Early Childhood Education - Initial Licensure, Master of Education

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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 many of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (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

Additional Admission Requirements:

This licensure 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 early childhood education (PreK-2).

To be considered eligible, they must submit passing scores on the Communication and Literacy portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.

Completion policy:

Complete the required coursework, pre-practicum (300 hours), practicum (300 hours), and benchmark program assessments throughout the program.

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)

Methods Courses Fall semester (12 credits)

Practicum: Spring Semester (11.5 credits)

(Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure prior to entering the practicum. This includes the Early Childhood Content test and the Foundations of Reading test.)

Total Credits: 30-39

If choosing a Special Education Add-On License

*If you are enrolling in the special education license for MED in elementary education add-on, you must apply to the Special Education - Initial License in the summer prior to the methods semester and will take EDU 801 instead of EDC 796. Please consult your program coordinator for more information.

Total Credits for M.Ed. Early Childhood Education + Special Education License (30 - 60) variable credits)

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.

Variable Credit

Variable credit programs are designed to address a student’s academic plan while adhering to the program requirements and standards of the profession. Based on their background (e.g., prior coursework, select endorsements), some students may be approved for the minimum number of credits of the program and other students may need additional coursework. Students will work with the Graduate Program Coordinator to determine the best fit of courses within the structure of the program and propose the Plan of Study to the School of Graduate Studies for review and approval. 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.