Editor’s Picks: Best Accredited Teacher Prep Master’s Programs with No Entrance Exams

Best accredited teacher prep master's programs badgeIf you want to be a teacher, it all starts with getting a license… and getting a license in any state means getting the right training through a state-approved teacher preparation program. Teacher prep programs for initial licensure go by plenty of different names depending on which state board you’re dealing with, but they all serve the same function: to put teachers in training through the rigors required to be prepared for the classroom.

There is no hoop jumping involved in a teacher prep program; just the critical pedagogical knowledge you need, along with hard-won classroom management and student engagement skills developed through practice during student teaching rotations.

If those weren’t steps you took when you earned your bachelor’s degree, then you still have some work to do.

Most teacher licensure programs are offered in conjunction with a bachelor’s since a four-year degree meets the basic education requirements for initial licensure. But the world is changing, and it’s increasingly common for people to go back to school for a graduate degree and the career change that comes along with it.

A master’s degree in teaching or education combined with a teacher prep program is just about the straightest line you can take from being a graduate student to working in a new profession.

A master’s degree also comes with some extra benefits above a bachelor’s. With a master’s under your belt, you can expect a higher salary, greater responsibility, and more employment options on your menu.

To help you with that goal, we’ve identified the top, no-entrance-exam programs by state that offer you a master’s degree with initial teacher preparation baked in.

No Entrance Exams: Top Grad Schools Look at More Than Just Test Scores

It’s interesting that at a time when there is a big conversation going on about how much student achievement should be measured by standardized test scores, aspiring teachers looking at going back for a grad degree are forced to think about something similar. Becoming a teacher involves demonstrating your competency and subject matter mastery through Praxis exams or similar state administered tests, often even before beginning the teacher preparation component of the program. This type of testing is fundamental to becoming a teacher, and nobody would argue the need to prove yourself before being qualified for the classroom.

Graduate school entrance exams are another matter entirely, and attitudes are changing about how necessary and effective this type of front-end testing really is. As it turns out, entrance exams aren’t actually a strong predictor of how a student will perform in graduate school, and they say even less about the kind of teacher a grad student will turn out to be. Most entrance exams – like the MAT, GMAT and GRE – have nothing to do with teaching specifically and are, in fact, the same exams you’d find in any graduate program in any field.

The Praxis Core tests are an exception to this since they are designed specifically for students entering teacher prep programs, but they are still very general in nature, broadly covering reading, writing and math skills regardless of the grade level of subject a student is becoming certified to teach. The Praxis Core also falls short in the sense that it doesn’t differentiate its exams for undergrads and grad students, leading many graduate schools to view it as too standardized and lacking in the level of rigor required for the exam to actually mean much when it comes to vetting grad students.

Many grad schools only require exams for students with undergrad GPAs lower than what the school would typically find acceptable rather than placing a hard stop on the GPA minimum they’ll accept. In these instances, it’s hard not to get the sense that the exam is there as a way to relax standards and boost enrollment.

Rather than relying on some one-size-fits-all exam, many of the nation’s top graduate schools are doing away with it entirely and turning to more substantive ways of verifying a prospective student’s readiness for graduate school, considering everything from undergraduate GPA and extracurriculars, to statement of purpose essays and student interviews, to letters of reference and work history.

Things We Considered when Selecting the Best Master’s Programs for New Teachers

A lot goes into vetting new grad students who will go on to become teachers, and we felt it was only right that an equal level of scrutiny goes into selecting the best master’s programs. Narrowing down the list of programs out there to just those with no entrance exams was a job in itself, but it was only the beginning for us when it came to choosing the programs we could feel good calling the very best.

Each program on this list goes above and beyond the minimum requirements in every category we considered, offering an initial teacher preparation experience that truly stands out against the pack.

EPP Program Accreditation

In our search for top quality programs, we started off by looking at specialty accreditation.

Today, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the standard bearer, and the only CHEA (Committee for Higher Education Accreditation)-approved body that provides accreditation for U.S. educator preparation providers offering teacher training programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels. The agency verifies that accredited programs and schools meet the highest standards, looking for specific qualifications to be met and maintained as it relates to:

  • Strategies for continuous improvement
  • Strong instructor hiring and retention standards
  • Offering deep content and pedagogical knowledge
  • High standards for partnerships and field practice
  • Quality candidate recruitment standards

But CAEP has only been fully active for a couple years, formed when the two previous accrediting bodies for educator preparation programs came together in 2016: NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) and TEAC (Teacher Education Accreditation Council).

