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Academic Advising

Academic Advising Department
Watson School of Education
UNC Wilmington
601 South College Road Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 962-4142
education@uncw.edu

Frequently Asked Questions for UNCW Degree Seeking Students


  1. What are the admissions requirements for the Watson School of Education?
  2. How many transfer credit hours can be used toward completing the UNCW program?
  3. What transfer courses will apply to my education degree?
  4. What degree will I get?
  5. When can I register for my classes?
  6. What is the Praxis 1?
  7. If I have already earned a bachelor’s degree, how do I get a license to teach in North Carolina?
  8. Will I be licensed to teach if I move to another state?
  9. What is an academic concentration?

What are the admissions requirements for the Watson School of Education?

  1. Completion of ENG 101/201 or 103, one math, and one natural science (life or physical) with lab with grades of "C" or better.
  2. Completion of EDN 200 "Teacher, School, and Society" and EDNL 200 with a grade of "C" or better. OR if  seeking licensure for grades 9-12 completion of  SEC 200, SEC 210, and SEC 220 with a grade of “C” or better.
  3. Completion of a minimum of 45 semester hours. A cumulative grade point average of 2.700 or better (4.0 scale) on work attempted at UNCW.  Transfer students must have at least 12 hours completed at UNCW and also have a cumulative GPA of a 2.700. 
  4. Passing scores (or exemption) for teacher education entry tests (Praxis I).

How many transfer credit hours can be used toward completing the UNCW program?

What transfer courses will apply to my education degree?

Once you are accepted and have made arrangements to attend UNCW, the Registrar’s office will evaluate any previous college credit.  

You may also take a look at the articulation chart. It shows how courses come into UNCW. You can compare the courses you bring in with those listed on your program sheet, if you are seeking an undergraduate education degree.

What degree will I get?

If you are seeking an undergraduate degree to teach in any of the following areas, you receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education:

If you are seeking an undergraduate degree to teach in any of the following areas, you will receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the specific Subject with Teacher Licensure:

When can I register for my classes?

After acceptance to UNCW you will be invited to an orientation session related to your intended major or program. As part of the orientation, you will be advised about remaining courses to take for completion of your undergraduate degree. At this orientation you will be able to register for your first term(s).

What is the Praxis 1?

Praxis 1 is a required exam that students must take and pass (unless exempt) before being admitted into Watson. Praxis 1 tests reading, writing and math skills. Students can take this exam as many times as needed in order to obtain the minimum passing scores. You do not have to be a UNCW student to take this test. The test is offered at multiple sites, including the UNCW Testing Center. Go to the Praxis information page for more details.

If I have already earned a bachelor’s degree, how do I get a license to teach in North Carolina?

You may follow our Licensure Program or a Master’s Degree program leading to teacher licensure. It is unnecessary to get a second bachelor’s degree.

Will I be licensed to teach if I move to another state?

North Carolina Department of Instruction has reciprocal licensing agreements with 41 other states. You will be able to apply for a license in the new location and will meet most of the licensure requirements. However, you may need to take an additional licensure test required by that state.

What is an academic concentration?

It is a group of courses in a subject area outside of education. Elementary Education and Middle Grades students are required to complete academic concentration(s). Click here for more information.