Thank you for your interest in the College of Education!
Our mission is to prepare leaders who will improve education through their professional practice. Our teaching is through a social justice lens. Our belief is in education for a socially just world.
The College of Education is known for its close-knit community. Whatever you are interested in, you'll meet other dedicated students who are passionate about solving issues related to education.
- 414 = undergraduate students (2021-2022)
- 21 = average class size
The college offers an undergraduate major in Education with three possible concentrations and two 4+1 teacher preparation degree programs. Explore this webpage for detailed information on our undergraduate programs and how they work.
Education Major
Students entering the College of Education either enter as a Community Education and Social Change Major or as an Education Exploratory Track Student (Undeclared). Students interested in one of our teaching programs, (Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Secondary Education or Elementary Education) would need to apply to those programs. We have created a short overview video of each program to help answer your questions and start you in the process of becoming a teacher.
Community Education and Social Change
Community Education & Social Change (B.A.)
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Open major, declare anytime (if not already declared when entering UMass)
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Non-licensure
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Designed for future leaders, change agents, social justice advocates & community organizers in the field of Education
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45-credit workload including 6 credit internship experience (approx. 250 hours)
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Flexible major with room for double majoring and/or minoring in other fields
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Fits well for students pursuing Elementary 4+1 program
For more information, watch this video and follow along with these slides
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education (B.A.)
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Initial license to teach grades PreK-2
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Closed major, apply into the program mid-sophomore year
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2 year program starting in junior year
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Student teaching in senior year
How to prepare for Early Childhood program:
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Complete prerequisite courses: MATH 113, MATH 114, HUMDEV 270 & EDUC 325
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Take and pass Communication & Literacy Skills MTEL (reading & writing subtest)
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Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher
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Have experience working with students at this age level
For more information, watch this video and follow along with these slides
Special Education
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Initial license to teach students with moderate disabilities in grades PreK-8 or 5-12
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Closed major, apply into the program mid-sophomore year
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2 year program starting in junior year
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Student teaching in senior year
How to prepare for Special Education program:
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Complete prerequisite courses: MATH 113, MATH 114, HUMDEV 270 & EDUC 325
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Take and pass Communication & Literacy Skills MTEL (reading & writing subtest)
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Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher
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Have experience working with students at this age level
For more information, watch this video and follow along with these slides!
Elementary Education
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*NOT an undergraduate major
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Accelerated path to the Master’s program in Elementary Education
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Initial license to teach grades 1-6
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Closed program, apply mid-Junior year
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Graduate level classes in senior year
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Student teaching in the 5th year
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In 5 years you’ll obtain bachelor’s in chosen major, master’s in Elementary Education and initial license
How to prepare for Elementary 4+1 program:
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Complete prerequisite courses: MATH 113, MATH 114, HUMDEV 270, EDUC 325. EDUC 461, EDUC 482E & EDUC 463
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Take and pass Communication & Literacy Skills MTEL (reading & writing subtest)
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Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher
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Have experience working with students at this age level
For more information, watch this video and follow along with these slides!
Secondary Education
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Initial license to teach grades 5-12 (depending on content area)
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Content area focus can be either English, Math, History or one of the Sciences
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Major in content area while pursuing education minor
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Connect with faculty subject coordinators for direct guidance through program
For more information, watch this video and follow along with these slides!
"I've realized how much I like listening to people and helping them. That's the best thing about this major--the versatility of it."
Kerri Johnson '23
Experience UMass Amherst Online
UMass Amherst is offering several online events where you can interact, ask questions, and watch short admission videos where you can learn all about the UMass Amherst experience.
Visit Campus
Information about campus tours can be found here.
Visit the College of Education
The College of Education is located in Furcolo Hall. Furcolo Hall is located in the Northeast corner of campus. Campus maps can be found here.
Tours of the College of Education can be arranged for students interested in the field. Tours are offered Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Please note that tours are only offered when staffing allows, and requests should be made at least 10 days in advance. Tours begin in Furcolo Hall at the college's Advising Center (Room W144). Our staff will provide an overview of the undergraduate programs available.
To schedule an education tour, please email education@umass.edu.
Learn about Scholarships
The College of Education offers a scholarship program for current and new students within the college. Scholarships are offered to undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students who are preparing to work in the field of education. Apply for scholarships.
Current UMass Students - Declare Education as Your Major
Students interested in learning how to declare Education as their major are encouraged to make an advisor appointment to discuss the process of doing so. Additional information on the process can be found on our Apply page.
Prospective UMass Students
Students enter the College of Education either as a Community Education and Social Change Major or as an Education Exploratory Track Student (Undeclared). Students interested in one of our teaching programs (Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Secondary Education or Elementary Education) need to apply at the end of their second year at UMass.
Learn more about the admissions process here.