That means that at this time, there are a range of overlapping and expiring accreditation statuses among initial teacher education programs around the country.

We uncover and list the accreditation status and source for each program, along with the expiration date of their current accreditation. You can be sure that each degree on this list meets the high standards that licensure requires, and that each one will maintain those standards and renew their certification under the CAEP banner.

Student Teaching Opportunities

Student teaching in a live classroom environment is a critical part of earning your spurs as a capable and confident educator. But ITP programs have many different approaches to offering this critical experience. The best programs have long-established relationships with a range of area schools, from the best-funded schools in upscale suburbs to those classified as high needs where resources are more limited and students live with the challenges that come with a lower socio-economic status.

Engaging in a variety of diverse student teaching experiences is about more than just getting a richer learning experience, it’s an opportunity for teachers in training to understand the full breadth of issues that both educators and students face. This leads to more well-rounded educators who are able to develop a variety of approaches to student engagement and classroom management, foster relationships with students from all walks of life, and differentiate educational strategies based on the unique needs and life experiences of different students.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a great teacher, so we looked for programs that offer opportunities for variety and diversity in the student teaching experience.

Research Into Educational Practices

While real world experience is vital to building your classroom management skills and getting you familiar with what to expect day to day, it’s also important to have a deep understanding of the theory behind curriculum development and the content you’re teaching, as well as the classroom management techniques you’ll be implementing. Education is a field that is obliged to evolve, changing along with society itself, forever adapting to a changing world, and in the process adopting new ways to effectively teach and engage students. The same strategies that may have worked a generation ago are completely ineffective now, so education is a field that depends on research.

One of the strengths of earning a master’s degree in the field is your exposure to original research opportunities and projects, so we made sure the programs that made our list don’t skimp on student research.

Community Involvement to Build Empathy and Skills

Diversity is more than just the watchword of the modern education system, it’s a growing fact in the American classroom today that is celebrated as the world progresses to embrace unity and equality. A large part of modern teacher training is devoted to ensuring that you have the sensitivity and discretion to interpret and value students of other cultures.

One way to help teach those skills is through community projects and outreach, whether it’s through on-site volunteering at local school districts or participating in special labs set up at the college to offer community services. We looked for schools that met a high bar in student involvement with diverse communities.

Strong Licensure Rates and Exam Pass Rates

Of course, the ultimate goal of one of these master’s level teacher prep programs is to prepare you with everything you need to earn your license to teach. And a fundamental part of earning your credentials is passing your Praxis or equivalent state exams. We believe one of the best measures of an effective school is the success of its graduates.

Not all schools publish or track data on their pass rates and ultimate graduate licensing rates, but for those that did, we weighted it heavily when it came to qualifying for a spot on this list.

State by State Listing of Our Favorite Teacher Prep Programs with No Entrance Exams

Teaching is regulated and licensed at the state level, and teacher preparation programs are designed to meet the very specific curriculum, testing and student teaching requirements of their state licensing board. It only makes sense then that a list of this sort makes an effort to identify programs by state.

We went state by state looking for programs that fit the bill. You’ll find all kinds of different programs here that align with licensing levels in different states, from separate elementary, middle and secondary programs, to programs designed for K-12 certification. You’ll also find a full array of content areas here too, from special education to the arts to PE to STEM fields.

Just 20 schools made our list, so not all states are represented here, and some have more than one, but in the end you can be sure every single program featured here checks all the boxes for what we consider exceptional, and none require the hoop jumping of required entrance exams.



This list features programs that our editorial staff hand selected to present as top recommendations. We believe the many aspects of a program that come together to create an exceptional student experience can’t be reduced to numbers alone, so no formula was used to attempt to score or rank these programs. Instead, they represent our top picks based on a thoughtful review of the things we know mean the most to students. Each one of these programs offers something unique, and all come equally highly recommended. We stand behind the principal of editorial integrity and make these recommendations independently and without compensation.

California

University of Southern California
Rossier School of Education
Los Angeles, CA
Website

MAT (on-campus, online)

  • Elementary Multiple Subjects
  • English Single Subject
  • Math Single Subject
  • Science Single Subject
  • Social Studies Single Subject
  • TESOL in English Language Development

MAT (on-campus)

  • Chinese TESOL
  • Korean TESOL
  • Spanish TESOL

Admissions requires registration for Praxis Subject Assessment.

