Early Childhood/Elementary Education - Professional Licensure

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The 36-credit Appropriate Master Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education prepares early childhood and elementary level educators who already possess an initial license in the respective field with a program of study that prepares them to be eligible for professional licensure in the state of Massachusetts. The Appropriate Master Degree combines the study of advanced level subject matter and the pedagogy in mathematics, science, civics, and English, with an in-depth examination of research methods, policy analysis, leadership, the social history of American education, and the foundations of student aspirations. Preparing practicing elementary school teachers to build a deeper understating of the subjects they teach, the Appropriate Masters Degree also provides educators with the opportunity to better examine the trends in twenty-first century American education that impact their students, schools, and lives as teachers.

Pre-requisite: Possession of an Initial License in Early Childhood or Elementary Education

Specific Admission Requirements

Application form and fee;
Statement of professional goals;
Official transcripts of all academic work (at a minimum a Bachelor’s degree);
Two letters of recommendation;
A copy of a Massachusetts Initial License in Early Childhood (PreK-2) or Elementary Education (1-6); and
Official score on wither the Miller’s Analogy or the GRE.

Program of Study

ED 580 - Innovative Practices in Education (Cr: 3)
ED 581 - Technology in Education: An Integrated Approach (Cr: 3)
ED 582 - Research Methods (Cr: 3)
EDC 510 - Policy Analysis, Leadership and the Change Process (Cr: 3)
EDC 525 - Social Context in American Schooling (Cr: 3)
EDC 570 - Understanding the Dynamics of Student Aspirations (Cr: 3)
HST 531 - Civic Learning in the Twenty-First Century (Cr: 3)
MTH 579 - Developing Mathematical Ideas with Applications (Cr: 3)
RDG 502 - Learning and Cognition (Cr: 3)
RDG 504 - Family Literacy Connections (Cr: 3)
RDG 511 - Children’s Literature (Cr: 3)
SCN 571 - Methods of Teaching Natural Sciences to Children/Field Study (Cr: 3)

Comprehensive Examination

Total Degree Requirements - Credits: 36

Completion of the Program

To complete the Appropriate Master Degree program, students must successfully complete all of the required courses and the comprehensive examination.

Eligibility for Professional Licensure

According to DOE regulations, a professional licensure is granted to individuals who possess an initial license, have completed an Appropriate Master Degree in an education school, have completed a one-year induction program with a mentor, and have completed at least three years of employment in the role of the license. Student’s completing the master’s degree who have not met the other requirements for the Professional License, including a one-year induction program with a mentor, and at least three years of employment in the role of the license, i.e., elementary education, will be advised to apply for the professional license when they have met these requirements will be advised to apply for their professional license with the department of education after completion of the program.

Other Options for Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Please also refer to the program of study for Master of Education in Initial Licensure in Reading & Literacy as another option for obtaining professional licensure in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.