College of Human Sciences and Education

Return to: Academic Programs

 Schools and Curricula

LSU’s College of Human Sciences and Education offers bachelor’s degrees and – through the Graduate School – master’s degrees, certificates of education specialist, and doctoral programs. The college consists of six units: the School of Education, the School of Human Resource Education & Workforce Development, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Library & Information Science, and the School of Social Work. The K-12 University Laboratory School comprises the sixth unit in the college. The college’s mission is to advance cognitive, social, emotional, communicative, and physical development across the lifespan. Through teaching, research, and service, the college plays a significant leadership role in addressing the complex human issues and policy decisions facing Louisiana and the nation.

Faculty, students, and graduates are actively engaged in the research tradition of the university, thus they are uniquely positioned at the cutting edge in using sophisticated approaches for improving the quality of life for and educating a diverse population in a complex and interdependent world.

The School of Education offers three undergraduate programs in teacher education: Early Childhood Education: PK-3 Teacher Certification, Dual Certification: General and Special Education, and Elementary Grades Education. The School also offers an undergraduate program in secondary education with an area of concentration in art, grades K-12 (currently suspended) and collaborates with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Science in providing teacher certification concentrations in other areas of secondary education (English, French, history/social studies, mathematics, Spanish, biological sciences, chemistry, and physics). The school takes pride in producing graduates who are inquiring pedagogues, effective professionals, and reflective practitioners. Through the Graduate School, the School of Education offers graduate programs in educational leadership, counseling, curriculum, educational research, gifted education, higher education, instruction, and special education.

The School of Human Resource Education & Workforce Development offers an undergraduate program in human resource education. Master’s and doctoral programs are also available.

The School of Kinesiology provides undergraduate and graduate programs for students interested in the art and science of human movement and in the business of sport. Undergraduate areas of concentration are sports studies, fitness studies, human movement science, K-12 health and physical education, sport commerce, and sport leadership. Graduates pursue careers in K-12 educational settings, health and fitness programs, professional programs such as allied health and medicine, and sport agencies and businesses.

The School of Library & Information Science offers the Master of Library and Information Science degree (MLIS). Students may complete the degree online, in face-to-face classes at LSU, or in a combination of both formats. The MLIS degree provides education for careers in all types of libraries (including school, public, academic, digital, medical, and law libraries), archives, and information centers.

The School of Social Work offers the Child & Family Studies undergraduate curriculum, which is unique from most social sciences programs in that it provides extensive classroom experience and two field internships for students who plan to enter the workforce upon receiving their BS degree. The School of Social Work also offers a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The University Laboratory School offers a comprehensive K-12 curriculum for approximately 1,300 students. The school serves as a demonstration center for educational pedagogy methodology and provides for observation, research, and pre-service field experiences for university students and faculty.

The following programs are offered by the College of Human Sciences and Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Grades PK-3 (BS);
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Grades Education (BS);
• Bachelor of Science in General/Special Education, Grades 1-5 (Dual Certification);
• Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (BS) with an area of concentration in art (currently suspended);
• Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Education (BS) with an area of concentration in human resource and leadership development;
• Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (BS);
• Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (BS) with areas of concentration in sports studies, fitness studies, human movement science, and health and physical education teacher certification;
• Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration (BS) with areas of concentration in sport commerce and sport leadership; and
• Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies (BS)

The following graduate programs are offered through the Graduate School:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), called the Holmes Program, with certification in elementary education (grades 1-5) or in secondary education (grades 6-12 English, mathematics, sciences, social studies);
• Master of Education (MEd) with areas of study in educational leadership, guidance (school counseling), curriculum and instruction (elementary education, English, foreign language, mathematics, science, social studies, special education, gifted education);
• Master of Arts in Education (MA) with areas of study in community counseling, curriculum studies, educational research, educational technology, and higher education;
• Master of Science in Kinesiology (MS) with areas of study in exercise physiology, motor behavior, pedagogy and psychological sciences, and sport management;
• Master of Science in Human Resource Education (MS);
• Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS);
• Master of Social Work (MSW);
• Certificate of Education Specialist (EdS) with areas of study in curriculum and instruction, administration, and counseling;
• Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction (PhD);
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Research (PhD) with areas of study in higher education, K-12 education, and research;
• Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Education;
• Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology (PhD) with areas of study in exercise physiology, motor behavior, pedagogy and psychological sciences, and sport management; and
• Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD).

Admission/Advising

Students anticipating careers in teaching and undergraduate students pursuing degrees in human resource education, athletic training, kinesiology, sport administration, or child and family studies should contact the Office of Student Services, College of Human Sciences and Education, 236 Peabody Hall, to declare their interest and to obtain additional information. The variety of routes to teacher certification and specific general education requirements for all programs necessitate early and continuous advisement by the Office of Student Services.

