Early Childhood Education - Initial Licensure

Our PreK-2 field-based licensure program provides a strong foundation in theoretical, pedagogical, and conceptual knowledge as well as the opportunity to apply that knowledge in public school settings. Our dedicated faculty prioritizes instructional techniques that promote anti-bias education and support equitable access to learning opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse learners. We offer three field-based, initial licensure programs that lead to PreK-2 public school endorsements in Massachusetts:

M.Ed. Early Childhood Initial License program is designed for those with a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood or related fields, career changers, and early childhood providers interested in PreK-2 public school teaching in Massachusetts. Successful completion of this program leads to a master’s degree and a PreK-2 public school endorsement.
M.Ed. Early Childhood Initial Licensure program with a Special Education add-on license is designed for students who are interested in a PreK-2 license in both general and special education. Successful completion of this program leads to a master’s degree and PreK-2 public school endorsements in both general and special education.
Early Child Initial License only is designed for those who already hold a master’s degree and who have met the majority of the DESE PreK-2 requirements through previous coursework and professional development. Successful completion of this program leads to a PreK-2 public school endorsement.

Admission Requirements

General Prerequisites

A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree or at least 24 credits above the introductory level in arts and science courses, with at least 12 credits in one academic area

A passing score on the communication and literacy portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure

A course in child growth and development taken within the last five years or EDU 720

This program is exempt from having to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, you will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. You must request that any transfer credits be considered at this time. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO MORE THAN THREE COURSES TAKEN AT SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY BEFORE ADMISSION CAN BE COUNTED TOWARDS THIS PROGRAM. You should meet regularly with the program coordinator to discuss your progress and revise your plan of study as needed.

Summer Session I (8 Credits)

Summer Session II (6 - 7.5 credits)

Fall Semester (12 credits)

Spring Semester (11.5 credits)

Total Credits: (variable 12** - 39)

**Students who enter the program with specific course competencies taken prior to admission may be eligible for a reduction in the overall number of required credits in the program. The total required depends on the transcript review by the program coordinator.

Additional Information and Notes

*Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure prior to entering the practicum.