MDC InterAmerican Campus

FAQ

When will the Bachelor’s Degree program begin at MDC?

The program began in August 2003.

Has the program been accredited?

Miami Dade College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur , Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone number (404) 679-4501) to award associate degrees and baccalaureate degrees in secondary science education, secondary mathematics education, and in exceptional student education.

What areas of specialization will be offered in the MDC Bachelor's Program in Education?

Programs are offered leading to certification in

Exceptional Student Education (k-12)
Secondary Mathematics Education (6-12); and
Secondary Science Education (6-12) with concentrations in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics.

What are the requirements for admission to the Bachelor’s Degree program in education?

Students must have:

Completed an Associate in Arts degree from a regionally accredited community college or earned 60 semester credit hours of postsecondary education that includes the completion of all general education requirements from an accredited college or university
Earned a minimum of a 2.5 Grade Point Average
Received passing scores on all sections of the CLAST; or if exempted or waived from CLAST, passing scores on all sections of the General Knowledge Test (GKT) of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE)
Completed the Common Education Prerequisite Courses with a minimum of a grade of “C” in each course. The Common Education Prerequisite Courses are:
- EDF 1005 Introduction to Education
- EDG 2701 Teaching Diverse Populations
- EME 2040 Introduction to Technology
Students must also submit to and obtain cleared background checks by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Students should contact the School of Education for information regarding the clearance procedures.

What are the graduation requirements for the Baccalaureate Programs in the School of Education?

Students Must:

Demonstrate that all Educator Accomplished Practices at the preprofessional level through required field experiences have been successfully met.
Earn passing scores on all portions of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE)

Will the Bachelor’s Degree awarded by MDC be accepted for employment with the local school district?

Yes. The MDC Bachelor’s Degree in Education leads to state certification in the three critical shortage areas listed above. Your state certification will qualify you for employment as a teacher in any of the public school districts in Florida . For more information on specific employment requirements with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, visit their website at http://jobs.dadeschools.net/ or call (305) 995-1000. More detailed information regarding state certification may be found at the Division of Professional Educators website at http://www.firn.edu/doe/edcer

Who should apply to enroll in the MDC Bachelor’s Degree Program in Education?

Individuals who have completed or are near completion of their A.A. Degree can apply to enroll in the Bachelor’s Degree program.
Individuals who have been working in non-education fields and retired individuals who want to become teachers can apply to enroll in the Bachelor’s Degree program.
Individuals whose college degrees are in areas other than education can take the professional preparation courses required for certification. For additional information on certification requirements, visit http://www.firn.edu/doe/edcert
Recent high school graduates can enroll in an Associate in Arts degree program in one of the teaching programs. After earning the A.A. Degree, students may apply to enroll in the Bachelor’s Degree in Education m. progra

I recently arrived in the United States from another country where I was a teacher (or earned a college degree in another subject area). Can the MDC Bachelor's Degree program help me become qualified to teach in Florida ?

You must first have your transcripts evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The local school district requires this of all individuals who have foreign college/university credentials. The website address to visit is http://www.naces.org/ for information about having your transcripts evaluated.

I attended MDC 20 years ago and earned an A.A. degree and then I got involved in a field other than education. If I decided to return to MDC in the Bachelor's Degree program, will I enter as a junior? Will the credits I took for my A.A. degree be honored?

There are new requirements for admission to junior level standing in education that did not exist 20 years ago. You may be required to take some additional courses prior to being admitted as a junior. See one of the faculty members in the School of Education on a campus near you or call the School of Education (305) 237-6162 for advisement.

Can I work towards my Bachelor’s Degree part-time?

Yes. The MDC program is designed to support students studying full-time or part-time.

How long will it take me to complete my degree?

If you enroll full-time, you can complete the program in approximately two years. If you enroll part-time it will take longer.

Will there be day and evening classes?

Yes. Classes will be offered during the morning, evening, and weekends to accommodate busy schedules.

Will education courses be offered at remote sites, other than MDC campuses and centers, such as other schools in neighborhoods?

At this time, classes are offered on the various MDC campuses.

What will the Bachelor's Degree program cost at MDC?

At its meeting on June 22, 2004 , the MDC Board of Trustees set the cost of the Bachelor’s Degree at $71.30 per credit hour for in-state students. This is slightly higher than the cost of undergraduate programs but less than the cost at four-year public institutions.

Will financial aid be available?

Yes. You should complete the FAFSA available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ .Applications also are available at the MDC financial aid offices. You should also review scholarship resources through the MDC School of Education webpage.