Post-Baccalaureate Music Teacher Licensure Program
Administered by the College of Education and University Without Walls. Application (pdf) >>
Qualification: Applicants must have earned a Bachelor's degree in Music (any area).
Description: This program consists of coursework leading to qualification for a Massachusetts Initial Educator License in Music: All Levels (PreK-12). 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, you should contact Stephen Paparo, Associate Professor of Music Education, spaparo@umass.edu, for more information about how to determine whether this program will be appropriate for you. Access to your state’s licensing agency is available on the Teacher Licensure Agency Directory.
As a part of the application process, candidates must submit transcripts for review. Each transcript is carefully compared to the standard sequence of music content courses required of licensure candidates at this university. When courses are identified as missing, candidates must complete the designated undergraduate courses to satisfy requirements and fulfill the Content and Professional Standards for Teachers, as outlined in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Regulations for Educator Licensure.
Application materials for admission to Post-Baccalaureate Music Teacher Licensure Program consist of a personal statement, resume, two letters of recommendation, and one official transcript from each college attended (including the University of Massachusetts). For spring admission, completed applications must be submitted by October 1. The deadline for fall admission is March 1. Applicants should also be aware that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education now requires candidates for educational licensure in music to pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) two-part examination in Communication and Literacy Skills and in the Music content area of the license. The Communication and Literacy Skills test must be passed before the end of the first semester of enrollment in the program, and the MTEL Music test be passed before the beginning of student teaching. Information on MTEL tests can be found here: http://www.mtel.nesinc.com
This program is administered through the College of Education and University Without Walls - click for an application form (pdf).
Contact with questions: Professor Stephen Paparo at spaparo@umass.edu.
Link to the UMass Amherst Music Education webpage.
