physician Assistant.  This program was initiated through the State System of Higher Education to help address the medical needs of underserved populations within the Commonwealth.  In addition to completing the core curriculum the program offers students additional areas of concentration, presented at the graduate level, in both Rural Primary Care and Corrections Medicine.

Admissions

Enrollment in the Physician Assistant program is limited.  Students are selected upon evaluation of the following factors:  completion of academic prerequisites, academic ability, residency, evidence of potential for future practice in primary care in medically underserved areas of Pennsylvania, evidence of personality traits indicating an ability to work effectively with people, and letters of recommendation.  Those candidates who appear most qualified based upon the above factors may be asked for a personal interview.  Health care experience, while beneficial, is not a requirement for admission.

Applicants to the program must meet the following academic prerequisites:

·    A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, including the following required courses:

·    Chemistry I and II

·    Biology/Zoology (6 sh)

·    Human Anatomy (1 semester*)

·    Human Physiology (1 semester*)

·    Microbiology (1 semester)

        (* a combined two semester anatomy/physiology is acceptable)

All students must show evidence of computer literacy, either through formal course work or experience. Computer literacy includes basic understanding of the operation of computer systems and applications such as word processing, file management, spreadsheets, and the use of the internet.

Secondary Education

The four-year programs in Secondary Education lead to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education degree.  Students earning this degree are prepared to teach their area of specialization in middle, junior and senior high school grades 7 through 12; and foreign languages from kindergarten through grade 12.  Outstanding employment opportunities exist for teachers nationwide, especially for those specializing in mathematics and science.

LHU's Secondary Education program offers a strong academic base within the major, along with an integrated block of instruction in methods, field experience, multi-media education and educational psychology.  Within this program, 13 areas
of specialization are available to students.

Secondary education majors receive hands-on experience during their sophomore and junior years in "The Block."  During these periods, a group of three faculty members work with students in a team approach to prepare them for a teaching career.

In their senior year, students are assigned to student teach in two sites, each for seven and a half weeks.  Possible sites include urban, rural and suburban schools in the Lock Haven and greater Philadelphia areas as well as in selected sites overseas as part of the LHU International Studies program.

Special Education

The four-year program in Special Education leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and prepares the student to teach persons with mentally/physically disabling conditions ranging from birth through 21 years of age with conditions from mild to the most severe.  This includes individuals diagnosed as learning disabled, mentally retarded, physically disabled, brain injured, and emotionally disturbed.  Practical experiences are built into all courses giving students first-hand knowledge of the mentally/physically disabled in various settings.

Sport Administration

This four-year program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.  Students complete a curriculum based on the NASPE guidelines for sport administration programs, including a professional field experience in a sport setting.  Recent graduates from the Sport Administration program are following careers in the management of fitness and sport facilities, the administration of athletic programs and activities, and sports business/marketing.