<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>As a student of Liberty University's Graduate Certificate in Middle Grades program, you will have the opportunity to study in a curriculum designed to focus on specific issues and instructional strategies for students in grades 6-8. You will take all courses online. Throughout the program, you'll examine your own approach to teaching as you study other techniques and practices. In addition, courses are intended to provide study in the development of students in the middle school age group, concentrating on their social, intellectual, and physical growth as well as their spiritual development. You will learn more about teaching methods designed specifically for the instruction of middle school science or social studies. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>To apply to Liberty University's Graduate Certificate in Middle Grades program, you must have already earned a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, you should hold a bachelor's degree and be a licensed teacher working at a public or private middle school. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You must complete three courses for a total of nine credits to earn this graduate certificate from Liberty University. This program is offered in an online format. </p> <p><u>Courses for a Graduate Certificate in Middle Grades</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Number</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>EDUC 601</td><td> Professional Development in Middle Grades Education</td></tr> <tr><td>EDUC 602</td><td> Young Adolescents, Schools, and Communities</td></tr> <tr><td>Select one of the following:</td><td /></tr> <tr><td>EDUC 635</td><td> Teaching Science in Middle School</td></tr> <tr><td>EDUC 637</td><td> Teaching Social Studies in the Middle School</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>The completion of Liberty University's Graduate Certificate in Middle Grades program will provide you with an opportunity to apply advanced teaching techniques and concepts to your current classroom. The program is not designed to assist you in obtaining a teaching license. If you are not currently employed, you could pursue the following positions but would need to satisfy any necessary state licensing and possible certification or endorsement requirements before you could be considered: </p> <ul><li>Middle School Science Teacher </li><li>Middle School Math Teacher </li><li>Middle School Social Studies Teacher </li><li>Middle School English Teacher </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>In many cases, the Graduate Certificate in Middle Grades is used mainly as a foundation for pursuing a master's degree. A graduate degree would be required for those seeking more advanced positions, such as department head or school administrator. Relevant master's degrees include, but are not limited to: </p> <ul><li>Master of Education </li><li>Master of Arts in Teaching </li><li>Master of Education in Middle School Education</li></ul>