Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø (51³Ô¹ÏÍø) Department of Curriculum and Instruction’s programs. The frequently asked questions below answer many of the most commonly posed questions. Undergraduate questions are addressed first, followed by graduate program questions.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Graduate Degree Programs

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

  • Elementary Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsement
  • Secondary Education
    • English Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsement
    • Mathematics Education
    • Science Education (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
    • Social Science Education
  • Early Care Education
Do any of the undergraduate degrees lead to certification in the state of Florida?
The Elementary Education with Endorsements in Reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Secondary Education (English Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsement, Mathematics Education, Science Education [Biology, Chemistry or Physics], and Social Science Education degree programs satisfy the requirements set forth by the state of Florida for initial teacher certification. Note: the Early Care and Education degree is not an initial teacher certification degree.
What makes our degree programs unique?
Our degree programs offer a traditional college experience, even for non-traditional 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. We provide a dynamic mix of course work delivered using a variety of formats (e.g., face-to-face, hybrid, and asynchronous) allowing 51³Ô¹ÏÍø to get different, high quality educational experiences. Our faculty engage with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, encouraging them to learn with and also from their peers. Students receive individualized attention and advising from Department faculty.
Our faculty hold terminal degrees (i.e., Doctoral–level), are respected in their fields, and well-connected within professional organizations. We also offer high impact activities (e.g., colloquia) for 51³Ô¹ÏÍø who desire to go above and beyond with their education. In sum, our focus is to prepare teachers who are highly-qualified and evidence-based decision makers.
How do I apply?
Students can apply to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø as a first year/freshman (applying immediately after high school) or transfer student (already earned 12 or more college credits after graduation; earned an Associate’s degree, or seeking a 2nd Bachelor's).
Once admitted to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø who have earned 60 Credit hours, a cumulative 2.5 GPA and have passed all sections of the General Knowledge Exam are invited to apply to the College of Education (COE) and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (DCI).
Learn more about applying to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø at: /apply/
How do I transfer to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with an AA degree?
See the admission requirements for transfer 51³Ô¹ÏÍø here: /admissions/transfer/how-to-apply/admissions-requirements/
What’s the application deadline?
Program Summer Fall Spring
Elementary Education Apr 15 July 1 Nov 1
Secondary Education (English Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsement, Mathematics Education, Science Education [Biology, Chemistry or Physics]) Apr 15 July 1 Nov 1
Early Care and Education Apr 15 July 1 Nov 1
How much does it cost to attend 51³Ô¹ÏÍø?
See a breakdown of costs here: /finaid/other/cost-of-attendance/
How can I get financial assistance to pay for school?
Read about the different types of aid, including financial aid, /finaid/types-of-aid/. The College of Education also has a number of different scholarships, read more here: /education/51³Ô¹ÏÍø/scholarships/
Are there any tests I have to pass?
All 51³Ô¹ÏÍø must pass the General Knowledge Exam. Most people refer to the exam as the ‘GK’, which is intended to evaluate 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’ basic skills. For more information on the GK, please visit: You can also visit 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s test preparation course webpage: /testprep/gk/.
To become a teacher, it is also necessary to pass two state certification exams (Professional Education Exam and Subject Area Exam [major specific]. DCI requires 51³Ô¹ÏÍø to pass these the Professional Education and Subject Area Exams prior to being admitted into the Student Teaching semester. Read about teacher certification exams here
How can I get advising help?
The College of Education Office for Academic Student Success (OASS) is where 51³Ô¹ÏÍø can get help with figuring out how to begin their educational journey at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Known in the college as ‘OASS,’ the advisors help 51³Ô¹ÏÍø plan for their future educational endeavors. Read about OASS here: /education/51³Ô¹ÏÍø/oass/
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction also has a faculty advisor who works with all undergraduate 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, once they are referred by OASS Advising sessions help 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with coursework and career development in professional education.
How can I stay in touch with the Department?
Send an email to: dci@fau.edu and ask questions to help you make the best educational for your future career. You can also follow us on Facebook: and Twitter: .

Graduate Degree Programs

  • Elementary Education
  • Elementary Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsement plus Certification
  • Secondary Education
    • English-with Reading and English Endorsement
    • Mathematics
    • Science Education (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
    • Social Science
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Reading Education
  • Educational Psychology
  • Instructional Technology
  • Environmental Education
How do I apply to the Master’s program?
At 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, prospective graduate 51³Ô¹ÏÍø must first apply to the Graduate College. Read about the Graduate College here: /graduate/. Part of the Graduate College Application process requires 51³Ô¹ÏÍø to identify a program of interest. The Department has eight different programs. See list above.
Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required for admission?
The Department does not require the GRE for admission into any of the master’s programs. Students are asked to submit a graduate application and trasncripts. Some manster’s programs also require a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
What’s the application deadline?
Program Summer Fall Spring
Elementary Education March 1 June 1 October 1
Secondary Education (English Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsement, Mathematics Education, Science Education [Biology, Chemistry or Physics]) March 1 June 1 October 1
Curriculum and Instruction March 1 June 1 October 1
Reading Education March 1 June 1 October 1
Educational Psychology March 1 June 1 October 1
Instructional Technology March 1 June 1 October 1
Enviornmental Education March 1 June 1 October 1
Do any of the graduate degrees lead to certification in the state of Florida?
The Elementary Education with Endorsements in Reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Secondary Education (English Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsement, Mathematics Education, Science Education [Biology, Chemistry or Physics], and Social Science Education degree programs satisfy the requirements set forth by the state of Florida for initial teacher certification. Note: the Curriculum and Instruction, Reading Education, Educational Psychology, Instructional Technology, and Environmental Education programs are not initial teacher certification degree.
How does our degree programs work?
Our degree programs are a mix of face-to-face, hybrid, and asynchronous coursework. Three of our graduate programs are offered totally online: Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Psychology, and Intsructional Technology.
Many 51³Ô¹ÏÍø are able to complete their degree in as little as 18-24 months. We offer low faculty-student ratios in courses, which allows cohort-like engagement with peers, individualized attention, and student advising by Department faculty. Faculty are terminal degreed (i.e., Doctoral–level), respected in their fields and well-connected within professional organizations.
How much does it cost to attend 51³Ô¹ÏÍø?
Read about the costs here: /finaid/other/cost-of-attendance/
Need some assistance paying for school?
Read about the different types of aid, including financial aid, /finaid/types-of-aid/. The College of Education also has a number of different scholarships, read more here: /education/51³Ô¹ÏÍø/scholarships/
How can I stay in touch with the Department?
Send an email to: dci@fau.edu and ask questions to help you make the best educational for your future career. You can also follow us on Facebook: and Twitter: .