Accreditation Status: NCATE-accredited till June 2022

  • Four faculty rank on Education Week’s top-200 most influential scholars list
  • The Rossier School of Education ranks first in funded research per faculty member nationally among private schools
  • Five faculty are recipients of prestigious awards from the American Educational Research Association and the Association for the Study of Higher Education
  • The Rossier School of Education founded a network of college prep schools to ensure all graduates have the chance to attend college
  • More than 70 Rossier alumni work as superintendents in California

The University of Southern California Rossier School of Education stands out in any comparison of schools that cater to teachers. Of the 200 scholars recognized nationally for their influence in educational policy and practice, four are tenured with the Rossier School of Education. As the number-one school for funded research when calculated on a per faculty basis, it’s not surprising that last year a single Rossier professor won a $3 million federal grant. The school is a frequent recipient of major endowments too, which has helped Rossier found a network of college prep high schools that provide a vital resource to the teachers of tomorrow.

Colorado

Colorado State University
School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Fort Collins, CO
Website

Master of Music Education (on-campus)

  • Elementary/Choral
  • Elementary/Instrumental

Accreditation Status: TEAC-accredited till December 2022

  • Full and part-time options
  • Small class sizes
  • Highly qualified faculty
  • High-quality community outreach through a strong partnership with 30 local schools
  • 96% of PK-12 educators find relevant jobs upon graduation

Music is a joy and gift, so why not share it with the next generation? The Colorado State University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance gives you the opportunity to do just that. Its MM in Music Education allows you to earn a graduate degree while simultaneously earning a K-12 teaching license, with no prior teaching experience required. As a student of this program, you’ll enjoy opportunities to learn and perform with bands, choirs and orchestras. As you complete this program you’ll work jointly with the School of Education’s Center for Educator Preparation. This school is distinguished in its own right, offering you an ideal student teaching experience through its strong partnerships with 30 schools in the Poudre and Thompson districts. You’ll have opportunities to excel pedagogically through the School of Education’s many sponsored areas of research, covering everything from issues related to teacher shortages to celebrating and teaching music with Latino and Indigenous students.

Hawaii

Hawaii Pacific University
School of Education, College of Professional Studies
Honolulu, HI
Website

MEd (on-campus)

  • Elementary Education K-6
  • English Secondary Education 6-12
  • Mathematics Secondary Education 6-12
  • Science Secondary Education 6-12
  • Social Studies Secondary Education 6-12
  • World Languages Secondary Education 6-12

MAT (on-campus)

  • TESOL K-12

Accreditation Status: TEAC-accredited till June 2021

  • Small class sizes
  • HPU is the top-ranked private university in Hawaii by US News and World Report; and ranked among the top universities in the West by both USNWR and the Princeton Review
  • On-campus Career Development Center gives you extra support to transition into the workforce
  • Study abroad and international exchange opportunities
  • HPU ranked best return-on-investment for schools in Hawaii by Payscale and among the best by Bloomberg Businessweek
  • Expanded state-of-the-art learning facilities in the heart of Honolulu
  • HPU is ranked by several national organizations for being military friendly, and as one of the best schools in the country for vets

At the HPU School of Education you’ll enjoy small class sizes with an average 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, in an environment rich in cultural diversity. In fact, in 2014 USA Today named HPU the most diverse college in the country. It’s no accident that as a student here, you’ll also have access to an exciting range of study abroad and foreign exchange opportunities. Not only is the school advanced on a cultural level; it’s also one that’s advancing on a technological level. As the campus expands and gets a high-tech makeover, HPU is slated to soon be the largest private real estate holder in downtown Honolulu. As you transition into your career as a successful teacher with the help of support services like the Career Development Center, you’ll be prepared to give back to your local community in a way that’s respectful to the environment and all people, embodying the values of pono, kuleana, and aloha.

Idaho

University of Idaho
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Moscow, ID
Website

MEd in Physical Education & Physical Activity Pedagogy (on-campus)

Accreditation Status: NCATE-accredited till December 2021

  • Fall, spring and summer state dates for the best in convenience and flexibility
  • Program includes outstanding, problem-based research opportunities

This is the program you’ve been searching for! An excellent, hands-on learning experience complemented with exciting research opportunities is at the heart of the University of Idaho’s MEd in Physical Education & Physical Activity Pedagogy. Busy, working grad students are sure to appreciate the option to start the program in the fall, spring, or summer. Plus, all students here are involved in problem-based research, thereby ensuring a truly well-rounded course of study. You’ll feel good about completing your MEd through the University of Idaho thanks to the school’s long-standing reputation as a national leader in student-centered learning and research dedicated to serving the greater good.

