Teacher Preparation and Licensure Programs

Learn. Teach. Lead.

Become a teacher.
Advance as an educator.

Your pathway starts here.

Massachusetts schools need qualified, dedicated teachers. Whether you're beginning a teaching career or are an experienced educator ready to specialize or advance, our programs meet you where you are. Every pathway is aligned with Massachusetts licensure requirements and includes field-based experience in real classrooms, so you graduate with the confidence and credentials to lead. Learn about the advantages of the teacher preparation programs at UMD.

A lecturer standing in front of students in a lecture hall.

Pathways for undergraduates to become a teacher

Enter the classroom in as little as four years.

4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching

UMass Dartmouth undergraduate students may begin graduate education courses as early as their sophomore year with the 4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching program. Students can begin teaching after four years, and can complete their MAT in just one extra year.

Art and Music Education Programs

The College of Visual and Performing Arts offers an art education BFA and a music education BA for students who want to become art or music teachers.

Pathways for teachers to earn their MAT

Earn your MAT or complete coursework for the next stage of your Massachusetts teaching license.

MAT In-Service

If you are a current teacher who needs to advance a Provisional License, the MAT In-Service program provides a Master of Art in Teaching and a pathway to Initial Licensure.

MAT Pre-Service

If you have already earned a bachelor's degree and have little or no teaching experience, the MAT Pre-Service program provides students with a Master of Arts in Teaching, Provisional Licensure, and includes teaching experience within the curriculum.

MAT Professional

If you are a current teacher who holds an Initial License but doesn't yet have a master's, the MAT Professional program allows you to advance to a Professional License and earn your Master of Arts in Teaching.

Master of Art Education

If you are a teacher that currently has an Initial License, the Master of Art Education (MAE) online provides Professional Licensure and studio development for current or aspiring art teachers.

Pathways for experienced teachers looking to expand their expertise

Develop additional expertise in English as a Second Language, special education, or Sheltered English Immersion.

English as a Second Language

Current and aspiring educators can earn an MAT with Initial Licensure in English as a Second Language (ESL), and educators pursuing an additional ESL license can earn an online ESL graduate certificate.

Special Education and SEI

For educators looking for additional opportunities, we offer an online special education- moderate disabilities graduate certificate and a standalone Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement course.

Education Doctorate in Education Leadership (EdD)

For teachers who want to advance their education career and become a school leader. We offer a hybrid EdD program that prepares you for PK-12 district leadership roles.

STEM Education PhD

We offer a STEM education PhD for teachers who want to become leaders in STEM education in their schools and districts. This program prepares you to improve and promote STEM programs while engaging both students and teachers.

Why UMass Dartmouth?

UMass Dartmouth offers many advantages for teachers and aspiring educators.

Built-in placements

In-service MAT options offer field-based placements in partner districts — Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton and more — allowing students to advance their career while maintaining their teaching position.

A financial break for teachers already in the classroom

Teachers employed in local partner districts may be eligible for a 20% tuition discount for online courses - while earning their master's degree in teaching.

A fast track built into more than a dozen majors

The 4+1 pathway is offered to multiple majors - Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Portuguese, Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology, and Spanish.

Start earning your master's as early as sophomore year

With the 4+1, once you've completed 30 undergraduate credits you can begin graduate-level education coursework — saving both time and money with your master's degree.

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MTEL pass rate

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Employment rate - MAT Professional License and Non-Licensure programs

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Employment rate - STEM Education