Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education, BS (or 5 yr BS/MAT)

Location

Curriculum

150 credit hours

Program Length

5 years

Accreditation

Accredited by the SCDE

Rise to the Top with the 5-year BS in Teacher Education/MA in Teaching Program 

Do you want to distinguish yourself as a teacher and save time and money? Columbia International University’s 5-year BS/MAT program allows you to finish your Bachelor of Science in Teaching and your Master of Arts in Teaching in just 5 years. This program allows you to dual enroll in Master’s level courses while you finish your Bachelor’s — saving you time and money. CIU’s state approved programs equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in this critical profession. CIU’s Bachelor of Science in Teaching/Master of Arts in Teaching is a comprehensive program that integrates theory and practice to prepare you for a rewarding career in teaching. Whether you aspire to work in a traditional classroom setting or want to explore alternative approaches to education, our program offers a diverse range of concentrations to meet your unique interests and career goals. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning community, where our students are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals as an educator at Columbia International University. 

CIU’s bachelor’s degree program includes an undergraduate core in Bible and a major in Teacher Education. Students who complete the Teacher Education Major and specific South Carolina state requirements will be recommended for initial licensure in elementary education (2nd-6th Grades) with an add-on in early childhood (PreK-3rd Grades). CIU education programs are endorsed by the Higher Education Approval Program (HEAP) of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Graduates who meet specific requirements are eligible to apply for appropriate ACSI teacher certificates. 

The Teacher Education program offers an early childhood (PreK–3rd Grade) and elementary (2nd–6th Grade) education licensure that leads not only to a bachelor’s degree, but also a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). During the undergraduate program, you may explore other fields of study by choosing a variety of electives such as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Psychology, Youth Ministry, Teaching Bible and English. 

Katie Mayberry

Why Choose Columbia International University

Columbia International University is an exceptional choice for students pursuing a degree in teaching education. Our College of Education is committed to providing a rigorous and comprehensive program that prepares graduates for the diverse demands of the classroom. Our experienced and dedicated faculty members are passionate about equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and disposition necessary to excel as educators. Our program also integrates practical experience with theoretical foundations, enabling our students to gain hands-on experience working with experienced teachers in local schools. At CIU we value community and strive to create an inclusive learning environment where students can grow both personally and professionally. We foster a culture of respect, compassion and service that aligns with our Christian values. Our program offers a range of concentrations, allowing students to tailor their studies to their unique interests and career goals. Our goal is to prepare our graduates to make a meaningful impact in the classroom and beyond. If you are seeking to become a top-tier educator, we invite you to explore the possibilities offered by Columbia International University’s Teacher Education program. 

To this end our program objectives are intended to help you become a: 

  • Learner who knows content, children and pedagogy. 
  • Designer who demonstrates effective planning and preparation for instruction. 
  • Presenter who models effective educational methodology, communication and technology techniques. 
  • Evaluator who assesses, diagnoses and monitors individual needs to implement differentiated instructional opportunities. 
  • Manager who creates and effectively manages a nurturing environment. 
  • Partner who collaborates with the child, family, community and other professionals. 
  • Professional, committed, reflective, model educator who learns from experience and contributes to the profession. 

Overall Benefits of the Degree

With a 5-year BS/MAT in teacher education, you will increase your employability and your salary, rising to the top of applicants. You will also save money by dual enrolling in Master’s level courses during your Bachelor’s degree. CIU’s training prepares you to teach in early childhood (PreK–3rd Grade) and elementary (2nd–6th Grade) in these contexts: 

  • Public schools in the United States (The program leads to initial teacher licensure recommendation in South Carolina, which has a reciprocal agreement with most other states.) 
  • Christian schools in the United States or abroad 
  • Private and charter schools in the United States 
  • International schools all over the world 

Upon completion of the program, you will have also used the training to pursue other education-related interests: 

  • Make a positive impact on the lives of students and the education system as a whole 
  • Enjoy job security and stability with a high demand for qualified teachers 
  • Gain the satisfaction of working in a fulfilling and rewarding profession 
  • Experience the richness of working with diverse populations and cultures 
  • Inspire and shape the minds of the next generation and contribute to their development 
  • Access a variety of career paths within the education field 
  • Continue learning and growing professionally throughout your career 
  • Make a meaningful difference in society and help shape the future 
  • Foster a lifelong passion for learning and inspire others to do the same 
     

Featured Faculty

Linda Murdaugh

Director of Professional Education Field Experiences, Associate Professor of Education

What Will I Study?

