Elementary Teacher Education MEd Admissions

Admissions

We seek candidates who demonstrate initiative, highly effective interpersonal and communication skills, a passion for learning, and respect for diversity of children and families in public schools. Experience with children in educational environments is highly valued. Students must be able to balance intensive course work with significant time in the field.

Application Timeline

Interested individuals may apply online through the Graduate School by December 1 for fall admission. There is no spring admission to this program.

Prerequisites 

  • A B.A. or B.S. with a major in the liberal arts, mathematics, or sciences. 
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA. of 3.0. Please note that the average GPA of current elementary education students is 3.4.
  • A passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).  Please note that although passing scores on the remaining two MTELs – Foundations of Reading and General Curriculum – are not required for application to the program, these two MTELs must be passed by June 1 or students will not be eligible to enter the program in the fall. To meet this deadline, students are strongly encouraged to begin taking these final two tests during their junior year (see the MTEL guidelines for the Elementary Education Master’s Program).
  • Evidence of, or a specific plan for, meeting the prerequisite knowledge base in mathematics with a grade of B or higher. At UMass Amherst, Math 113 and 114 (Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers) and Educ 463 (Principles and Methods of Teaching Mathematics) are the suggested courses to satisfy this requirement.
  • Evidence of, or a specific plan for, meeting the prerequisite knowledge base in reading/writing methods with a grade of B or higher. At UMass Amherst, Educ 461 (Principles and Methods of Reading and Language Arts) and EDUC 482E Pre-Practicum satisfies this requirement.
  • Elementary Education and the Minor in Education: While the Minor in Education is not required for application to the Elementary Education program, UMass undergraduates interested in applying are strongly encouraged to complete the minor. For more information on how the Minor in Education can help you prepare, please see the Elementary Education and Minor in Education guidelines.
  • Experience with children in educational environments is highly valued.

Required Materials