Education Major Tracks and Overview

Education Major

Students entering the College of Education 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 later on. 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

  • 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
  • 50-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

  • 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

  • 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 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 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
  • Connect with faculty subject coordinators for direct guidance through program

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