In addition to the undergraduate core, here are degree specific-courses you can expect to take:
 

  • EDU 2110 Foundations of Education

    This course is an introductory study of the historical, social, philosophical, psychological, and pedagogical "foundations" of education, designed for those preparing to become professional educators. You will develop the tools to articulate a personal philosophy of education, with an emphasis on the social context of urban schools and an understanding of biblical principles relating to education.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3135 Contemporary Educational Issues

    Through the use of group discussion, centered on selected educationally-related literature, students will develop familiarity with important historical and contemporary educational issues and the ability to critically interpret and discuss. This course is repeatable.

    1.00 credit hour
  • EDU 3320 Curriculum Theories and Principles of Learning

    A survey of instructional methods and curriculum, including learning/thinking processes for elementary and early childhood, personality factors, unit and lesson planning, assessment skills and diagnostic and prescriptive procedures, and the needs of exceptional children.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3720 Instructional Design for Curriculum and Assessment

    This course provides the theoretical and practical foundation for the design and management of instruction and for the use of formal and informal assessment strategies including assessment through observation and documentation in early childhood and elementary education. The course provides the prospective teacher with opportunity to plan instructional units and develop assessments appropriate for early childhood and elementary students, assess learning based on knowledge of subject matter, child development, the community, and curricular goals. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 3820 Bible for Teachers

    In this course, you will develop a philosophy of Bible teaching and learn to follow a preparation procedure that will ensure that the purpose for which Scripture was given will be accomplished in your own teaching. You will focus specifically on how to plan a Bible curriculum with courses of study, units, and daily lessons, following the pattern of biblical revelation and teaching the biblical material with integrity.

    3.00 credit hours
  • HIS 2310 United States History and Government

    In this survey from colonial America to the present, you will examine the enduring issues and themes of American history. While the course is structured around historical events, particular effort is made to understand the paradox of American unity through diverse social, economic, political, and cultural factors.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PSY 3330 Psychology of Learning

    This is an in-depth study of learning, motivation, and change, and the implications this will have for teaching and counseling methods. You will focus on historical and modern cognitive research and testing, especially within the academic, relational, emotional, and spiritual arenas. You will also give particular attention to the development of biblical perspectives of learning theory.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ASL 2110 American Sign Language 1

    Introductory course to learning and understanding ASL. Includes receptive and expressive readiness activities; sign vocabulary; grammatical structure; receptive and expressive finger spelling; and deaf culture, values and rules of behavior of the deaf community.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3415 Crisis Care: Children in Trauma

    This is a foundational course to train those who work or plan to work with children experiencing trauma. Central to most children's trauma is the loss of security and protection of family and home. This course will teach fundamental issues relating to children who are experiencing parental divorce, HIV/AIDS, refugee resettlement, war casualty, and sexual exploitation and other trauma. The course will also train students in effective intervention principles that promote healing and facilitate closure to childhood traumatic experiences. Emphasis will be placed upon the exploration of holistic ministries.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3815 Children in Poverty

    This course will address the definition, nature, and needs of children in poverty. Essential issues, such as risk indicators, health issues, the hidden rules of poverty, the need for self-efficacy, and learned optimism will be examined. Family and community partnerships necessities will be addressed. This course is in keeping with a growing educational need, but also God's heart for the poor and children.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3711 Teaching Methods and Assessing the Young Child

    This course is designed to emphasize observation and multiple forms of assessment: connecting with children and families; implementing curriculum; and strategies, experiences, and tools for teaching and learning that promote quality experiences, appropriate materials and methods, and authentic assessment techniques that promote emergent literacy, mathematical thinking, problem solving, social/personal development, creativity, critical thinking, and learning through play and movement. Age-appropriate content areas, individualization, and integration are also addressed so that students can prepare, implement, and evaluate experiences that encourage constructive development and learning for all children. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3721 Integrating the Early Childhood Curriculum

