Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) Educator Licensure Program
UNIVERSITY WITHOUT WALLS

University Without Walls (UWW) has teamed with the UMass Amherst School of Education to develop a bachelor's degree program for public school paraprofessionals and people working in licensed daycare settings who are interested in becoming elementary and early childhood teachers in Massachusetts public schools. Design an individualized bachelor's degree around a core of courses that provide knowledge in the liberal arts as you gain a broader understanding of children's learning and educational needs and a deeper awareness of the social and cultural issues you’re most likely to encounter in the classroom. Develop a broader theoretical understanding of the field — and in some cases, receive credit for experiential learning — as you build your career in teaching.

Program size: A group of 24 to 30 students is accepted each semester.

Format: Classes in the core curriculum meet in the late afternoon or early evening for the convenience of the majority of our students, who are already working in the school system. Some courses may be conducted at least partially online.

Admission requirements:

• At least 24 transferable credits from any accredited college. (Students with fewer than 24 credits, or those who need ESL or developmental instruction may begin fulfilling the requirement at local community colleges, with advising assistance from UWW).
• One basic English composition course with grade "B" or better.
• English language proficiency (may be satisfied through an additional English composition course with grade "B" or better or by passing the TOEFL exam).
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in previous college work (allowances may be given in special circumstances if your GPA is close to 2.5).

Application deadlines:

• May 15 (fall semester)
• October 1 (spring semester)

Special funding opportunities: Massachusetts public school paraprofessionals or students who work in some daycare settings may be eligible for Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program or Early Education and Care Grant funding through the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). For more information, contact OSFA at 617-727-9420 or visit the OSFA website at www.osfa.mass.edu.

For more information:
www.umass.edu/uww/programs_courses/programs/educator_licensure.html
Elizabeth Brinkerhoff
413-545-3518
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UWW Educator Licensure Program
University Without Walls
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
100 Venture Way
Hadley, MA 01035-9430