Minimum number of credits required to complete the program: 36
Minimum cumulative GPA required: 3.0
School: School of Education and Social Policy
Learn more about the program
The School of Education and Social Policy offers multiple Teacher Education Programs (TEP) that have been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Interstate Certification Compact of the National Association of State Directors of Teachers Education.
Please refer to the DESE website and each state’s requirements for exact terms of reciprocity.
The Teacher Education Program prepares students to earn initial licensure in select areas. The program is delivered in several different formats. Students may choose modality by course.
On Campus/Hybrid
- Full-time through the Teacher Education Fellowship program, which offers a full-tuition fellowship
- Full-time or part-time as a traditional student, working closely with an academic advisor to plan your program of study and timeline to completion
Online
- Full- or part-time online, mostly asynchronous.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher Education Program Options
- Early Childhood Education (PreK-2), with initial license
- Elementary Education (1-6), with initial license
- Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8), with initial license
- English as a Second Language (PreK-6), with initial license
- Middle School Education (5-8) / High School Education (8-12), with initial license
- Curriculum and Instruction, non-license
Merrimack College also offers non-degree options for those students who do not want, or need, a master’s degree but desire an additional license. Candidates must currently possess an active initial or professional license from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- Early Childhood Education (PreK-2) add-on license
- English as a Second Language (PreK-6) add-on license
- Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) add-on license
Online Education Program
For those students who desire more flexibility, Merrimack College offers an online M.Ed. program in teacher education. This program format combines 100% online courses* with immersion events and in-classroom practicum close to home. Students’ progress at their own pace through the courses, through learning materials and assessments designed to ensure mastery of skills required for teaching excellence and valued by employers. All field placements are conducted in person. Field placements must occur in Massachusetts, and are coordinated within a reasonable distance of the student’s permanent residence. EDU 5820 Sheltered English Instruction is conducted in an online synchronous format with mandatory course meetings.
Merrimack complies with individual U.S. state regulations before enrolling students in our online degree programs who reside outside of Massachusetts.
In all formats (on-campus or online) the Master of Education in Teacher Education is a 36-credit program.
Practicum Requirements
Licensure candidates who wish to use their current full-time employment for practicum purposes must receive approval from the Director of the Field Placement office.
Candidates with a teaching license from another state will be considered for admission, however, additional steps may need to occur in order to reciprocate the current teaching license to Massachusetts. The student will be advised of the license requirements for Massachusetts upon matriculation and in consultation with their advisor.
Re-Admission to the Teacher Education master’s program
A student who has withdrawn from Merrimack College and the Master’s of Education program in good standing may re-apply to complete their program. However, the completed coursework will be reevaluated based on current DESE subject-matter and professional standards, and the student may be required to complete additional coursework to satisfy the requirements for initial licensure.
If the student re-applies to the program for a different concentration, the application will be reviewed based on the current licensing standards.
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