Undergraduate Student Orientation

Welcome Class of 2026!   

We are thrilled you have chosen to be part of our vibrant community here at the College of Education.  Our work as a College is dedicated to promoting the value of education for a social justice world. 


Explore this webpage for detailed information on our undergraduate programs and how they work.

New Student Orientation & Transitions is an opportunity for you to start to build your community here at the College of Education and at UMass. During New Student Orientation and Transitions (NSOT) this summer, you will participate in various activities including Connect with Your College and advising.  Your advising appointments will take place virtually.  During that appointment you will select and enroll into courses for the fall semester. Meet your NSOT Peer Advisors.


Advising and Course Registration Appointments

Advising appointments for first year and transfer students will open on June 13 and will run until July 22.  Be on the look out for an invite email to sign up for that appointment along with a pre-advising appointment with a current Education Student.  

Make sure you have completed the Guide to the U.  The Guide to the U is a online platform that introduces you to the UMass community and the available resources to support you.  Students need to complete the Guide to U before they can attend Ready for the U and schedule an advising appointment.   

Before your advising session, please complete the following: 

Remember to check your email to sign up for your advising appointment. Emails from the "College of Education" go out on each Monday the week during the New Student Orientation Advising Period.  

 

 

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.)

  • Open major, declare anytime (if not already declared when entering UMass)

  • Non-licensure

  • Designed for future leaders, change agents, social justice advocates & community organizers in the field of Education

  • 45-credit workload including 6 credit internship experience (approx. 250 hours)

  • Flexible major with room for double majoring and/or minoring in other fields

  • 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.)

  • Initial license to teach grades PreK-2

  • Closed major, apply into the program mid-sophomore year

  • 2 year program starting in junior year

  • Student teaching in senior year

How to prepare for Early Childhood program:

  • Complete prerequisite courses: MATH 113, MATH 114, HUMDEV 270 & EDUC 325

  • Take and pass Communication & Literacy Skills MTEL (reading & writing subtest)

  • Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher

  • Have experience working with students at this age level

For more information, watch this video and follow along with these slides

Special Education - 

Special Education (B.A.)

  • Initial license to teach students with moderate disabilities in grades PreK-8 or 5-12

  • Closed major, apply into the program mid-sophomore year

  • 2 year program starting in junior year

  • Student teaching in senior year

How to prepare for Special Education program:

  • Complete prerequisite courses: MATH 113, MATH 114, HUMDEV 270 & EDUC 325

  • Take and pass Communication & Literacy Skills MTEL (reading & writing subtest)

  • Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher

  • Have experience working with students at this age level

For more information, watch this video and follow along with these slides!

Elementary Education - 

Elementary Education 4+1

  • *NOT an undergraduate major

  • Accelerated path to the Master’s program in Elementary Education

  • Initial license to teach grades 1-6

  • Closed program, apply mid-Junior year

  • Graduate level classes in senior year

  • Student teaching in the 5th year

  • 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:

  • Complete prerequisite courses: MATH 113, MATH 114, HUMDEV 270, EDUC 325. EDUC 461, EDUC 482E & EDUC 463

  • Take and pass Communication & Literacy Skills MTEL (reading & writing subtest)

  • Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher

  • Have experience working with students at this age level

For more information, watch this video and follow along with these slides!

Secondary Education

Secondary Education 4+1

  • Initial license to teach grades 5-12 (depending on content area)

  • Content area focus can be either English, Math, History or one of the Sciences

  • Major in content area while pursuing education minor

  • Connect with faculty subject coordinators for direct guidance through program

For more information, watch this video and follow along with these slides!

First Week Events

Remember to check your email for important updates from the college, including information about events happening during Welcome Week (September 6-16).  Most events are offered in-person and online. Check your UMass email for Welcome Week messages that include Zoom links for each session.  Undergraduate Orientation will be held on Friday, September 9. 

The university also hosts many events for new incoming students. University first week events are posted on campus pulse

Remember to check out the New Student Orientation page!

Questions?

We are here to help.  If you would like to speak with an Education Advisor, please send us an email at educadvisor@umass.edu  

 

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