Program: Elementary Education - Initial License, Master of Education - Salem State University

Apr 01, 2025

2024-2025 School of Graduate Studies Catalog

This program is designed for individuals who already hold an undergraduate degree and who are seeking a master’s degree and an initial license and/or training in elementary education (Grades 1-6). There is an opportunity for an add-on license in special education.

Admission Requirements

Additional Admission Requirements:

Applicants for the M.Ed. Elementary Education - Initial License and Initial License Only - Elementary Education programs are exempt from having to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

To be considered eligible, students must demonstrate a 3.0 GPA from undergraduate studies. They must also submit passing scores on the Communication and Literacy portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.

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.

Foundations Courses

Summer Session I (8 Credits)

Summer Session II (4 - 4.5 credits)

EDG 705 - Culturally Responsive Teaching
EDU 737 - Applying Human Development to Teaching and Assessment OR
EDC 710 - Fundamentals of Lesson Planning *
*It is appropriate to select EDC 710 if you have already taken a course on child growth, learning theories, or educational psychology.
EDA 901 - Programmatic Assessment for Initial Education Licensure I

Methods Courses

Fall Semester (13.5 credits)

Practicum

Spring Semester (11.5 credits)

Total Credits: 30-38.5

Courses for Add-On Special Education License: (18 credits)

*If you are enrolling in the special education license for MED in elementary education initial add-on, you must apply to the Special Education - Initial License program in the summer prior to the methods semester take EDS 891 . Please consult your program coordinator for more information.

Total Credits for MED Elementary Education + Special Education Initial (48 - 57)

Additional Information

*Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure prior to entering the practicum undergraduate or previous graduate work. Thirty (30) credits in the minimum required for the master’s degree.

End of program/licensure requirements:

Note: In order to obtain an elementary initial license in the state of MA, you must complete the approved preparation program and pass the MTELs listed below.
The McKeown School of Education policy requires you to pass all the MTELs listed below prior to student teaching.

Communication and Literacy (01)
Foundations of Reading (90) (EDU 725 Foundations of Reading prepares you for taking this MTEL)
General Curriculum (178/278)
a. Subtest 1: Language Arts and History/Social Science (178)
b. Subtest 2: Mathematics, Science, and Technology/Engineering (278)

Completion policy:

Complete the required coursework and benchmark program assessments throughout your program.
Variable Credits:
Students who enter the program with specific course competencies taken prior to admission may be eligible for a reduction in the overall number of degree credits in the program. The program will require a minimum of 30 credits to complete, but if a student has demonstrated that they have taken a course in a similar competency, they do not need to retake the corresponding course at Salem State University. In the event that a student has substantial demonstrated competencies that would cause them to need fewer than 30 credits of the required courses in the program, the student will take alternative courses in consultation with the Program Coordinator to attain the minimum required credits for graduation.