Winthrop University

The Bachelor of Science in middle level education offers teacher candidates 60 semester hours of content area studies (English/ language arts and one of the following: math, science or social studies). This content, along with the university’s general education requirements and the 29 hours of pedagogy core courses, constitutes the 125- to 135-credit degree. Once the program is completed and appropriate test scores are attained on the content area of the Praxis exams, the graduate will be eligible for certification in middle school English/language arts and either math, science, or social studies. Middle Level Education majors are welcome to become members of the South Carolina chapter of the National Education Association. Membership in Kappa Delta Pi, a national honorary organization for education majors, is also available for education majors who achieve high academic honors. These organizations meet regularly and sponsor activities as well as guest speakers.

Faculty

The education faculty at Winthrop is highly devoted to teaching. 100% of the full-time teaching faculty hold their terminal degree, a Ph.D. or Ed.D., indicating a high level of knowledge of their specialty areas. They also participate in a variety of professional activities, coordinate other Winthrop programs, and volunteer in the Rock Hill community. Education majors have plenty of opportunity to interact with their professors and establish the contacts they will need for advanced study and employment. 

Student Organizations

Middle Level Education majors are welcome to become members of the South Carolina chapter of the National Education Association. Membership in Kappa Delta Pi, a national honorary organization for education majors, is also available for education majors who achieve high academic honors. These organizations meet regularly and sponsor activities as well as guest speakers.

Graduate School

Because of state requirements, continuing education is essential and necessary for all teachers. This continuing education comes in the form of re-certification classes through a variety of colleges and universities. Many teachers combine this certificate renewal with work towards a master’s degree in education. Winthrop offers a Master of Education in middle level education degree that is open to all certifi d teachers. State requirements mandate teacher certification renewal, so continuing education is essential and necessary for all teachers.

Internships

All middle level education candidates are required by the state of South Carolina to complete field-based experiences/internships. At Winthrop, teacher candidates are placed in educational settings beginning in the freshman year. Sequenced classroom experiences provide the basis for all candidates to develop a logical, developmentally appropriate philosophy of education. During the first semester of the senior year, candidates are placed in observation/teaching roles in appropriate level classrooms for two half-days per week for 14 weeks. The second semester consists of no less than 60 full days of student teaching under the guidance of the classroom teacher. Internship sites are located in and around the Rock Hill area.

Career

Graduates will enjoy great success as teachers and professionals in the field of middle-level education. These grade levels routinely experience teacher shortages, resulting in numerous career opportunities for prospective teachers.