Office of Clinical Experiences & Candidate Services

Requirements

• Enrolled in a program leading to teacher certification or educational specialist
• Earned a minimum of 48 credits at the college level (100 level or above)
• Pennsylvania’s Chapter 354 and therefore, the PA Department of Education, requires a 3.0 for candidacy. However, those with a 2.8 or above may be conditionally admitted.
• Earned 3 credits in college-level English composition
• Earned 3 credits in literature taught in English
• Earned 6 credits in college-level mathematics
• Completion of an Ethics Module (Required for all students as of September 1, 2025)
• Honors students can use the completion of HON 212, HON 313, and HON 352 for three credits of English composition, three credits of English literature, and three credits of math. All three courses must be completed. An additional three credit Math course is required. 
  

  Teacher Candidacy Application

  The Office of Candidate Services will verify your Teacher Candidacy requirements.

Requirements

• Baccalaureate graduate from a regionally accredited college or university
• Pennsylvania’s Chapter 354 and therefore, the PA Department of Education, requires a 3.0 for candidacy. However, those with a 2.8 or above may be conditionally admitted.
• Admission to a WCU program leading to a Pennsylvania Department of Education certification
• Department approval (Signature from program coordinator on Approved Program of Study (APS) – Graduate Teacher Candidacy form; Departments may have additional and/or more rigorous requirements for their students.)
• Completion of an Ethics Module

Graduate students must meet with their faculty to begin an Approved Program of Study (APS) – Graduate Teacher Candidacy form. This form outlines the certification requirements and entry into the program. Please contact your respective faculty reviewer to begin this process.

WCU graduate-level educator preparation candidates who achieve Teacher Candidacy must maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 to retain Teacher Candidacy status. In most cases, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be earned to qualify for Pennsylvania certification.

• Verify your Teacher Candidacy status by logging into Navigate and clicking on the "Courses" tab.  Under the Pre-Enrollment and Progression section you will see the Teacher Candidacy status.
• WCU undergraduate-level educator preparation candidates who achieve Teacher Candidacy must maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 to retain Teacher Candidacy status. In most cases, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be earned to qualify for Pennsylvania certification.
• Email CandidateServices@wcupa.edu, to have your Teacher Candidacy status reinstated once you have earned a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA again.

Requirements:

• Complete Social Work Pre-Candidacy classes: SWO 200, SWO 220, SWO 225, SWO 300, SWO 320, SWO 332, and SWO 350 OR SWO 351.
• Made satisfactory progress in completion of general education coursework

• WRT 120, WRT 200, SOC XXX, PSY 100, PSC XXX, PHI XXX, HIS XXX, Foreign Language 1, Foreign Language 2, Science, Math, and Art course (or complete/attain an Academic Passport).

• Earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
    **Please make an appointment with your faculty advisor to determine specific classes you'll take for any given semester.
  
  

Complete the Candidacy application and include the following:

• The Candidacy Application: *A new link will be provided when applications are next being accepted
• Personal Data form*
• Unofficial WCU transcript
• Candidacy application checklist*
• Proof of Coursework Progress for Candidacy*
• Copy of your Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse training certificate
• Signed Professional Behavior Agreement form*
• Signed & Completed Verification Form confirming completion of the 20 hour Volunteer Service Requirement
• Letter of Recommendation (from a non-family member) who can vouch for and recommend the student as possessing the qualities and characteristics of a good social worker

*found within the application

Other Requirements for Candidacy:

• Every student is responsible for obtaining and storing the following forms and displaying them on request of the agency or site they’re placed at:
• Verification of Liability Insurance
• Criminal Background Check
• Child Abuse History Clearance
  • Learn more here: https://www.wcupa.edu/education-socialWork/candidateservicesSWClearances.aspx

Application Process:

 Any undergraduate student should follow this process in navigating the Pre-Candidacy period and applying for Candidacy:

• Access the Candidacy application at: *A new link will be provided when applications are next being accepted
• Complete the required information and upload required documents to your jotform Candidacy application, including the Verification Form confirming completion of the 20 hour Volunteer Service Requirement.
• Confirm completion, concurrent enrollment of required coursework or possess an Academic Passport via unofficial WCU transcript.
• Questions or concerns about navigating this process, please email Candidateservices@wcupa.edu or call 610-436-2999.

Your Candidacy Application Must Include:

• Personal Data form
• Unofficial WCU transcript
• Candidacy application checklist
• Proof of Coursework Progress for Candidacy
• Signed Professional Behavior Agreement form
• Signed & Completed Verification Form confirming completion of the 20 hour Volunteer Service Requirement
• Letter of Recommendation (from a non-family member) who can vouch for and recommend the student as possessing the qualities and characteristics of a good social worker.
• Copy of your Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse training certificate
• If not yet completed, Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse online course is found here: https://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu/