The Department of Education's program offerings are designed to assist prospective elementary and secondary teachers in acquiring the skills and abilities necessary for excellence in teaching and to meet requirements for Michigan Teacher Certification. Students must be formerly admitted to the program for which they have completed degree requirements to be recommended for graduation. Endorsement and certification programs must be responsive to changes mandated by the Michigan Department of Education. Students should consult their Academic Advisor for the most current information. Students are expected to regularly consult their for announcements and updates regarding such things as courses, policies, requirements and additional information. The required 128 credits include both a Language Arts: Elementary Education Minor and a Mathematics Elementary Education Minor . A Specialization in Early Childhood Education is also available. Grades of C (2.0) or better in all Phase I courses and B- (2.7) or better in all Phase II and Phase III courses are required. GPAs of B- (2.7) or better are required in the minors, the education program, and at UM-Flint overall, for progression from phase to phase and completion of the program. (Note the Education Department uses grades in transferred courses in its GPA computations.)