Program Completion Process

Please Note:

Programs in the Department of Education are not admitting new students.
Students currently enrolled in the program will be allowed to complete the program requirements as defined by each student's plan of work.

Important:

Teacher certification requirements listed are subject to changes mandated by the Michigan Department of Education.

Recommendation for Certification

Students may apply for certification after successful completion of student teaching. Students cannot be recommended for certification to the State of Michigan until all degree requirements and certification requirements have been completed, including:

• Completion of degree requirements (except post-degree students)
• Completion of major/minor core requirements with a grade point average of 2.7; 3.0 in special education courses
• Completion of Education courses with a GPA. of 2.7
• Passage of the MTTC content area test(s) in the areas of endorsement
• A valid First Aid and CPR (adult, child and infant) Certification
• A grade of "pass" for student teaching

Note: Students should plan far enough in advance to successfully complete all MTTC Content Area Tests necessary for certification being sought prior to submission of the Teacher Certification Application.

Students may apply for certification after successful completion of student teaching. Students cannot be recommended for an initial standard teacher certification to the Michigan Department of Education until all degree requirements and certification requirements have been completed, including the passing of the appropriate MTTC content area tests in the candidate's major and/or minor(s). Those seeking certification at the Elementary level MUST also pass the Elementary level test. Those seeking certification at the Secondary level MUST pass the major content area test.  Secondary students are HIGHLY encouraged to take and pass the minor area test. Candidates must complete the “Teacher Exit Survey” for the Michigan Department of Education, print the confirmation and submit it to the Coordinator of Student Teaching.   

To Apply for the Initial Standard Teaching Certificate

Teacher candidates must apply for the initial Standard Certificate online. Please follow the steps for "how to apply for certificate and endorsement" though the Michigan Online Educators Certification System.

Criminal Background History Checks
(Addendum to Admission Requirements)

The “School Safety” legislation in Michigan requires criminal history background checking as a condition of employment, in any capacity, in all Michigan schools K-12. University of Detroit Mercy's College of Liberal Arts & Education Teacher Education Program requires students to participate in field experiences with K-12 schools. Students should understand that a school or school district may require a criminal history background check prior to accepting a University of Detroit Mercy student for any field experience, up to and including student teaching, in that school or school district.

The student shall be responsible for arranging the criminal history background check the school or school district may require and for any costs associated with the criminal history background check. It is the school or school district, not University of Detroit Mercy, which determines the consequence of what a student’s criminal history background check may reveal and how current the criminal history background check must be.

Criminal history background checks are also reviewed by the Michigan Department of Education at the time of teacher certification application.Certain convictions may delay or prohibit one from obtaining or maintaining a Michigan teaching certificate.

Note: Please be advised, students with a history of court action(s), particularly felonious actions, may have difficulty obtaining teacher certification from the Michigan Department of Education. Any court activities should be self-disclosed prior to the application for the Teacher Education Program. If the occurrence is during the program, immediately notify your Education Department faculty advisor at University of Detroit Mercy in writing.