Students transferring from another institution must meet university transfer admission requirements.

Students interested in graduate programs that do not include initial teacher certification should contact the Graduate School and respective schools.

Basic Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Undergraduate students in the College of Human Sciences and Education are required to:

• Satisfactorily complete an approved program of study that has been determined by the faculty of the college and by the university. In addition, all university programs leading to teacher certification, including concentrations, must be approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Complete the final 25 percent of the program in residence in the College of Human Sciences and Education.
• Sport administration program only: Satisfactorily complete the program with a minimum cumulative and LSU GPA of 2.20 on all work taken.
• Child and Family Studies and Human Resource Education programs only: Satisfactorily complete these programs with a minimum cumulative and LSU GPA of 2.0 on all work taken.
• Holmes five-year elementary education program only: Complete the undergraduate component of the program with a minimum 2.75 cumulative and LSU GPA on all work taken.
• Teacher education programs and concentrations only: Pass all required sections of the PRAXIS Series, earn a grade of “C” or higher in course work as specified by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and satisfactorily complete these programs with a minimum cumulative and LSU GPA of 2.50 on all work taken.
• Kinesiology and Athletic Training programs only: satisfactorily complete these programs with a minimum cumulative and LSU GPA of 2.50 on all work taken.

Enrollment in Two Degree Programs

A student may enroll in two bachelor’s degree programs concurrently and thereby earn either two degrees or earn one degree with two majors listed on the transcript, provided all requirements are completed as of the same commencement. Written requests must be submitted to the Office of Student Services for dean’s approval.

Refer to the section on “Earning Two Degrees ” in the “Regulations ” chapter in this catalog.

Scholastic Requirements

Retention

College of Human Sciences and Education faculty monitor the growth of students enrolled in the college’s programs. The College of Human Sciences and Education reserves the right to review at any time student suitability to continue in a curriculum. In addition to the university’s scholastic requirements, specific retention criteria in the College of Human Sciences and Education include, but are not limited to, the following:

• English Proficiency–Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in the following courses or have the equivalent in transfer credit: ENGL 1001  (ENGL 1004 ) and ENGL 2000  (ENGL 1005 ).
• Grade Point Average Maintenance–A student who fails to earn a 2.00 semester average in any one semester, regardless of cumulative grade point average, will be placed on college probation. To be removed from college probation, a student must earn a 2.00 or better semester GPA, remediate course deficiencies, and make satisfactory progress in the degree program. A student who fails to earn a 2.00 GPA for two consecutive semesters, regardless of cumulative GPA, will be dropped from the college.

Office of Student Services

The Office of Student Services provides all student-related services for undergraduate students in the college and for master’s students seeking initial teacher certification. The office strives to provide a single, student friendly environment designed to meet all student needs: recruitment, application procedures, admissions, advising and counseling services, student records, retention services, scholarships, PRAXIS information, student-related experiences (e.g., student council), degree audits, teacher certification, and alumni follow-up.

Independent and Distance Learning Credit

No more than one-fourth of the number of hours required for the baccalaureate degree may be taken as Independent and Distance Learning (IDL) course work. Students registered in the college may enroll in a maximum of 19 semester hours of combined resident and IDL course work during a regular semester (12 semester hours in the summer term). Written requests to exceed this maximum must be submitted to the Office of Student Services for dean’s approval.

Students in residence may take IDL courses only in exceptional cases (e.g., conflicts between single sections of required courses) and with specific approval of the dean of the college through the Office of Student Services. Students in all programs must complete all IDL course work prior to the final semester of their program.

Study Abroad

Students in the College of Human Sciences and Education are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs administered by the Office of Academic Programs Abroad. Course requests must be submitted in advance to the respective department for evaluation of equivalency. In addition, students must meet in advance with a College of Human Sciences and Education counselor to ensure that degree credit will be granted upon return to LSU.

Honors College

Students interested in dual membership in the Honors College and the College of Human Sciences and Education should contact the Honors College for admission information.

