Requirements for Students-at-Large

A student who holds an undergraduate or graduate degree in one of the seven disciplines should enroll as a student-at-large and pursue certification.  This status allows students to accumulate up to 15 hours of graduate credit which can later be transferred into a master's program.

Prior to enrolling in the University as a student-at-large, prospective students should request a course work evaluation.  In order to process the course work evaluation, the prospective student must provide the following:

1. A professional statement of interest that includes your teaching philosophy, your experience in working with children of school-age, your goals, and why you are interested in the History/Social Sciences Teacher Certification Program at Northern Illinois University.
2. A copy of your transcipts from all prior academic work.
3. A writing sample of five to ten pages on a topic that involves at least one of the seven program disciplines.

Once these materials are received, our program advisor will review your record and provide you with an evaluation via e-mail of your ability to complete our program, the time it will require, and the courses and experiences you will be required to complete.  The evaluation process usually takes about two weeks.

Students-at-Large are required to complete two 600 level courses in their major in addition to completing the required Social Science coursework and Professional Education coursework.

Sample Schedule Planner for Students-at-Large

Required Coursework

• Required Social Science Coursework
• Professional Education Coursework

This description is prepared for the convenience of students seeking secondary teacher certification through the Department of History at Northern Illinois University.  Students seeking certification should note that procedures and requirements may change and that this description therefore should not be taken as a legal document or as a binding statement of rights and obligations.  Students should always seek advising from the History/Social Sciences Program Advisor or Coordinator before making any decisions or assumptions about their status in the program and their path to completion.