Have you considered a career in Education? Perhaps this is a lifelong dream, family tradition or a career change. Regardless your inspiration, you 
will need to earn your initial teaching license. The world of educator licensure can be quite confusing. We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions about the initial licensure process to help you begin your journey.
Massachusetts' Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) requires a master's degree for licensure. Students enrolled in an M.Ed. initial licensure program complete two steps at once: earning their license and their master's degree.
If I earn my M.Ed. with an initial license, will I have to earn another master’s when I apply for my professional license?You don’t need a second master’s degree to advance your current initial license*. Fitchburg State offers a variety of professional licensure graduate level courses, professional development workshops and Certificates of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) programs for educators, including additional licensure options in Educational Administration and Reading Specialist.
Do I need to pass the MTELs before applying to the program?A passing score on the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure® (MTEL) Communication and Literacy: Reading and Writing subtests is required as part of the application process to an initial licensure program. Throughout your program you’ll have checkpoints to pass additional MTELs required for the license you’re seeking. Fitchburg State offers a variety of MTEL preparation workshops to help you succeed.
I don’t live in Massachusetts, can I earn a license in my home state through your program?
No, Fitchburg State is ESE approved to endorse for an initial or professional license in the State of Massachusetts. Students must meet all requirements for Massachusetts licensure, including passing the required MTELs and pre-practicum and practicum fieldwork in a Massachusetts public school**, required for the initial license.
Is Fitchburg State accredited?Yes, Fitchburg State is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation CAEP/NCATE.
What initial licensure programs do you offer?Fitchburg State offers a variety of Master of Education, Graduate Certificate and Post Baccalaureate Certificate Initial Licensure programs with courses offered in the evening, or in a hybrid format. Check out the entire list of programs on our website.
Do you offer initial licensure programs at your Extended Campus locations?Fitchburg State collaborates with partners throughout the Commonwealth to offer graduate credit for their ESE-approved Initial Licensure programs. For details, contact the Extended Campus Programs Office at (978) 665-3794.
Looking for more information? Attend an upcoming information session or give us a call at 978-665-3182 to schedule an advising session.
*Information based on 2017 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary (ESE) standards. These standards are subject to change.
**Please reference the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary (ESE) standards for details regarding practicum setting requirements.