Jennifer Friend, dean
104 Corbin Ed. Center • 316-WSU-3300
College of Applied Studies Website1
Clay Stoldt, associate dean
Heidi Cornell, associate dean and accreditation officer
Bobby Berry, assistant dean-diversity and outreach

The WSU College of Applied Studies comprises four departments whose synergy provides a powerful understanding of life span development and academic innovation in living and learning. It prepares teachers, school professionals, school counselors, educational psychologists, exercise scientists, athletic trainers, sport management professionals, and community and organizational leaders for careers. College faculty also contribute to the improvement of their professions at local, state, national and international levels through teaching, research and professional service.

The College of Applied Studies (CAS) houses programs accredited by:

  • The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE);
  • The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation;
  • The National Association of School Psychologists;
  • The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education; and
  • The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation.

The college offers BA degree programs in teacher education, exercise science, sport management and athletic training. It also offers the BAS degree program in organizational leadership and learning.

Teacher education programs help prepare individuals to meet application requirements for Kansas teacher licensure in early childhood unified, elementary, middle level or secondary education, and to teach in public or private school settings.

The exercise science degree program prepares students for careers involving exercise physiology, sport performance, strength and conditioning, health promotion, clinical exercise-related fields, and graduate education.

The sport management degree program prepares students for careers in a variety of sport settings, including school and college athletics, major and minor league professional sports, fitness centers, recreation services, sporting goods, and sport service providers.

The organizational leadership and learning degree program is a flexible program focused on applied learning and workforce education integration with an individualized plan of study.

Transfer Credit

Courses completed at a community college or four year institution of higher education other than WSU may be accepted as the College of Applied Studies program’s course equivalency at the discretion of the program faculty and upon a review by the program faculty of related issues, e.g., the transfer course content, grade earned, year course completed, etc. The CAS has formal agreements with multiple community colleges for 2+2 programs in which students complete two years at community college and the remaining two years at WSU. A full list of those agreements is available on the Transfer Articulation Agreements website1.

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College of Applied Studies Policies

Undergraduate Admission

Students who have declared a major in one of the programs in the College of Applied Studies and have the required 2.000 GPA (2.500 for athletic training and teacher education programs1), will be admitted directly into the college upon admission to WSU. Students are required to maintain at least a 2.000 overall GPA (2.500 for athletic training and teacher education programs1) to remain in good standing.

1

The ECU/elementary education Teacher Apprentice ProgramTM (TAPTM) is 2.000.

Advising

The College of Applied Studies faculty and staff advisors are available to assist and guide students regarding course requirements in accordance with teacher education licensure program(s) and/or degree requirements.

The College of Applied Studies Advising — CASA4 office staff is available to advise undergraduate students, complete transcript analysis for undergraduate and/or teacher education program coursework, and maintain undergraduate student records.

CAS faculty advise undergraduate juniors and seniors. Graduate faculty advise students pursuing a graduate degree, graduate coursework and/or degree options. Students should call CASA for information regarding student advising.

Enrollment Limits

Students enrolled in the College of Applied Studies may not enroll in more than 21 credit hours per semester during the academic year without permission by the dean. Summer session enrollments are limited to a maximum of 6 credit hours for each four-week session or 12 credit hours during the eight-week summer session. Students who have completed at least 24 credit hours at WSU with a WSU grade point average of 3.000 or better may petition their department chairperson for permission to enroll in excess hours.

Probation and Dismissal

Students are expected to make satisfactory progress in their studies. The College of Applied Studies adheres to current WSU probation and dismissal policies found in the Academic Probation and Dismissal section of the Undergraduate Catalog with the following exceptions: athletic training and teacher education2 students must maintain a GPA of 2.500 to remain in good standing.

In addition to meeting academic standards, students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct which can be found online in section 8.05 of the WSU Policies and Procedures Manual4, and to meet the professional standards governing any organization in which the student is participating as an intern, exchange student or other capacity.

Students who fail to meet these standards are required to work closely with an advisor to explore options and conditions for future readmission.

2

The ECU/elementary education Teacher Apprentice ProgramTM (TAPTM) is 2.000.

WSU General Education Requirements

The College of Applied Studies conforms to the policy set forth by the division of academic affairs at Wichita State University. Many College of Applied Studies programs incorporate specific general education courses, which are required. Students should refer to the General Education Program requirements as well as their specific program check sheet.

Cooperative Education Internships

The College of Applied Studies participates in the university’s cooperative education internship program. This program is designed to provide off-campus, paid work experiences that integrate, complement and enhance the student’s regular academic program. Students are placed in a variety of educational experiences which range from public schools to university athletic departments. Participation in the program requires completion of 12 credit hours with the required GPA and enrollment for credit in specific cooperative education courses designated by the appropriate academic department in the college. To enroll in the program or for more information, students should contact the cooperative education coordinator.