Paths to Teacher Certification

LSU is a leader in teacher education reform. Extensive research and practice support varied ways to become certified as a teacher: a bachelor’s program, a master’s program, and a post-baccalaureate nondegree program (music and agricultural education areas only). Students may choose from a bachelor’s program in the college (grades PK-3, grades 1-5, grades K-12 art – currently suspended, grades K-12 health and physical education), in the College of Agriculture (grades 6-12 agricultural education), in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences (grades 6-12 English, French, history/social studies, Spanish), in the College of Music & Dramatic Arts (grades K-12 instrumental music, vocal music), or in the College of Science (grades 6-12 biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, physics). Students may also choose to pursue a five-year master’s program offered by the College of Human Sciences and Education for certification in grades 1-5 or a fifth year master’s program for certification in grades 6-12 (English, mathematics, science, or social studies). Students interested in special education/elementary grades certification should contact the Office of Student Services. Regardless of the route chosen, students will find that teacher education at LSU links contemporary research and practice, focuses on preparing teachers for a culturally diverse world, provides early and extended experiences in diverse educational settings, incorporates instructional technology, and prepares P-12 teachers who truly understand children, content, and pedagogy. The program’s focus is to prepare educators to be effective professionals, inquiring pedagogues, and reflective practitioners.

Bachelor’s Programs: Initial Teacher Certification

Undergraduate students eager to complete their education in four years may find the bachelor’s programs most attractive. The College of Human Sciences and Education offers undergraduate programs leading to certification in grades 1-5, grades PK-3, and grades K-12 (art–currently suspended or health and physical education). The college collaborates with the College of Humanities & Social Sciences and the College of Science in concentrations leading to certification in grades 6-12. The College of Agriculture offers an undergraduate program in grades 6-12 (agricultural education). The College of Music and Dramatic Arts offers undergraduate programs in grades K-12 (instrumental music and vocal music). Depending upon the area and level of certification desired, students earn bachelor’s degrees from the College of Human Sciences and Education, the College of Agriculture, the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, the College of Music & Dramatic Arts, or the College of Science and attain Louisiana Teacher Certification in programs that combine general education, an area of focus, professional education courses, and practical experiences. These programs are designed for students who know early in their college careers that they want to become teachers and who want to enter the profession immediately, following receipt of the bachelor’s degree. Programs feature early and extensive connections between university-based and field-based learning and include at least one semester of full-time, professionally supervised student teaching.

Master’s Program: Initial Teacher Certification

Students who wish to spend extended time developing the expertise to enter the teaching profession with an enhanced capacity for leadership may choose the master’s program which includes a full year of graduate-level professional preparation and full-time professionally supervised student teaching.

Students earn a master’s degree and Louisiana Teacher Certification by completing 36 credit hours beyond a bachelor’s degree. The program features extended experiences in diverse school settings, the support of peers who work together in small cohort groups, mentoring by graduate faculty, and the development of teacher-researcher skills.

Admission to Teacher Education

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate students may enter basic teacher education programs after 24 semester hours of college-level course work with a minimum 2.50 GPA, cumulative and LSU. Formal admission to a specific undergraduate teacher education program/concentration requires a 2.50 GPA, cumulative and LSU, and passing scores on the PRAXIS I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests or minimum ACT composite of 22 or minimum SAT composite of 1030. Admission to upper division professional education courses (3000-level and above) is restricted to students who have been formally admitted to a teacher education program/concentration.

Master’s Program (Holmes only)

Elementary Holmes Program: Admission into the Elementary Holmes Program is on a selective basis. Students admitted into the Elementary Holmes Program will be selected from those candidates who have a GPA of at least 3.00, present acceptable GRE scores, have passing scores on the PRAXIS I assessments or minimum ACT composite of 22 or minimum SAT composite of 1030, have passing scores on all required PRAXIS II tests, and are eligible for admission to the LSU Graduate School. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the Elementary Holmes Program. A College of Human Sciences and Education admissions panel will select from among qualified applicants those students to be admitted into the Elementary Holmes Program.

Secondary Fifth Year: Admission requirements for the Holmes master’s level secondary certification program include admission to the LSU Graduate School and passing scores on the PRAXIS I assessments or minimum ACT composite of 22 or minimum SAT composite of 1030 and PRAXIS II subject area/specialty assessment(s). (See “Holmes Master’s Programs Leading to Teacher Certification ” for additional requirements.)

Basic Requirements for All Teacher Education Majors and Concentrations

Undergraduate teacher education students are required to meet the following requirements:

Admissions Requirements:

• Minimum grade point average of 2.50, cumulative and LSU
• Passing scores on all parts of the Praxis I Series or minimum ACT composite score of 22 or minimum SAT composite score of 1030

Retention Requirements:

• Minimum grade point average of 2.50, cumulative and LSU, for entry into and continuation in upper (3000/4000) level education courses, including student teaching
• Passing scores on all parts of the Praxis I Series or minimum ACT composite score of 22 or minimum SAT composite score of 1030

Degree Requirements:

• Satisfactory completion of an approved program of study as determined by all of the following: faculty of the college in which the major/concentration resides, the university and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Minimum GPA of 2.50 on all work completed, cumulative, and LSU*
• Passing scores on all required parts of the Praxis II Series
• Grade of “C” or higher in course work as specified by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

* NOTE: Minimum 2.75 GPA required in the five-year master’s program leading to elementary grades 1-5 certification.

