Next Start Date: Your Future in Education Starts Here
It is said that a good education can change anyone, but a good teacher can change everything. Start your journey to becoming a teacher that inspires the next generation with UMass Lowell's Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Initial Teacher License Option. This highly flexible program is available in a blended format with a combination of online and on-campus courses — allowing students to continue to work full-time or part-time while taking courses towards their degree.
Earn Your Degree in as Little as 12 Months
No GRE Required
This graduate degree program is designed to prepare you to enter the teaching profession with the content, confidence and skills necessary to be successful at the middle and secondary education level.
Why Get Your M.Ed. at UMass Lowell?
- Flexible course delivery so you can continue to work (except during practicum)
- One of the most affordable degree programs available
- Hands-on, real-world experience teaching in the classroom through UMass Lowell partnerships with local school districts including Haverhill, Lowell, Lawrence, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Methuen and more
- Interactive virtual simulations that allow you to hone your abilities as an educator and practice teaching students in a classroom — long before you ever step foot in one
- Personalized support from distinguished faculty to get you "classroom ready" so you can successfully lead, teach and inspire students in the 21st century
- A degree from a top-ranked research university with roots that trace back nearly 125 years as a teaching college
Career Potential
Graduates of the program are sought after in the job market and work in school districts throughout Massachusetts and beyond, since the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has teacher licensure reciprocity with most states. Becoming a full-time middle and secondary teacher is the first step for graduates of the program, but many continue their education and become specialists, department chairpersons, assistant principals and principals.
What Our Students Are Saying
"As a student in the program, I not only received real-world teaching experience, but also obtained endless wisdom and support from a diverse group of professors. Stepping into a classroom for the first time is scary, but my first day was a lot easier knowing that I had a caring community of educators back at UMass Lowell."
"Employment of middle school and high school teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026."
Accelerate Your Teaching Career in as Little as 12 Months
The program offers multiple pathways for you to complete your master's degree in a timeline that's flexible and convenient to match your busy schedule and career goals.
Bachelor's to Master's Fast Track Option
This track is ideal for UMass Lowell undergraduates who wish to pursue a career in teaching at the middle or secondary level. The program can be completed in one or two years. The online courses provide greater flexibility for you to work part-time or full-time as you complete your graduate degree coursework. Undergraduate students can start by taking two graduate courses during their senior year.
One Year Full-Time Option
Students can earn their master's degree in one year by completing the courses during the summer and fall semesters, and finishing the practicum during the spring semester. The online courses provide greater flexibility for you to work part-time or full-time as you complete your coursework.
Two Year Part-Time Option
This option is a particularly strong pathway for working adults looking to make a career change and become a teacher. You can continue to work full-time in your current profession, and pursue your coursework part-time (except during practicum).
Specialization and Licensure Options
In order to become a public school teacher in Massachusetts, you must earn a license and specialize in a content area for specific grades. This master's degree program offers four areas of subject matter specialization for licensure:- English grades 5-12
- History grades 5-12
- Mathematics grades 8-12
- Science grades 8-12
About the School of Education
For nearly 125 years, UMass Lowell's School of Education has been a leader in the field of education — offering world-class programs with a reputation for innovation and excellence. Today, more than a century after its founding, UMass Lowell's School of Education offers undergraduate and graduate programs at all levels through the doctorate. As education transforms throughout Massachusetts and the nation, teachers and leaders need to adapt and lead. And there is no better place to learn how than through the School of Education. Faculty members understand today's education climate and offer in-depth knowledge and expertise as active researchers, expert teachers, thought leaders and policy specialists.
Curriculum Outline
- 9 Courses / 30 Credits
Core Courses (7 Courses / 21cr)
- EDUC.6300 Educating Diverse Populations * (3cr) - Available Spring 2024!
- EDUC.5410 Teaching Emergent Bilingual Learners (3cr)
- EDUC.5101 Foundations of Social Justice Education * (3cr)
- EDUC.5043 Methods of Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities-Secondary * (3cr) - Available Spring 2024!
- EDUC.5102 Critical Literacies * (3cr) - Available Spring 2024!
- EDUC.6240 Assessment of Learning * (3cr) - Available Spring 2024!
- EDUC.5402 Pre-Practicum (3cr)
Specialization Courses (2 Courses / 9 Credits)
Choose one of the four subject matter areas below for specialization:
English
- EDUC.5720 Curriculum and Teaching: English (3cr)
- EDUC.5832 Teaching English and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
History
- EDUC.5730 Curriculum and Teaching History (3cr)
- EDUC.5842 Teaching History and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
Mathematics
- EDUC.5750 Curriculum and Teaching Math (3cr) - Available Spring 2024!
- EDUC.5892 Teaching Mathematics and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
Science
- EDUC.5760 Curriculum and Teaching Science (3cr)
- EDUC.5903 Teaching Biology and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
- EDUC.5913 Teaching Chemistry and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
- EDUC.5933 Teaching Physics and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
Course Descriptions
EDUC.5043 Methods of Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities-Secondary (3cr)
Examines the methods of teaching students with moderate disabilities at the secondary level. Topics include curriculum (including the Massachusetts frameworks), IEPs, and instructional modifications appropriate for students with special needs.