Admission to Teacher Education

Students are advised on the basis of the program requirements (check sheet) in effect when they are admitted into teacher education rather than the program requirements (check sheet) in effect when they began their college or university work.

Admission to the College of Applied Studies does not mean that a student is accepted into one of the licensure programs in teacher education. Students must satisfy the following requirements to be admitted as a candidate for a Kansas teacher’s license3:

  1. Foundation courses:
    Course Title Hours
    ENGL 101
    & ENGL 102    		College English I
    and College English II    		6
    COMM 111Public Speaking3
    MATH 111College Algebra (MATH 242 for math majors)3
    Note: Above courses must be completed within a student’s first 48 hours of college credit.
  2. Thirty (30) credit hours of general education courses with a 2.750 GPA or above; (may include up to 10 credit hours of required coursework in the subject major);
  3. Introduction to the Education Profession (CI 270) (B- or better);
  4. Criminal background check: Prospective teacher education candidates are required to pass a criminal background check that they obtain at their own expense. Information regarding the approved background check service provider is available from Education Support Services.
  5. Grade Point Average (GPA)
    1. Overall: 2.500;
    2. WSU: 2.500.
  6. Signed attestation of eligibility;
  7. Signed grounds for dismissal regulations; and
  8. Proof of completed Certification of Health for School Personnel (K.S.A. 72-5213) form.

The application packet is available online4 and at the CASA office, 107 Corbin.

3

Program admission requirements differ for the ECU/elementary education Teacher Apprentice ProgramTM (TAPTM). Please see the program website (link opens new window).

Teacher Education Requirements

Professional education coursework, disciplinary or content area coursework, and extensive field experiences in professional development schools form the structure for all teacher education licensure areas.

Field Experiences

All initial teacher preparation programs at Wichita State University employ a professional development school model that engages students in field experiences. Beginning in their freshman year, students may enroll in cooperative education where they are paid as school district employees while earning Wichita State University course credit. As students matriculate through the teacher education program, responsibilities during field experiences increase from observation in early field experiences to more active involvement in teaching responsibilities during the final semesters while enrolled in pedagogy coursework. In total, Wichita State University students spend a minimum of four semesters in supervised field experiences in private and/or public school settings.

Early Childhood Unified (Birth through Grade 3)

Wichita State University provides Kansas state licensure preparation for birth through grade 3 through the early childhood unified program, preparing teachers to work with typical and atypical developing children birth through grade 3 in special day schools, inclusive settings and public school regular education classrooms. The program of study contains courses in general education, teacher education and content courses in reading/language arts/literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts and health/nutrition/physical education offered in the colleges of education, fine arts, and liberal arts and sciences.

Elementary Education (Kindergarten through Grade 6)

The elementary major prepares students to teach in grades K–6, the range of grades covered in a typical elementary school. The program of study covers general education, teacher education and content courses in reading/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts and health/nutrition/physical education offered in the colleges of education, fine arts, and liberal arts and sciences. The selection of courses is made with an academic advisor representing the College of Applied Studies and should begin as soon as possible.

Middle Level (Grades 5–8)

The middle level programs prepare students to teach in grades 5–8, the range of grades covered in a typical middle school. Students desiring to teach at the middle level must complete coursework in two of the four available endorsement areas: i.e., math, history comprehensive, English/language arts and/or science. Each content area includes approximately 30 credit hours in the liberal arts and sciences beyond general education courses. In addition, candidates must complete teacher education coursework.

Secondary Education (Grades 6–12)

Students majoring in secondary education should meet the requirements in the general education program as defined on the respective program check sheet. In addition to the professional education coursework, students complete approximately 30 credit hours of content coursework in the liberal arts and sciences beyond general education.

WSU College of Applied Studies offers secondary teaching fields in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics, English/language arts, history/government and mathematics.

PreK–12

The teacher education program includes PreK–12 licensure in world language, music, art and physical education. Students complete approximately 30 credit hours of content coursework in their content area beyond general education and professional education requirements.

ECU/Elementary Education Teacher Apprentice ProgramTM (TAPTM)

Para educators now have a shortened pathway to teacher of record with the TAPTM at Wichita State University. The inverted curriculum allows para educators to complete their degree without leaving their local school district position. This immersive, hands-on educational experience combines the best of traditional and alternative teacher preparation programs. Upon program completion, students will possess a strong foundation of pedagogy and the skills necessary to manage student behaviors and positively impact student learning.

