Frequently Asked Questions for the Extension Program
- What is the extension program?
- Where do I start?
- How do I apply for the Extension Program?
- What are the admissions requirements for the Watson School of Education?
- Where do I find financial aid information?
- What is SOCMAR?
- What is the SMART form?
- How many transfer credit hours can be used toward completing the UNCW program?
- What transfer courses will apply to my education degree?
- When can I register for my classes?
- What is the Praxis 1?
- If I have already earned a bachelor’s degree, how do I get a license to teach in North Carolina?
- Will I be licensed to teach if I move to another state?
- What is an academic concentration?
What is the extension program?
The extension program allows students living in the following counties to complete their Elementary Education degree through online and in-person courses at the corresponding extension sites: Onslow, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, and Sampson Counties.
Where do I start?
Admission to UNCW and the Watson School of Education is a two-step process.
The first step is admission to the university.
The second step is admission to the Watson School of Education. Students typically apply during their sophomore or junior year. Transfer students typically during their first or second semester at UNCW.
How do I apply for the Extension Program?
First, apply for admission to UNCW. Be sure to check the “extension” box on the application form. Applications for the Extension Program are handled in the same manner as the main campus applications. Apply on-line at http://www.uncw.edu/admissions.
What are the admissions requirements for the Watson School of Education?
- Completion of ENG 101/201 or 103, one math, and one natural science (life or physical) with lab with grades of "C" or better.
- 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.
- 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.
- Passing scores (or exemption) for teacher education entry tests (Praxis I).
Where do I find financial aid information?
Go to the financial aid and veteran’s services webpage at http://www.uncw.edu/finaid. One of the categories is Students.
The subcategories that contain appropriate information for extension students include:
- New Admits
- Transfer
- Extension
- Veterans
Each category has specific directions about the initial steps that need to be taken to apply for financial aid. It is important to contact the financial aid office to ask questions and be assigned a financial aid counselor.
Extension students may be taking some courses at institutions other than UNCW such as the nearest Community College. It is very important that a transient study form is completed for each course in order to be eligible for financial aid to cover those expenses.
What is SOCMAR?
We are a Serviceman’s Opportunity College. If you have completed 25% of your studies at UNCW, you meet the requirements under SOCMAR to earn a degree at UNCW. You will be able to complete the remainder of your studies at another institution and transfer the credits back to UNCW. Communication and coordination between the two institutions is needed.
What is the SMART form?
The SMART form is the form that lists your military training. It is evaluated to see if any of the training is comparable to coursework. Please submit your SMART form with your application for admission to UNCW.
How many transfer credit hours can be used toward completing the UNCW program?
Up to 64 credit hours can be transferred from two year institutions.
Up to 93 credit hours can be transferred from four year institutions.
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 (add link to site with them), if you are seeking an undergraduate education degree.
When can I register for my classes?
After acceptance to UNCW you will complete an orientation session related to your intended major or program. Either as part of the orientation, or immediately following, you will be advised about remaining courses to take for completion of your undergraduate degree. You will then have the opportunity to register.
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.
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.