Elementary Teacher Education 4+1 Accelerated MEd Admissions

Admissions

UMass Juniors who know they want to become a Massachusetts public educator and are working towards completing all of the prerequisites (below) can apply for the CTEP/4+1 Pathway.  This option allows access to up to 9 credits of coursework (3 courses) toward the M.Ed with elementary focus in the Senior year.  Ideal CTEP/Elementary 4+1 candidates are social justice-oriented with strong interpersonal and communication skills, a passion for public education, and experience with children in educational environments.  Students must have a proven record of academic success with a GPA of 3.0 to be considered.    

Prerequisites 

Coursework

  • Math 113: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I
  • Math 114: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II
  • EDUC 325: Introduction to Special Education
  • EDUC 461: Reading for Elementary
  • EDUC 482E: School Based Field Experience
  • EDUC 463: Principles and Methods of Mathematics
  • HUMANDEV 270:  Child Development

at least on of the following Social Justice Courses

  • EDUC 202:  Social Issues in Intergroup Dialogue: Exploring Social/Cultural Differences and Common Ground
  • EDUC 210:  Social Diversity in Education
  • EDUC 377:  Intro to Multicultural Education

 

  • Completed or plan to complete program of study for Bachelors Degree at UMass Amherst
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Experience with children in educational environments
  • Complete application form with cohesive and clear responses

Application Timeline

Interested individuals may apply online through the CTEP/Elementary Education 4+1 application beginning November 10 of the junior year. Applications will close January 15.

Admissions Process

  • Application Portal Opens November 10, 2025
  • Application Portal Closes January 15, 2026
  • Applicant Interviews AS NECESSARY: will be scheduled throughout February
  • Release of Notifications:  Mid-March
  • Candidate Commitment to the Program Required by April 1, 2026 (through reply email to Program Coordinator)
  • NOTE:  Accepted and committed applicants must also apply to the UMass Graduate School by December 1 of their Senior year in order to proceed into the CTEP/Elementary M.Ed +1 year.  Fees for this application are waived for accepted CTEP/Elementary 4+1 students.  Applicants must also submit their intention to attend the Graduate School.

Required Materials

  • Online Application
  • Unofficial UMass Transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Résumé/CV
  • MTEL scores
  • Two letters of recommendation: NOTE: preferably one from a supervisor or witness to the applicant’s work with elementary-aged children and one from an academic reference able to speak to the ability to balance rigorous academic responsibilities
     

Additional Recommendations

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)

Public school educators in Massachusetts are required to pass a number of standardized examinations before receiving their licensure. Individuals interested in becoming licensed Elementary educators must complete and pass the following three exams:

  • Communication and Literacy Skills
  • Foundations of Reading
  • General Curriculum

A passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is highly recommended to support application to the CTEP/Elementary 4+1 Pathway.  Although passing scores for the remaining two MTELs – Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum – are not required for application to the program, a plan for completion prior to the +1 CTEP year is highly recommended. To meet this deadline, students are strongly encouraged to begin taking these final two tests during their junior year.  Learn more about the MTEL and possible testing alternatives.

Minor in Education

While the Minor in Education is not required for application to the CTEP/Elementary 4+1 program, UMass undergraduates interested in applying are strongly encouraged to complete the minor.