Indiana

Ball State University
Department of Educational Studies
Muncie, Indiana
Website

MA in Secondary Education (online)

Accreditation Status: CAEP-accredited till 2025

  • Program boasts a 93% placement rate among graduates
  • University ranked as one of the top 100 public universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the best universities in the Midwest by the Princeton Review for the last 14 years

Ball State University’s MA in Secondary Education is delivered entirely online and comes with a truly impressive 93% placement rate among graduates, making it a sure bet for aspiring middle or high school teachers like you. Housed in the nationally ranked Teachers College, the MA in Secondary Education comes complete with innovative educational experiences, extracurricular opportunities, and intensive professional preparation. Just a few reasons why Ball State continues to impress include a ranking as one of the top 100 public universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the best universities in the Midwest by the Princeton Review for the last 14 years.

Massachusetts

Boston University
Wheelock College of Education & Human Development
Boston, MA
Website

MAT (on-campus)

  • English Education
  • Mathematics Education
  • Modern Foreign Language Education
  • Science Education
  • Social Studies Education

MEd (on-campus)

  • Elementary Education

Accreditation Status: NCATE-accredited till June 2022

  • Outstanding student teaching opportunities available through the Boston University Consortium
  • Plentiful service learning opportunities through the university’s partnerships with reading and literacy programs for children, teens, and adults

In June 2018, an exciting merger between Wheelock College and Boston University established the Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, a partnership that combined the outstanding resources and programs of the former Wheelock College and the Boston University School of Education. It all came together to create an unparalleled faculty that fosters the highest level of academic excellence and success. Complete your graduate degree and initial teacher preparation here and you’ll enjoy access to the Boston University Consortium, a partnership with eight public school districts that provides a wealth of opportunities for student teaching, and a number of community programs that include reading programs for children and teens, literacy programs for adults, and physical education programs for children.

Minnesota

Hamline University
Hamline School of Education
Saint Paul, MN
Website

MAT (on-campus)

  • Elementary Education K-6
  • General Science 5-8
  • Communication Arts and Literature 5-12
  • Mathematics 5-12
  • Social Studies 5-12
  • Chemistry 9-12
  • Life Science 9-12
  • Physics 9-12
  • Dance and Theatre
  • English as a Second Language
  • World Languages and Cultures: German
  • World Languages and Cultures: Spanish

Accreditation Status: NCATE-accredited till December 2020

  • Exceptional student-centered experience courtesy of a low, 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Named among ‘America’s Top Colleges’ by Forbes and as a ‘Best Regional College’ by the Princeton Review in 2018

In just 18 months, Hamline’s MAT program can transform you into a master’s-prepared, Minnesota Board-licensed teacher in any number of content areas. With the help of dedicated advisors, you’ll develop a specific course plan that takes into account your previous coursework and work experience, with no pre-program coursework requirements necessary. Hamline is Minnesota’s first university and builds on its legacy of educational excellence through dynamic programs, an expert faculty, and an intimate student-centered teaching environment courtesy of a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 12:1. This dedication to the student experience and outstanding student outcomes have resulted in many national accolades, including rankings among ‘America’s Top Colleges’ by Forbes and ‘Best Regional Colleges’ by the Princeton Review in 2018.

Missouri

Rockhurst University
School of Education
Kansas City, MO
Website

MEd (on-campus)

  • Elementary Education (1-6)
  • Secondary Education
    • Biology
    • Business
    • Chemistry
    • English
    • French (K-12)
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Social Science
    • Spanish (K-12)
  • Special Education (K-12)

Accreditation Status: TEAC-accredited till June 2021

  • Features an exceptional, student-learning environment through a low, student-to-faculty ratio of just 13:1
  • 89% of all professors here hold the highest degree in their field
  • University has been consistently ranked as one of the top master’s universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report

You and your undergraduate degree are right at home at Rockhurst University, which offers an excellent selection of MEd degrees in elementary, secondary, and special education for students like you seeking an initial teaching license. For more than 100 years, Rockhurst has been a staple of educational excellence in Missouri, serving as just one of 27 Jesuit colleges in the U.S. This esteemed university’s success lies in its commitment to excellence along with its student-centered learning environment, and its many national accolades reflect this. In fact, Rockhurst has been consistently ranked as one of the top master’s universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.

Montana

Montana State University-Billings
College of Education
Billings, MT
Website

MEd – Curriculum and Instruction (hybrid)

  • Elementary
  • Secondary

Licensure requires additional undergrad coursework in content area and general education to meet Montana Professional Educator Preparation Program Standards.