    Students will study early childhood development and learning; family and community relationships; and early childhood curriculums, including the interdisciplinary, thematic approaches and the standards of the early childhood profession in order to understand the needs of the young child. Students will then be assisted in integrating their understandings to develop programs and partnerships, make informed decisions, use developmentally appropriate curriculum, materials, and methods, and create healthy and supportive environments for all children. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3723 Emergent Literacy in Early Childhood

    Helping students in the development of emergent literacy skills, which includes pre-reading, writing, and communication is necessary. This course will enable the educator to review developmentally appropriate methods to help students as they begin to use stories, songs, objects in learning to communicate with others through language and the written word. Letter recognition, identifying vocabulary, and exploration of books are a few concepts that will be addressed. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3920 International Teaching Practicum

    This course will enable you to experience education in a cross-cultural environment. You will observe schools and teachers and interact with other national educational personnel and students. You will teach in schools and receive pre-service orientation, on-site orientation, field supervision and post-field experience, including debriefing and evaluation.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 3935 Teacher Education Internship

    This internship provides opportunity for practical experiences in education. This may occur in an international or cross-cultural setting, or in North America. An internship fee is charged. (1-3) Note: cumulative/repeatable course, $100 internship fee for undergraduate in lieu of tuition.

    1.00 credit hour
  • ICS 3140 Cultural Anthropology

    In this course, you will study cultural anthropology for the purpose of equipping followers of Christ to be competent interpreters of culture in 21st Century global contexts.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 3440 Elementary Music Methods

    A study of the various methods and materials used in the teaching of choral and general music in kindergarten through grade six including curriculum design with national and state music standards; emphasis on effective teaching strategies; classroom management and discipline, instructional clarity, teacher responsibilities inside and outside the classroom, and multicultural and diverse populations. Includes a field experience component as well as selection, evaluation and use of educational software. Students will develop skills in singing, movement, directive listening, writing, and in developing creative assessments.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PSY 3370 Human Growth and Development

    In this lifespan course, you will examine developmental psychology covering the stages of physiological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual growth of the individual from conception to adulthood. You will analyze significant terms, theories, methods of assessment, and the biblical nature of the developing person. Special attention will be given to the cultural diversity of developing persons in varied learning environments.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MIN 3715 Counseling Children, Youth, and Families

    This course will help you understand the needs of children, adolescents, and families. This course will give you a framework for utilizing individual and family systems model as well as other theories and practical techniques for counseling.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 5431 Assessment for Reading and Content

    Surveys assessment principles guiding instructional design across content areas. Emphasis is given to administering, interpreting, reporting, and implementing assessment tools for early childhood and elementary with an emphasis on literacy progress. This course is part of the 12-credit hour South Carolina Read to Succeed requirement. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 5432 Methods of Inquiry-Based Learning in the Content Area

    Focuses on teaching early childhood and elementary social studies, science, and health. Emphasis is placed on designing developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based instruction using methods and materials to promote learning in early childhood and elementary years. (2)

    2.00 credit hours
  • EDU 5541 Learning Environment and Classroom Management

    This course is designed to introduce a variety of class management models, with analysis and application emphases. Implications for both early childhood and elementary settings are studied. Classroom environmental arrangements; time management factors; children of diverse backgrounds and needs; mental-, emotional-, social- and/or physical differences; and preventive, supportive, and corrective discipline are addressed. Large and small group management and components of effective physical, social, emotional, and academic learning environments are examined. (2)

    2.00 credit hours
  • EDU 5604 Methods of Teaching Math and STEM

    Surveys STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles with a focus on math instruction. Emphasis is placed on designing developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based instruction for early childhood and elementary learners.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 6901 Authentic Professional Experience

    This course provides incremental field experience in a variety of diverse early childhood and elementary classroom settings. Observation of best practice models and innovative methodologies allows candidates the opportunity to see theory put into practice. There is particular focus on Expanded ADEPT (Assisting, Developing and Evaluating Professional Teaching) Performance Standards and the South Carolina Teaching Standards (SCTS 4.0) rubric related to classroom teaching. Length of the field experience will vary according to hours needed. A practicum fee is charged. This course is repeatable.

