Prospective Undergraduate Students
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 short overview videos of each program below to help answer your questions and get you started with the process of becoming a teacher.
This video is a playlist. Hover over and click the upper right icon of the video to scroll through the videos in the playlist.
Questions?
Contact us at education [at] umass [dot] edu (education[at]umass[dot]edu)
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 the video on this page 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 the video on this page 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 the video on this page 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 the video on this page 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 the video on this page and follow along with these slides!