Master of Science in Elementary Education (1-6) for Initial Licensure
This master’s degree program is intended for students who have completed a bachelor’s program and now wish to obtain initial licensure to teach children in grades 1-6. The curriculum focuses on a combination of pedagogical courses and courses related to teaching elementary content knowledge in literacy, mathematics, history, and science.
Certification
Successful completion of this program leads to the Initial License, Grades 1-6.
Field Experience
The field experience is a cornerstone of graduate study at Wheelock. Each student in this program is required to participate in a 100-hour pre-practicum that lasts one semester, and a 300-hour practicum in another semester.
Some students may want to do their pre-practicum and practicum in the same setting. Those students may apply to the Wheelock/Cambridge Partnership or the Wheelock/Brookline Partnership for a full-year paid internship. Payment may be in the form of either a stipend or tuition remission.
To find out more go to the Field Experiences website at http://www.wheelock.edu/fld/.
FAQs
Q: How many credits is this program?
A: 34
Q: When can I enroll in this program?
A: We prefer that students begin the program in the summer
semester (June start). If students enter the program in the summer
they have a better chance of finishing the program and practica in
14 months. However, students may enroll in this program for the fall,
spring, or summer semester.
Q: Do I need to be a full-time student to participate in
this program?
A: No, you may participate in this program as a part-time
student if you wish.
Q: Do I need experience working with children to qualify
for admission to this program?
A: We like to see a commitment to working with children and
families for admission to this program, but direct experience working
with children is not required. Wheelock values candidates’ experiences
in a number of settings, including urban settings.
Q: Do I have to interview for admission to the program?
A: No. But informational interviews to learn more about the
program and its fit with your professional goals are encouraged. To
schedule an interview with a faculty member, email the Office of Graduate
Admissions at graduate@wheelock.edu
Q: What will I need to submit if I apply to this program?
A: A graduate
program application, a 3-5 page essay, a copy of your resumé,
copies of your academic transcripts and three letters of reference.
For full details of required admissions materials visit our
Graduate
Admissions site.
Q: What if I already have an initial license?
A: Applicants who already have their Initial License may be
interested in either our Master of
Science in Teaching and Learning in Elementary Education for Professional
Licensure or our Master of Science
in Educational Studies: Elementary Education programs.
Q: How many hours are the field placements?
A: Each student completes a 100-hour pre-practicum and a 300-hour
practicum as part of this program.
Q: Can I be paid for my placement?
A: Yes, some paid internships are available through the Wheelock/Cambridge
and Wheelock/Brookline Partnerships. Those who apply and are given
internships through these partnerships work full-time in a co-teaching
role as paid interns in a classroom at one of Wheelock's partner schools,
and simultaneously complete a series of courses and seminars linked
to the internship. Students play a major professional role as part
of a teaching team, engaging in discussions about the integration of
theory and practice, attending staff meetings, taking part in parent
conferences, and participating in in-service training. Payment may
be in the form of a stipend or tuition remission.
Q: Will I be able to use my current job as a placement opportunity?
A: In some instances a student can use their current job as
their pre-practicum and practicum. The school must be in an urban setting,
near to Wheelock or readily accessible by a practicum supervisor, and
must meet the College’s educational standards for elementary
education. You must obtain approval from Wheelock’s Field Experience
Office and the Elementary Education faculty. Contact the Office of
Graduate Admissions at graduate@wheelock.edu to
inquire about the suitability of your current job to serve as your
field placement.
Applying to a Wheelock College Graduate Program
Go to our application process web page to find out more on how to apply to this program.
If you have any questions about this program, other graduate programs at Wheelock College, or about applying to Wheelock College, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduate@wheelock.edu or call (617) 879-2206 (toll-free (800) 734-5212), or visit the Office of Graduate Admissions Web Site.