Requires Praxis Subject Assessment for admissions.

Accreditation Status: CAEP-accredited till December 2024

  • Top-notch faculty is heavily involved in research and partnerships with local and regional schools
  • Superb service learning and study abroad opportunities available

In just five semesters, you can turn your undergraduate degree into an opportunity to begin teaching elementary or secondary education, thanks to the Montana State University – Billings MEd program. This exciting, innovative program features top-notch professors who are heavily involved in research and partnerships with local and regional schools, a flexible curriculum that includes many online and evening courses, a low, student-to-faculty ratio, plenty of opportunities for service learning and volunteering, and exciting options for taking your education abroad for a summer, a semester, or longer.

New York

Mount Saint Mary College
Division of Education
Newburgh, NY
Website

MSEd (on-campus)

  • Childhood Education (1-6)
  • Childhood/Special Education (1-6)
  • Childhood Education/Literacy (Birth-6)
  • Adolescent Education (7-12)
  • Adolescent/Special Education (7-12)

Accreditation Status: CAEP-accredited till December 2025

  • Graduates enjoy a 95% employment rate within six months of graduation
  • College named among the ‘Best Regional Universities in the North’ by U.S. News & World Report

Since it opened its doors in 1883, Mount Saint Mary College has been firmly rooted in education, making it a trusted institution for earning a graduate degree in education in preparation for initial teacher licensure. We love this school’s history of student success, which includes a 95% employment rate among graduates within six months of graduation. Plus, this college has racked up impressive accolades for excellence in education, including a ranking among the ‘Best Regional Universities in the North’ by U.S. News & World Report. And if you have your sights set on taking your MSEd abroad for a summer or semester, you’ll love Mount Saint Mary’s study abroad program, which includes options for an international internship, language study, and other international learning experiences.

North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Watson College of Education
Wilmington, North Carolina
Website

ITP Programs Offered

  • MAT in Physical Education
  • MAT in Spanish
  • MAT in ESOL
  • MAT in Elementary Education K-6
  • MAT in Middle Grades Education 6-9
    • Language Arts
    • Math
    • Science
    • Social Studies

Accreditation Status: NCATE-accredited through 2022

  • Programs may be offered on campus, online, or both, depending on degree option
  • International study options available for some programs in countries such as Belize, Ethiopia, Ireland, or Japan, among others
  • Professors regularly publish research and participate in state and national teaching associations such as the North Carolina Science Leadership Organization
  • Graduates have received awards in innovative field such as the NC Virtual Public School Teacher of the Year awards
  • School listed by U.S. News & World Reports as one of the 2020 Best Graduate Schools in the nation

Although you’ll get a full helping of pedagogical theory and classroom management techniques in your courses here, UNC-Wilmington believes that learning by doing is the best way to become a great teacher, so field experience is front and center here. A dedicated Office of Professional Experience works full-time to ensure that Watson College of Education students receive placements in diverse student teaching roles that match their areas of study. It’s all part of making sure that everything is in place for a successful round of student teaching. By learning and practicing effective assessment and communication skills as part of your preparation courses, you’ll be equipped to step right into the classroom and make the most of your student teaching rotation with full support from instructors and staff.

Ohio

Baldwin Wallace University
School of Education
Berea, Ohio
Website

MAEd in Early Childhood (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5)

MAEd Middle Childhood

  • Reading
  • Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

MAEd Adolescent/Young Adult

  • Language
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Life Science
  • Physical Science

MAEd Multi-Age

  • French
  • German
  • Spanish
  • Visual Arts

MAEd students also complete undergraduate course requirements to qualify for licensure in Ohio.

Accreditation Status: CAEP-accredited with stipulations till 2020

  • Licensure plus masters and initial licensure programs deliver a full range of options for bachelor’s-educated students transition to teaching
  • Courses available leading to a school social work license
  • Professors engaged in groundbreaking research, such as LGBTQ history, expand horizons for students in the program
  • Graduates have gone on to prestigious positions such as district superintendent in major school districts
  • Offered on campus and in a hybrid format with some classes online

The Baldwin Wallace Master of Education isn’t the cheapest deal in the state, but it’s definitely a program where you get your money’s worth. With top-notch professors and an emphasis on leadership in teaching, the program grooms graduates to take on some of the biggest challenges in education today. The expertise on offer here stretches from teaching and learning to administration and college leadership with rigorous and relevant studies that prepare you for more than just meeting the basic requirements for licensure.