    1.00 credit hour
  • EDU 5603 Instructional Practices for Literacy and Technology

    Emphasizes instructional strategies, technology, and curricular support for literacy development in reading and writing. A focus is placed on emergent literacy and addressing the diverse needs of learners. This course is part of the 12-credit hour South Carolina Read to Succeed requirement. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 5660 Integrating the Enrichment Areas

    This course introduces the enrichment areas (visual arts, music, drama, and physical education), focusing on enriching learning environments and instructional design through developmentally appropriate practice for early childhood and elementary education. Students actively participate in learning activities involving the arts as they design and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and inter-disciplinary learning. Students learn the biblical basis for encouraging creativity through these enrichment areas.

    2.00 credit hours
  • EDU 5810 Students with Diverse Needs

    This course will expose students to various areas of exceptionality including definitions, incidence, and educational needs. Regulations governing the education of the disabled, options of serving special needs, and the modification of regular classrooms to accommodate exceptional children will be studied.

    2.00 credit hours
For a comprehensive list of courses related to this program visit the Academic Catalog.

Admission Requirements

  1. Complete the online application and pay the $25 application fee
  2. Review and complete admissions requirements

Accreditation and Accolades

SC Department of Education
ASCI (Association of Christian Schools International)
SACSCOC (The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

Career Path Opportunities

  • Classroom teacher in public or private schools 
  • Administrator or principal 
  • Curriculum specialist or instructional coach 
  • Educational consultant or trainer 
  • Literacy or numeracy specialist 
  • Special education teacher or resource specialist 
  • College or university professor 
  • Online or distance learning teacher 
  • Teacher mentor or professional development specialist 
  • Educational researcher or policy analyst 

Top FAQs

What are the advantages of a 5-year BS/MAT degree?

You will rise to the top of applicants for any teaching position with your MA in Teaching, and the 5-year BS/MAT degree saves you time and money! You will be dual enrolled in the MA in Teaching classes while completing your BS in Teacher Education. This allows you to finish the MA in Teaching in just one additional year.

Is this program approved by the state of South Carolina for teacher education?

Yes, our Teaching Education program is approved by the state of South Carolina. Our program provides students with a comprehensive curriculum that meets the state’s rigorous standards for teacher education. We are proud to offer a program that is fully accredited and recognized by the state, providing our students with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to succeed in their teaching careers.

Does this program lead to state certification?

Yes, our Teaching Education program leads to state certification in both elementary and early childhood education. We are dedicated to preparing our students for a variety of career paths within the education field, and providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed on certification exams and in their teaching careers. Our program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements for state certification and become successful teachers.

Can I transfer my certification to another state?

Yes, our program graduates can transfer their certification to another state. South Carolina has reciprocal agreements with most states, making it possible for our graduates to take their certification and teaching experience to another state. We believe in providing our students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for a variety of career paths within the education field, including the possibility of moving to another state.

Is this an online program?

No, our Teaching Education program is not an online program. We believe that in-person interactions and experiences are critical to developing the skills and knowledge needed to be successful teachers. We provide our students with a supportive and collaborative learning environment that allows them to grow both personally and professionally. Our program combines theoretical foundations with practical experience, ensuring our graduates have the necessary skills and experience to become successful educators.

Do your graduates find teaching positions?

Yes, our program graduates are highly successful in finding teaching positions. We are dedicated to providing our students with the skills and experience needed to excel in the job market and are proud of our graduates’ accomplishments. In many cases, our candidates are offered positions before they even finish student teaching, demonstrating the value of our program and the quality of our graduates.

Do your graduates do well in the teaching profession?

Yes, our program graduates are highly regarded in the teaching profession and are known for their dedication, professionalism and effectiveness in the classroom. South Carolina uses the SCTS 4.0 evaluation system for educators, which includes a measure of successful impact on student learning. To move from an initial certificate to a five-year certificate, program completers must pass these evaluations. State data shows 100% of our program completers pass these evaluations and have a positive impact on student learning, highlighting the effectiveness of our program in preparing exceptional educators. We are committed to continuing to provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in the teaching profession.

 

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