The University to Schools (UTS) for Undergraduates program seeks students who: have a strong background in the subject area they plan to teach; a commitment to life-long learning; and evidence of interest in and respect for middle and high school age youth. This teacher preparation program strives to prepare teachers who have respect for diversity, and a willingness to work for an equitable society through the profession of education. Our teachers become leaders who set out to change the world!
Students at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, are able to work toward their undergraduate degrees in their chosen majors, and simultaneously work toward their initial license through the UTS pathway, potentially earning both in four years. Students pursuing this option should work with their major department as well as the College of Education Advisor in order to complete the required courses so that the spring semester is free for their practicum (student teaching). Please note that there is entire program of study of education courses (outlined below) that should be started well before your junior, therefore some of these courses are open to all undergraduate students prior to admission to the program. For further information, please contact our Advising Center at education@umass.edu.
The UTS program offers licenses in the following subject content.
English (grades 5-12)
History – (grades (5-12)
Math – (grades 5-8) or (grades 8-12)
Biology- (grades 8-12)
Chemistry (grades 8-12)
Earth and Space Sciences (grades 8-12)
General Sciences (grades 5-8)
Physics (grades 8-12)
Ready to get started? Fill out this form and an advisor will get in touch with you about the admissions process.
Course of Study
Prior to Practicum Year
| Category | Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundational | |||
| EDUC 524 | Work of the Middle & High School Teacher (F/Sp | 3 | |
| Moderate Disabilities | |||
| EDUC 560 (Grad) | Issues in Instructional Practices in Special Education | 3 | |
| EDUC 325 (UG) | Introduction to Special Education (F/W/Sp/S) | 3 | |
| Digital Literacy | (take one course out of the following) | ||
| EDUC 593A | Teaching & Learning with Technology (online) | 3 | |
| EDUC 615G-01 | Integrating Technology with Instruction | 3 | |
| Human Development | (take one course out of the following) | ||
| EDUC 693A | Adolescent Growth and Development | 3 | |
| EDUC 692K | Foundations & Theories of Learning | 3 | |
| EDUC 667 | Theory of Learning and Teaching in STEM Education | 3 | |
| PSYCH 305 | Educational Psychology | 3 | |
| PSYCH 355 | Adolescent Psychology | 3 | |
| Multicultural Education / Social Justice | (take one course out of the following) and other options to be approved | ||
| EDUC 497I / 597R | Tutoring in Schools | 4 | |
| EDUC 210 | Social Diversity in Education | 3 | |
| EDUC 377 | Introduction to Multicultural Education | 3 | |
| EDUC 392 / 691E | Social Issues | 3 | |
| EDUC 627 | Curriculum Design in Social Justice Education | 3 | |
| EDUC 648 | Oppression in Education | 3 | |
| EDUC 590Z | Critical Pedagogy for Media Literacy | 3 | |
| EDUC 755 | Urban Education | 3 | |
| EDUC 677 | Foundations of Bilingual ESL and Multicultural Education | 3 | |
| EDUC 665 | Leadership for Curriculum Development | 3 |
Prior to their final year UTS students simultaneously take Subject Matter Coursework determined in a meeting with the English, Mathematics, History, or Science Faculty Advisors.
Final Year Fall Semester - Progression into the Practicum semester
| Category | Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDUC 592S | On-site Practicum *and associated course | 3 | |
| EDUC 503 | Sheltered English Immersion | 3 | |
| Subject Matter Methods Course | (take one course out of the following) | ||
| EDUC 511 | Math | 3 | |
| EDUC 512 | Science | 3 | |
| EDUC 514 | History | 3 | |
| EDUC 515 | English | 3 |
*Pre Practicum Requires a minimum of 15 hours per week in an assigned school placement.
Required to enter the practicum:
Completion of program above
Successful completion of Gateway Assessments
Successful completion of 2 x Pre-Practicum Formal Observations
Final Year Spring Semester - Full time in Practicum placement and 2 courses
| Category | Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDUC 500S/M | Student Teaching Practicum | 6 Grad 12 UG |
|
| EDUC 510 | Teacher in Middle and High School Classroom Seminar | 2 | |
| Advanced Methods Course | (take one course out of the following) | ||
| EDUC 711 | Math | 3 | |
| EDUC 777 | Science | 3 | |
| EDUC 743 | History | 3 | |
| EDUC 712 | English | 3 |
Advising
Interested applicants in the Secondary Teacher Education pathway should contact the Advising Center at education@umass.edu.
Admissions
We are currently accepting applications for admission into the Secondary Teacher Education Program until 15 January each year. Admissions into Secondary Education is competitive and selective. Prior to applying please meet with the subject matter faculty to ensure that you can complete the undergraduate program. Applications will be reviewed once all the materials are submitted and decisions will be made on a monthly basis during the academic year until January 15th each year. Applicants will be notified of the decision within the following month.
Required Materials
- Completed online application
- Personal statement (based on the prompt in the online application)
- Unofficial transcripts from undergraduate institutions attended (available in Spire)
- Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL Score Reports
Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL):
*The Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL (Reading and Writing Subtests) is the only test required prior to admission to the program.
MTEL Preparation Workshops
The College offers MTEL preparation workshops that help students develop skills and provide strategies to help manage your time and test anxiety. MTEL workshops are free for UMass Amherst, Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College and Springfield Technical Community College. Click here for registration information.
Courses
Search education courses being offered
Licensure
This program leads to initial teacher licensure in Massachusetts. Because of reciprocity agreements between states, you may be able to transfer your license to another state. However, the College of Education at UMass Amherst makes no guarantees that this program meets teacher licensure requirements in any state other than Massachusetts. If you are seeking licensure in another state, click on the link below for the program of your choice for more information. For assistance in determining whether this program will be appropriate for you, send your inquiry to the program contact identified in the program description. Access to your state’s licensing agency is available on the Teacher Licensure Agency Directory.
Contact
For initial inquiries, and to begin the admissions admissions process, please fill out the "Get Started" form.
For all other questions about this program, contact the program advisor: Carie Ruggiano