EDUC.5101 Foundations of Social Justice Education (3cr)
This course provides an introduction to the principles of social justice education, by examining and applying theories and methods of curriculum design, classroom teaching, and social emotional learning and development. This course will prepare educators to foster equity in classroom practice and pedagogy for racially, culturally, socioeconomically, and linguistically diverse learners.
EDUC.5102 Critical Literacies (3cr)
This course will address thinking, writing and talking about texts. It will examine the range of literacies including critical, print, technology, visual, media and informational. A special focus will be on anti-racist literature and texts of social justice.
EDUC.5402 Pre-Practicum (3cr)
the pre-practicum is a combination of coursework and field experiences and is a state requirement for both teachers of record and preservice teachers. It takes place in the semester before the practicum. Preservice teachers participate in either a full-day professional seminar, diverse field-based observations and experiences. The pre-practicum helps bridge theory into practice and provide opportunities for discussion and feedback in all coursework in the program. A portfolio addressing Massachusetts' professional teacher standards (PSTs) and SMKs (Subject Matter Knowledge) is required at the end of the pre- practicum. After successful completion of the pre-practicum and with the approval of the graduate coordinator, students request a practicum placement.
EDUC.5410 Teaching Emergent Bilingual Learners (3cr)
The purpose of this course is to prepare new secondary teacher candidates with the knowledge and skills to effectively shelter their content instruction, so that the growing population of English learners (ELs) in PK-12 schools can achieve academic success, and contribute their multilingual and multicultural resources. The course will provide aspiring teachers with practical research-based methods, strategies, and protocols to integrate subject area content, language, and literacy. Successful completion of this course provides SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) endorsement, which is required for teaching in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This is a service learning course.
EDUC.5720 Curriculum and Teaching: English (3cr)
The purpose of this course is to prepare teacher candidates for the content-specific dimensions of their practicum. The course is designed to develop pedagogical skills, curriculum writing and also to encourage prospective English teachers to examine their own beliefs, expectations, and dispositions about the nature of the discipline, the practice of teaching, the process of learning, and the nature of the learners.
EDUC.5730 Curriculum and Teaching History (3cr)
Students analyze the content, methods, materials, and management techniques used in teaching History. Examination of national and state standards for the discipline. The course will include micro-teaching and self-evaluation, as well as school-based observation and participation in schools.
EDUC.5750 Curriculum and Teaching Math (3cr)
Students analyze the content, methods, materials, and management techniques used in teaching mathematics, and examine national and state standards for the discipline. The course includes micro-teaching, self-evaluation, school-based observation, and participation in schools.
EDUC.5760 Curriculum and Teaching Science (3cr)
Students analyze the content, methods, materials, and management techniques used in teaching science. Examination of national and state standards for the discipline. The course will include micro-teaching and self-evaluation, as well as school-based observation and participation in schools.
EDUC.5832 Teaching English and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
The practicum is a minimum of 12-weeks in a school setting and takes place after all coursework is completed. Practicum can take place in a middle or high school depending on the subject area of licensure. Massachusetts' Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires that a preservice teacher complete 300 hours of student teaching with 100 hours of full teaching responsibility in an approved school setting. Students are matched with experienced and licensed teachers who alongside a university supervisor evaluate the student's performance, provide feedback, support and mentoring. Students return to campus biweekly to attend a practicum seminar that focuses on CAP (Candidate Assessment of Performance).
EDUC.5842 Teaching History and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
The practicum is a minimum of 12-weeks in a school setting and takes place after all coursework is completed. Practicum can take place in a middle of high school depending on the subject area of licensure. Massachusetts' Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires that a preservice teacher complete 300 hours of student teaching with 100 hours of full teaching responsibility in an approved school setting. Students are matched with experienced and licensed teachers who alongside a university supervisor evaluate the student's performance, provide feedback, support and mentoring. Students return to campus biweekly to attend a practicum seminar that focuses on CAP (Candidate Assessment of Performance).
EDUC.5892 Teaching Mathematics and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
The practicum is a minimum of 12-weeks in a school setting and takes place after all coursework is completed. Practicum can take place in a middle or high school depending on the subject area of licensure. Massachusetts' Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires that a preservice teacher complete 300 hours of student teaching with 100 hours of full teaching responsibility in an approved school setting. Students are matched with experienced and licensed teachers who alongside a university supervisor evaluate the students's performance, provide feedback, support and mentoring. Students return to campus biweekly to attend a practicum seminar that focuses on CAP (Candidate Assessment of Performance).
EDUC.5903 Teaching Biology and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
The practicum is a minimum of 12-weeks in a school setting and takes place after all coursework is completed. Practicum can take place in the middle or high school depending on the subject area of licensure. Massachusetts' Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires that a preservice teacher complete 300 hours of student teaching with 100 hours of full teaching responsibility in an approved school setting. Students are matched with experienced and licensed teachers who alongside a university supervisor evaluate the students performance, provide feedback, support and mentoring. Students return to campus biweekly to attend a practicum seminar that focuses on CAP (Candidate Assessment of Performance).
