Elementary Education (Master's Degree)

About This Program
	Students have the option to pursue licensure only.
	The Office of Educator Prep and Licensure can help answer your teaching license questions.
	Contact Eileen Cyr Graduate Coordinator Department of Education (413) 748-3312 ecyr@springfield.edu
	View the career outcomes

In the graduate-level elementary education concentration, you will earn a master’s degree and initial licensure as an elementary education teacher for grades 1-6. Through our program, which features pre-practicum and practicum field experiences, teachers will gain increased awareness of the social and emotional needs of elementary students and the principles for creating safe and effective schools.

We believe that educators must not only be proficient in content knowledge and pedagogy; they also must be able to understand the complex social and emotional context of their learners. So, we focus on that in our program with a year-long residency in an elementary classroom, as well as courses that prepare educators to create learning environments that support the positive social and emotional development of children in their transition to adolescence.

A bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, sciences, or an interdisciplinary major prior to admission is required.

Already working in the Springfield Public Schools? Apply for the S-Cubed program, a partnership between the Springfield Public Schools and Springfield College, and earn your degree for less!

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Admissions Requirements

This program enrolls students in all terms.

Education Requirements
- Each course has a field-based component (this is usually 15-20 hours a week in a school).
- A transcript review of undergraduate and any prior graduate work is required prior to admission.

Complete the application form. No application fee.

Start your application process by completing the online application form. Be sure to complete your application by submitting all the required materials outlined in this section.

Graduate Admissions Essay

Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your essay.

In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College.

Resume

Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your resume.

Letters of Recommendation

This program requires three letters of recommendation. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.

Interview

It is recommended that applicants complete an interview.

Official Transcripts from All Institutions Previously/Currently Attended

An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required.
Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu, or mailed to the college address:
Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:

Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed College level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.

Our Associate Director of International Admissions Nicholas Venn can answer any questions you may have about enrolling in Springfield College as an international student. You may email him at intladmissions@springfield.edu or via phone at (413) 748-3891.

To submit materials:

After submitting your online application form you will receive user login credentials to access your student application portal. From that portal, you will be able to upload your graduate admissions essay and your resume. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload their letter to your application. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu, or mailed to the college address:

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

Curriculum

CORE Research Requirements for Master of Education (M.Ed) (5-6 credits)

EDUC 626 - Education Research Project Credits: 3-Feb
(note: also requires successful completion of research project presentation)
RSCH 610 - Foundations and Methods of Research Credits: 3

Elementary Education (1 - 6) licensure track

The Graduate Level Initial Licensure Program in Elementary Education prepares elementary school teachers to create learning environments that support children in their transition to adolescence. The program offers a combination of courses that will lead to the Elementary Initial license upon successful completion of program requirements. All students entering the program will be required to meet the subject matter knowledge requirements as identified by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The program prepares educators to have increased awareness of the social and emotional needs of elementary students and the principles for creating safe and effective schools. Educators must not only be proficient in content knowledge and pedagogy; they must also be able to understand the complex social and emotional context of their learners. With the foundation provided by the required courses, including the pre-practicum and practicum field experiences, individuals completing the Graduate Initial Licensure Program in Elementary Education will be able to create a learning environment which supports the positive social, emotional development and high academic standards that are now required within public schools.

Prerequisites:
A course in child development and Arts and Sciences coursework covering the Elementary Teacher Subject Matter Knowledge requirements in the Massachusetts Regulations for Educator Licensure. In general terms, this includes specific coursework in English, Mathematics, History and Social Science, Science, Technology/Engineering, Child Development, Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Health. A transcript review will determine whether there are additional prerequisites.

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure Required:
All students in the Elementary Graduate Initial Licensure Program are required to pass the following exams: