Coordinator
Carolyn J. O’Mahony
485C Pawley Hall
(248) 370-3039
omahony@oakland.edu
Program description
Graduates of this program are eligible to register for the IB Teacher Award Level 1.
The program provides knowledge and experiences related to understanding teaching, learning, assessment, and international-mindedness within International Baccalaureate (IB) schools. It is appropriate for teachers who are currently teaching within IB schools, as well as those who are not teaching in IB schools but who seek professional preparation for doing so. Graduates of the program will understand the foundations of IB programs of study and will be prepared to engage in curriculum development and implementation that reflects international perspectives in K-12 schools.
Students in the program take 20 credits of educational studies coursework within a cohort and should complete certificate program requirements within two years.
Relationship to the Master of Education in educational studies
Certificate program applicants are encouraged to apply simultaneously to the Master of Education in educational studies degree program. All courses in the certificate can be applied to this M.Ed. program, which is a 32-credit program.
After completing certificate requirements, students pursuing this M.Ed. degree will work individually with a faculty adviser to determine which elective courses are needed to complete their M.Ed. degree requirements. For more information, contact the Department of Teacher Development and Educational Studies.
Admission terms and application deadlines
Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Admissions by the semester deadlines listed below.
- November 15, 2011 for the Winter 2012 semester
- July 15, 2012 for the Fall 2012 semester
- November 15, 2012 for the Winter 2013 semester
- July 15, 2013 for the Fall 2013 semester
International applicants: International applications are reviewed for fall and winter admission only. To ensure adequate time for review, international applications must be completed at least six months before the desired date of intended enrollment to the University. All international application materials must be submitted by May 1 for fall admission and by September 1 for winter admission.
Special Graduate classification: Applicants who are seeking a graduate degree or graduate certificate, but are unable to meet the deadline for filing all required application materials or credentials for graduate admission, may contact the department and request Special Graduate temporary admission. The applicant must submit an Application for Admission to Graduate Study, plus a copy of a transcript providing evidence of a bachelor’s degree awarded and any specific evidence concerning their qualifications for graduate study as required by the department. Up to 12 credits may be earned in the Special Graduate classification. Admission as a special graduate student in no way assures subsequent admission to a degree or graduate certificate program.
Application requirements
To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all of the following university and program application documents by the published application deadlines.
University graduate application requirements
- Application for Admission to Graduate Study
- Official transcripts providing evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution, OR a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree from a college or university of government-recognized standing.
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary educational institutions from which the applicant earned a degree (beginning with the first baccalaureate) and for all enrollment in graduate-level coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree. International university transcripts must be evaluated by a professional credential evaluation service.
- As part of the admission requirements, graduate programs may require official transcripts from post-secondary educational institutions from which the applicant earned an associate’s degree and all enrollment in coursework both pre- and post-bachelor’s degree.
- Two official and original Recommendation for Graduate Admission forms.
- Proof of English language proficiency
- International supplemental application and supporting documentation must be submitted before international applicants can be issued the Certification of Eligibility (I-20). This certificate is required to apply for a student visa from the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Program application requirements
- Goal statement
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
- A teaching certificate
- K-12 teaching experience
- Communication skills commensurate with graduate-level scholarship
- OU-IB Teacher Development certificate Program form.
Admission review and assessment
Admission to graduate study at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.