EDUC.5913 Teaching Chemistry and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
The practicum is a minimum of 12-weeks in a school setting and takes place after all coursework is completed. Practicum can take place in a middle or high school depending on the subject area of licensure. Massachusetts' Department of elementary and Secondary Education requires that a preservice teacher complete 300 hours of student teaching with 100 hours of full teaching responsibility in an approved school setting. Students are matched with experienced and licensed teachers who alongside a university supervisor evaluate the student's performance, provide feedback, support and mentoring. Students return to campus biweekly to attend a practicum seminar that focuses on CAP (Candidate Assessment of Performance).
EDUC.5933 Teaching Physics and Seminar (Practicum) (6cr)
The practicum is a minimum of 12-weeks in a school setting and takes place after all coursework is completed. Practicum can take place in a middle or high school depending on the subject area of licensure. Massachusetts' Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires that a preservice teacher complete 300 hours of student teaching with 100 hours of full teaching responsibility in an approved school setting. Students are matched with experienced and licensed teachers who alongside a university supervisor evaluate the student's performance, provide feedback, support and mentoring. Students return to campus biweekly to attend a practicum seminar that focuses on CAP (Candidate Assessment of Performance).
EDUC.6240 Assessment of Learning (3cr)
Students examine various approaches to the formative and summative assessment of learning. This course examines the importance of assessment in planning curricula and individual lessons.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6300 Educating Diverse Populations (3cr)
As the world becomes increasingly diverse, educators must be prepared to examine, confront, and manage the factors that affect the education of all children. This course addresses several central issues focusing on how teachers address the problems that confront students who differ from the majority population in language, ethnicity, culture, gender, and sexual orientation. Ensuring that their families and communities are actively involved in the educational process is also an important component of the course.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
Program Requirements
To be recommended for a University of Massachusetts Lowell master's degree, candidates must satisfy all of the general requirements below, plus any additional requirements that may be required by the department through which the program is offered. Any additional requirements for this program are either listed below or may be found in the University's Graduate Program Catalog.
General Requirements:
- Students must complete the program of study designed by the Department in which they are enrolled and approved by the University.
- Satisfactory grades in all subjects offered for the degree must be earned. See Academic Standing.
- All financial obligations, including tuition, fees and expenses, must be satisfied as evidenced by completion.
- Upon completion of all their courses, graduate degree candidates must submit a signed Declaration of Intent to Graduate (DIG) form to their coordinator. The coordinator will apply them in SIS, Graduation Tracking.
Graduate Program Policies
In applying for a degree program or registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations and procedures of UMass Lowell as set forth on our website. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Program Policies found within the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Tuition for online programs offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same whether you live in-state, out-of-state or outside of the U.S.
Spring 2024 Tuition |
Cost Per Credit | Cost Per 3-Credit Course* |
|---|---|---|
Graduate |
||
| Online Education | $470 | $1,410 |
| Online Education for Ed.D. and Ph.D. | $500 | $1,500 |
Additional Costs |
|
|---|---|
| Term Registration Fee | $30 |
| Late Fee | $50 |
| Graduate Degree and Certificate Application | $50 |
Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Looking for Financial Assistance?
Apply
Admissions Requirements
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in English, History, Math or Science. For those with alternative majors, a minimum of 36 content credit hours is required.
- Cumulative Grade Point Average 3.0 or above for your bachelor's degree
- Any UMass Lowell undergraduate junior or senior may apply to a master's degree program at UMass Lowell under the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Degree Option with the following conditions: 1) The applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above at the time the baccalaureate degree is conferred in order to maintain eligibility for this option, and 2) The applicant must apply for and receive his/her baccalaureate degree before matriculating into the graduate program. Conditional acceptance into the program will be granted to eligible juniors and seniors before their baccalaureate degree is conferred.
General Information
UMass Lowell's School of Education delivers the master's degree and endorses for licensure after all the MTELS are passed in the appropriate academic field.
Note: Massachusetts General Law requires that school districts conduct background checks through a Criminal Offender Record Investigation (CORI) for school personnel. Please be aware that certain circumstances may result in a student being unable to complete a teacher preparation degree program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. See the Massachusetts Department of Education CORI Policy. Learn more by reviewing the School of Education's Policies and Expectations.
Applying into a Graduate Degree Program
All applicants must submit:- An application
- An application fee
- A statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- No GRE required
- F1 student visas are not issued for this program
Graduate Program Admissions Requirements
Admission to all graduate programs at UMass Lowell is contingent upon successful completion of a bachelor's degree. In many cases, applicants may register for a course before formally applying to the program; however, students requiring financial aid may want to wait until they have been formally accepted into the program to ensure that their course(s) will be covered. Contact UMass Lowell's Office of Graduate Admissions , or edoffice@uml.edu if you have questions about the application process.
Questions Regarding Your Graduate Application?
Email Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu or call 800-656-4723 (for U.S. students) or 978-934-2390 (for international students).
For General Assistance:
For general questions about registering for courses or to find out who the advisor is for your graduate program, call 800-480-3190. Our admissions and advising teams are here to help!
