Education Accelerated Dual Degree Program

Westfield State University offers an accelerated dual degree program for undergraduate Elementary Education majors! The program is a sequence of undergraduate and graduate-level Education courses packaged together to allow students to begin graduate-level coursework as an undergraduate, finish their bachelor’s degree in 4-years, and complete a M.Ed. program in one additional year.

When completed, you will be eligible for:

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
• Initial licensure in Elementary Education grades 1-6
• Master of Education in Moderate Disabilities
• Initial licensure in Moderate Disabilities, grades PreK-8

Course Completion Plan

Why Westfield?

You will benefit from:

• A special dual-licensure academic advisor who will be there to provide support during your entire program
• Support preparing for and taking the MTELs necessary to obtain your licenses in Massachusetts
• More marketable skills, that could earn you a higher salary

How long will it take?

This program is designed for students who major in Elementary Education and who also have an interest in obtaining a second initial license in Moderate Special Needs and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree.  After four years, including summer sessions between junior and senior years, the initial phase of this program leads an undergraduate degree and initial licensure in Elementary Education, grades 1-6, providing all degree and licensure requirements are complete, including successful completion of student teaching.  A fifth year of study at the graduate level leads to initial licensure in Moderate Special Needs, grades PreK-8, and a M.Ed. degree providing all degree and licensure requirements are complete, including successful completion of student teaching.

What are the program requirements?

Current Westfield State Elementary Education majors can apply to the Accelerated Dual Degree program in their sophomore year.  After acceptance, students must continue to meet the program requirements in order to move into the master’s degree phase.  The application process for this accelerated option is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. To be eligible for the accelerated dual degree program, you must:

Complete the statement of eligibility form in the sophomore year by April 1

• Applicants to the program need to have a WSU overall GPA of at least 3.3 and sophomore standing
• Submit a current degree audit with the statement of eligibility for your BSE and BA programs. Liberal Studies concentrations should be declared by the time of submitting your statement of eligibility and indicated on your BA degree audit
• Applicants to the program need to have successfully completed the Communication and Literacy MTEL test. Please include your official score report to your statement of eligibility

Statement of Eligibility Form

Complete the Early Entry Graduate Application by February 15th of the junior year submitted with the following:

• Narrative Statement
• Two references

Early Entry Graduate Application

What are the costs?

Current graduate tuition and fees may be found on the website for the College of Graduate and Continuing Education. These are not included in your undergraduate tuition. A practicum fee is required for student teaching.

You may need to pay for graduate classes out of pocket if you already receive the maximum amount of financial aid.

The College of Graduate and Continuing Education offers a limited number of graduate assistantships that can help with the costs of graduate courses. Also offered is the Supporting our Schools Scholarship, with an application deadline each summer. Additional information can be found at GoBackNow.com or by contacting CGCE.

*This program would require day time availability and a full-time course schedule for CGCE students

Have Questions?

For questions about the Accelerated Dual Licensure program and how to apply, please contact Education Program Administrator, Dr. Megan Kennedy at mkennedy@westfield.ma.edu