Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Leading to middle and high school teacher licensure

One of the top 50 graduate schools of education in the nation — U.S. News and World Report

Become an outstanding teacher at one of the most highly regarded schools of education in the nation. If you already have your bachelor’s and are considering teaching — but don’t want to take the time and expense to pursue a second degree — this program prepares you to earn your Massachusetts public school teacher license in as little as two semesters. And because we’re part of an interstate compact, you’ll be eligible to teach in 46 other states. Enjoy working with other adult learners and UMass Amherst’s outstanding faculty in a flexible program that lets you continue working while you gain teaching experience and build your credentials toward a career with meaning.

Program Details

Fields and levels of licensure:

• English as a Second Language (PreK-8, 5-12)
• English (5-8, 8-12)
• History (5-8, 8-12)
• Mathematics (5-8, 8-12)
• Biology (8-12)
• Chemistry (8-12)
• Earth Science (5-8, 8-12)
• General Science (5-8)
• Physics (8-12)
• Political Science / Political Philosophy (5-8, 8-12)
• Foreign Languages (PreK-8, 5-12)
• Music (All Levels)

Curriculum: Students choose from university day courses and Continuing & Professional Education credit courses. Coursework and field experience are followed by a semester of student teaching.

Credits: You may take up to 18 credits per semester without special overload permission.

Fees: The cost of courses is $335 per credit. In addition there is a $45 per term registration fee

Schedule: The program may be completed in as little as two semesters, though more time may be taken.

Admission: Admission is competitive and on a space-available basis.

Licensure exam requirements: The Massachusetts Board of Education requires candidates for teacher licensure to pass a two-part exam in 1) Communication and Literacy Skills and 2) Subject Area content.

The UMass Amherst School of Education requires students in the Post-Baccalaureate Program to pass these exams on the following schedule:

• Communication and Literacy Skills: before the end of the first semester
• Subject Area content: before beginning student teaching

Application requirements:

• Personal essay
• Two letters of recommendation
• One official transcript from each college attended (including UMass)
• $15 processing fee

Application deadlines:

• October 1 (spring admission)
• March 1 (fall admission)

Applications received after the deadlines may be considered at the discretion of the individual licensure program.

Financial aid: For information about financial aid, contact the University's Financial Aid Office at 413-545-0801.
Note that Massachusetts teacher licensure is not awarded automatically. During the final semester of your program, you must apply for your license through the Educator Licensure Office in the School of Education (Room 123, Furcolo Hall).

For more information on the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Program:
Educator Licensure Office
School of Education
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Room 130, Furcolo Hall
Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
413-545-2701

For information on teaching academic subjects (English, Mathematics, History, Sciences, Foreign Languages) for grades 5-8 and 8-12:
Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP) Information/Advising Office
413-545-4397
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For information on the Post-Baccalaureate ESL program:
Doris Correa
ESL Program
School of Education
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Room 205, Furcolo Hall
Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
413-545-3675
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