PRAXIS

Satisfactory scores on the PRAXIS Series are required for teacher certification by the state of Louisiana. Students in teacher education curricula or concentrations must pass all required sections of the PRAXIS Series prior to graduation.

Undergraduate students must have passing scores on the PRAXIS I assessments or minimum ACT composite of 22 or minimum SAT composite of 1030 to be formally admitted to a specific undergraduate teacher education program/concentration .* Undergraduate students should take the required PRAXIS II assessments during the last semester of course work prior to student teaching.

Undergraduate students in the Holmes elementary certification program leading to the master’s degree must have passing scores on the PRAXIS I assessments or minimum ACT composite of 22 or minimum SAT composite of 1030 to be formally admitted to this program. Undergraduate graduation requirements include passing scores on required PRAXIS II assessments. Students must take all required PRAXIS II assessments by the March testing during their senior year for timely receipt of test scores.

Master’s level students in the Holmes secondary certification program must have passing scores on both the PRAXIS I assessments or minimum ACT composite of 22 or minimum SAT composite of 1030 and the appropriate PRAXIS II subject area/specialty test(s) to be formally admitted to the master’s year. Students must take the required PRAXIS II: Principles of Learning and Teaching Test(s) by the March testing during the master’s year for timely receipt of test scores. Passage is required for program completion/graduation.

*See “Admission to Teacher Education” and “Holmes Master’s Programs Leading to Teacher Certification ” for additional requirements for admission. Contact the Office of Student Services, College of Human Sciences and Education, for additional information on the PRAXIS Series.

Student Teaching

Application for Student Teaching

Application for student teaching must be made to the Office of Student Services no later than three weeks after classes begin in the semester prior to student teaching. Late applicants cannot be guaranteed consideration.

Requirements for Student Teaching

The student teaching semester is scheduled as an all-day, all-week experience with some programs requiring two semesters. LSU requirements for the student teaching experience far surpass the state minimum requirements of 270 clock hours, 180 of which must be actual teaching with a substantial portion thereof on an all-day basis.

All course requirements must be completed prior to student teaching, other than those courses requiring concurrent enrollment with student teaching. No student may schedule course work in addition to that required during the student teaching semester(s) without prior approval by the dean of the College of Human Sciences and Education through the Office of Student Services. Students are advised to schedule no more than 15 hours of employment weekly during student teaching. To be permitted to student teach, students must also meet the following requirements:

• LSU and cumulative GPAs of 2.50 with no grade lower than “C” in professional education courses and in other courses as required for certification, regardless of institution(s) attended.
• Proficiency in written expression.

University Laboratory School

The University Laboratory School, an integral part of the College of Human Sciences and Education, provides for observation, research, and pre-service field experiences in grades K through 12. The Laboratory School, therefore, maintains a staff of teachers for the purpose of instructing children, demonstrating teaching procedures to pre-service teachers and observers, developing innovative programs, conducting educational research, acquainting pre-service and in-service teachers with approved and tested teaching procedures and viewpoints, and mentoring pre-service teachers.

The Laboratory School serves as a demonstration center for educational methodology. Faculty members demonstrate reflective practice through classroom research relative to the development of concepts and principles. Graduate and undergraduate students observe and participate in the use of instructional and testing materials. Graduate students and university faculty utilize the school for research studies.

The Lab School offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate Program, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment classes. Combined, these offerings provide students with an opportunity to complete most/all of their core freshman courses for college prior to leaving high school. A limited number of pupils can be accommodated in the Laboratory School. The admission process is based on seventeen criteria for admission and can be found here. Tuition and activity fees are charged for each pupil in grades K-12. A construction fee is also charged that, although included as part of tuition, is designated for the purpose of construction related expenses.

Student Organizations

The college’s Student Council includes student representatives and members-at-large from each department. The college also sponsors other organizations, including an honorary organization, Kappa Delta Epsilon; the Kinesiology Club; Alpha Tau Sigma, a professional student organization for athletic training students; the Association of Pre-Physical Therapy Students; the Physician Assistant Collegiate Society; and the Student Organization for Sport Management. Teacher certification students may also participate in student chapters of national organizations in their certification content area (such as National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Council of Teachers of English, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, etc.). The college also sponsors Chi Sigma Iota, an honorary organization for graduate students in counseling.

Undergraduate Career Plan

Students are encouraged to enrich their studies and prepare for their careers by using the Career Plan for Undergraduates in addition to their academic course of study.

Return to: Academic Programs