The Computer Science + Education, B.S. is sponsored jointly by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. The major in Computer Science and Education is a flexible program for undergraduate students who plan to pursue careers in either field and offers two foci of concentration.
Applications to this major must be submitted by the fourth semester in higher education (not including dual credit high school experiences)
The Learning Sciences concentration focuses on how technology can be designed and developed to further education. Social media, virtual and augmented reality, data analytics, and mobile and wearable devices have created an opportunity to transform teaching and learning in both formal and informal contexts. This degree will prepare students for advanced study at the graduate level, as well as immediate entry into the workforce at software companies, publishers, school districts, game design companies, and research non-profits.
The Secondary Education concentration provides the coursework and field experience for students to be licensed to teach computer science in grades 5-12. The degree will prepare students to join the workforce as a teacher in high school institutions in the state of Illinois, providing them with the knowledge necessary to teach and develop computer science curricula. Not accepting Intercollegiate Transfer (ICT) applicants until fall 2025.
*Meeting the minimum GPA and the completion of prerequisite coursework does not guarantee admission into any major. Applicants that have the following will receive highest priority:
*Meeting the minimum GPA and the completion of prerequisite coursework does not guarantee admission into any major. Applicants that have the following will receive highest priority.
Students admitted at the junior level into a teacher education program will be required to attend a mandatory meeting regarding the program and its requirements. Time, date, and location of the mandatory meeting will be provided in your admission letter.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign requires field placement in school districts as part of various educational curricula and certificate programs. Illinois school districts are required by state law to conduct criminal background checks for applicants for licensed and non-licensed positions with a school district. School districts are requiring that applicants for field placements be subjected to a criminal background check prior to placement in the school districts. Certain convictions are a bar to employment with a school district and are fully set out in the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/10-21.9, as amended. All convictions will be reviewed for compatibility with placement in a school district.
As part of this application, you will be required to consent to a criminal background check including submission of your fingerprints. Failure to consent to the background check will result in your not being able to complete a public school certification program and in the cancellation of any admission to the program. For further information on this requirement, call the Council on Teacher Education at (217) 333-2804.