Explore Secondary Education Pathways
Compare our pathways to find the one that works for you
Our secondary education program prepares students to become middle or high school teachers.
Students move through our programs in supportive cohorts, building extensive classroom experience and working closely with UMass Amherst faculty engaged in the cutting edge of education research and theory.
Students can pursue a teaching license in English, history, mathematics and the sciences (Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Physics).
Two Pathways to Secondary Education Licensure
180 Days
The 180 Days pathway is a residency model program, meaning our students intern full-time, in a school, for an entire academic year. 180 Days interns are mentored throughout the academic year by a variety of school-based professional educators and university faculty coaches. Graduate coursework is integrated with daily practice and is conducted within a cohort (classes are for 180 Day students only). Benefits of the residency include and the opportunity to earn a second license in another subject area. The 180 Days residency works with select public school districts which currently includes Springfield Public Schools, Greenfield Public Schools, and Mohawk Regional School District. 180 Days graduates become part of an extensive professional network, currently in its 29th year (2024).
University to Schools for Graduates (UTS)
Through the University to Schools for Graduates pathway, students earn a master’s in education (M.Ed.) and prepare for initial licensure to teach middle or high school. Students can take courses full time or part time; full-time students may complete the program in three to four semesters, while part-time students have up to three years to finish the program. Students complete 33-37 credits, which include education courses and 600+ level courses in their subject area.