Post-BA Teacher Certification

This program is designed for persons who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and are now interested in pursuing a teaching career.

To be eligible for this program, candidates must have a grade point average of at least 2.5 and two letters of recommendation. Students complete the required courses in the education sequence for elementary or secondary certification, including a semester-long directed teaching experience.

Certification requirements for specialty area majors and minors (including successful completion of state certification tests) must also be met. Only courses in which a grade of “C–” or higher is earned can be used to meet program requirements.

Calvin offers programs leading to certification in elementary, secondary, and special education. Students in this program do not need to complete Calvin's core requirements, but only those courses necessary for teacher certification (teachable major/minor(s) and professional education courses). Calvin does not offer any online courses for the Post-BA Program. Students must be able to attend classes during the day because several education courses include field experiences in local schools.

Post-BA students are charged the undergraduate tuition rate. If you require financial assistance, contact Deb VanBeek in Financial Aid and explain that you already have a bachelor's degree and will be completing the Post-BA Teacher Certification Program. You may also apply for Education Department scholarships. If you have a degree in physical science, engineering, biology, or mathematics and are planning to teach secondary science or math, you may be eligible for a Teaching Fellowship.

Courses may be completed at other institutions if they are included in the Transfer Equivalency Lists. The only CLEP examination accepted is Calculus with Elementary Functions for MATH 171. All Education courses must be completed at Calvin.

For more information about the Post-BA Program, contact the Teacher Certification Coordinator at (616) 526-6208 or email certification@calvin.edu.

Ten Reasons to Consider Calvin's Teacher Education Program

1. Application Instructions and Information

2. Post-BA Flow Chart

3. Application: Electronic Form or Paper Form

4. Two Recommendations: Electronic Form or Paper Form

5. Release Form