Teacher Preparation Programs FAQ

• 4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching and compatible major
• Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) in Art Education
• Bachelor of Art in Music Education 

If you have a bachelor’s degree and no teaching experience:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Non-Licensure Pre-Service

If you have a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) In-Service (On-Campus)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) In-Service (On-Site)
• MAT Initial License in English as a Second Language (ESL)
• MAT Professional

If you want certifications and courses:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) graduate certificate (online)
• Special Education- moderate disability graduate certificate
• Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement  

If you want a doctorate program:

• Education Doctorate (EdD) in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
• STEM Education PhD

The 4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching is built for this. After completing your bachelor's degree and passing the required MTELs, you can apply for a Provisional license and start teaching right away, completing the MAT either full-time or part time.

UMass Dartmouth's Department of Education offers two doctoral programs aimed beyond the classroom: 

• EdD in Leadership in Education for school, district, and program administration
• PhD in STEM Education for research and scholarly careers in STEM teaching and learning  

Students interested in school-based support roles can also pursue a School Counseling license (a psychology major is the recommended undergraduate route). More broadly, School of Education graduates go on to leadership positions in schools, education agencies, and businesses beyond the traditional classroom.

The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) offers undergraduate programs in music education and art education, and a Art Education MAE Online graduate program.

This program allows students to choose their passion and teach from there. You will earn a bachelor's degree in your chosen subject area, graduating with a degree in that field while simultaneously working towards your MAT.

During your undergraduate degree, you will take courses preparing you to teach in a classroom before you begin your +1 graduate year. This provides a significant advantage because it allows students to gain important teaching skills without sacrificing their passion for a specific subject area. Learn more about the 4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching.

Students can pair the 4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching with a self-designed multidisciplinary studies (MDS) major, combining coursework from any UMass Dartmouth college into a program built around the exact subject matter that you desire.

Any undergraduate can explore education courses by enrolling in EDU 207: Perspectives in Teaching before committing to the accelerated MAT program.

UMD programs are designed to provide licensure for each stage of teaching.

Provisional Licensure

• 4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching
• MAT Non-Licensure Pre-Service
• MAT Non-Licensure In-Service (On-Campus)
• MAT Non-Licensure In-Service (On-Site)

Initial Licensure

• Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) in Art Education
• Bachelor of Art in Music Education
• MAT Initial License in English as a Second Language (ESL)

Professional Licensure

• 4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching
• Standalone Professional Licensure content courses

The MAT Non-Licensure In-Service track is designed specifically for teachers already working full-time and who need to advance from a Provisional to an Initial license. Advancement can also happen through the employment-based PRPIL pathway while you teach. 

The MAT Professional program advances students from an Initial to Professional Licensure. Advancement can also happen through a standalone Professional Licensure Content Course.

The Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement provides prospective teachers with theoretical, cultural, political, linguistic, and instructional tools to promote the academic and language development of English language learners.

SEI endorsement is mandatory for applying for an Initial License. You will earn an SEI endorsement as part of the 4+1 Accelerated Master's in Teaching program.

Yes, we offer two Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) preparation courses twice per year.

Your license and teaching experience point you to the right program.

If you hold an Initial license and want your Professional license: Apply to MAT Professional. You don’t need a master’s degree to start. 

All others: Apply to MAT Non-Licensure, then select your track:

• Pre-Service: You have a bachelor’s degree, no licensure, and little or no teaching experience. This track includes the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement.
• In-Service: You’re currently teaching on a Provisional license and want to advance.
• In-Service On Site: You teach in Fall River, New Bedford, or Southbridge public schools and need to advance an Initial or Provisional license. The curriculum is aligned to your district’s goals.

Want to add ESL or Special Education? Choose them in your application after you select your track. The ESL concentration is available with all three tracks. The Special Education add-on is available with Pre-Service and In-Service.

Still an undergraduate at UMass Dartmouth? The 4+1 Accelerated Master’s in Teaching may be your best fit.

No, the MTEL is not required to apply to education programs at UMD.