  • Fully online course delivery.
  • Earn field experience credit for work as a para educator.
  • Flexible program of study based on prior coursework.
  • Ongoing mentor support throughout program.

Visit the Teacher Apprentice ProgramTM webpage4 for more information.

Check sheets that list the requirements for all CAS programs are available in the CASA office (107 Corbin) and on the CAS website4.

Requirements for Teacher Licensure

Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree, the college may recommend teacher education candidates for Kansas state initial teacher licensure in one or more areas of teaching.

All WSU graduates applying for teacher licensure in Kansas are required to:

  1. Pass all examinations established by the Kansas State Department of Education: the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT), and the Praxis content(s) examination;
  2. Have a passing score on the Teacher Licensure Capstone;
  3. Meet 2.500 GPA requirements; and
  4. Receive a B- or better in all methods courses, practicums and teaching internship. Some programs specify B- or better grade requirements in additional courses.

Teacher education students assume responsibility for knowing and fully understanding their respective program assessment plan and transition point requirements.

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Degrees and Licensure Programs Offered

Undergraduate

The college offers teaching and nonteaching programs leading to the bachelor’s degree. For a list of programs and required coursework, see the individual CAS department pages of the catalog.

Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Exercise science
  • Organizational leadership
  • Sport management
  • Teacher education

Initial Licensure Teaching Programs

State teacher licensure preparation is offered at the early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary and PreK–12 levels.

The Kansas State Department of Education regulates standards for all teaching licenses. Curricula offered by the college may be altered as needed to meet changes in the KSDE requirements.

The CAS recommends to KSDE those students who have met all approved program licensure requirements in the following programs:

  • PreK–12
    • Art1
    • Music (instrumental)1
    • Music (vocal)1
    • Physical education
    • French
    • Spanish
  • Early childhood unified
  • Elementary education
  • Middle school
    • English
    • Math
    • Science
    • History comprehensive
  • Secondary education
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Earth and space science
    • English/language arts
    • History/government
    • Math
    • Physics
1

Art and music education degrees are awarded by the College of Fine Arts.

Inter-College Double Major

An inter-college double major allows a student to complete an academic degree and major in one of the professional colleges (Barton School of Business, College of Applied Studies, College of Engineering, College of Fine Arts, College of Health Professions) along with a major in Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. For details see Inter-College Double Major.

Transition to Teaching Program

The Transition to Teaching program represents an alternative initial licensure program for those students possessing a bachelor’s degree in a middle or secondary endorsement area (e.g., mathematics, English). All of the standards of the traditional teacher education program are required, but the model of delivery is designed to meet the needs of schools and adults making the transition from another career into teaching. Please contact the Transition to Teaching program coordinator in the department of curriculum and instruction for more information.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

A student may obtain a second bachelor’s degree in the College of Applied Studies. This requires:

  1. Admission to the College of Applied Studies,
  2. Completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours not used in the first bachelor’s degree, and
  3. Completion of all the requirements for graduation from the College of Applied Studies.

Graduate

The College of Applied Studies offers two programs leading to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): transition to teaching and early childhood residency. Additional degrees include Master of Education (MEd) in counseling, educational leadership, educational psychology, exercise science, learning and instructional design, sport management and special education; a Master of Science (MS) in athletic training; the Specialist in Education (EdS) in school psychology; and the Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational administration. Courses are available to support the continued academic and professional development of teachers and other school professionals. Endorsements, certificates and licensure are also offered at the graduate level.

Endorsements

In addition to initial licensure, the CAS offers programs leading to endorsement in the following areas: district administrators, school counselors, early childhood teachers, English as a second language teachers, second content area teachers, special education teachers and reading specialists.

Certificates

The College of Applied Studies offers graduate certificates in applied behavior analysis (ABA), building-level leadership, child/play therapy, clinical mental health counselor to school counselor, dyslexia and literacy, engineering education, functional aging, higher education leadership, instructional design in professional practice, interdisciplinary STEM education, mentoring and coaching, online learning and educational technology, school counselor to mental health counselor, and superintendency/district leadership.

Licensure

  • Building level
  • District level
  • School counselor
  • School psychologist

Education Programs Housed in Other Colleges

Graduation Requirements

For graduation from the College of Applied Studies, students must satisfactorily complete all program requirements, complete a minimum of 120 credit hours (some programs have higher requirements), have at least a 2.000 grade point average (2.500 for athletic training and teacher education programs) in the major field and must have at least a 2.000 overall and WSU grade point average (2.500 for athletic training and teacher education programs). Students should study any additional requirements (e.g., passing criteria on key program assessments) that may be required for their particular area of study.

Courses in the College of Applied Studies

1

CI courses are housed in the School of Education.