Notre Dame College
Division of Professional Education
South Euclid, Ohio
Website

MEd with an Initial License, Mild/Moderate Intervention

Accreditation Status: CAEP-accredited till 2024

  • All programs available both online and on campus for maximum flexibility
  • 15 weeks of student teaching in fall or spring semester offers direct exposure to active classroom environments
  • Significant emphasis on research ensures that each student will undertake a project that expands knowledge in the field

Personal, professional, and global responsibility are stressed in this program to ensure that every graduate is fully prepared to take a stand for social justice and human rights. That’s particularly important and relevant in the field of special education, where discrimination has historically required strong individuals empowered with both knowledge and authority. You’ll get both those assets during your time at Notre Dame, polished by practices such as reflection papers that force you to confront your strengths and weaknesses and improve and build as you learn.

Oklahoma

University of Central Oklahoma
College of Education and Professional Studies
Edmond, Oklahoma
Website

MEd in Secondary Education

MEd in Special Education

  • Mild/Moderate
  • Severe/Profound/Multiple

Accreditation Status: NCATE-accredited till 2023

  • The University Instructional Technology Center ensures that you have access to the latest in educational technology and technical training
  • A wide range of certification options delivers you precise expertise in your desired area of study
  • Additional graduate courses available for certification as Elementary Math Specialist or Oklahoma Gifted Education Specialist

The UCO College of Education and professional studies serves nearly 5,000 students, through two unique study areas that total 27 graduate degree programs between them. That’s a lot of different options for your ITP. And don’t think that a broad instructional base means that professors avoid digging in deep on the subject matter—each individual concentration has specialized resources available on campus. UCO trains teachers to be reflective, responsive, and resourceful: the key elements to a successful career in education today.

Oregon

Lewis and Clark College
Graduate School of Education and Counseling
Portland, Oregon
Website

MAT Elementary

MAT Secondary

  • Art
  • English
  • Mathematics, Foundational and Advanced
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Accreditation Status: NCATE-accredited till 2020

  • ESOL Endorsement options available on both Elementary and Secondary programs in addition to your primary concentration
  • Student teaching occurs over the entire 1-year program in a single school for continuity
  • Mentor teacher offers personal one-to-one instruction and guidance throughout your program

Your professors at LC work hard to prepare you for a career in diverse school environments and with children from every cultural background, reflecting both demographic and educational trends in the U.S. Your role in supporting the unique growth of children throughout your career is in turn fostered by the unique attention you will receive as a student here, with extensive content preparation and research-based models preparing you for your student teaching experiences. You’ll experience full-time lead teaching between Thanksgiving and winter break, and again after spring break, to bring out your skills and put them to the test in a real classroom environment.

Pennsylvania

Marywood University
School of Education
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Website

MAT in Secondary Education

  • Biology
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies

MAT in PK-12 Education

  • Music
  • Spanish
  • Reading

Accreditation Status: NCATE-accredited till 2021

  • All MAT degrees include the option to add a special education concentration in addition to the primary concentration
  • Field experience occurs during every semester with a minimum of 12 weeks of student teaching required to graduate
  • Placements are available in urban, suburban, and rural districts
  • Student clubs including PSEA, America Reads, and SCEC offer a venue for networking and support in specialized areas

Although Marywood’s teacher training programs stretch back 85 years, they remain continually updated with the most current techniques and knowledge in the profession. At the Computer Lab, the Curriculum Lab, and in the Learning Commons, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art resources and instructional technology to help power your training as a next-generation educator. Among the things you will learn is how to integrate knowledge and action, putting your scholarship and research together to effect real change. It’s all part of a program that fosters leadership at every level and builds graduates who are capable of not just teaching, but also transforming lives.

South Dakota

University of South Dakota
Division of Curriculum and Instruction
Vermillion, South Dakota
Website

MA in Secondary Education

MA in Elementary Education

  • Art
  • Physical Education
  • Music

MA in Special Education (Multi-categorical K-12)

Accreditation Status: NCATE-accredited till 2021

  • Programs are research and practitioner based
  • Research opportunities through the School of Education Research Center and the Science of Learning Research Group on campus
  • Some programs delivered in a cohort model, with full support from fellow students and professors

As a University of South Dakota student, you will hone your assessment skills and learn new methods for teaching STEM and other technical skills with a focus on comprehensive, lifelong learning based on best practices. You’ll develop particular strengths in diversity, technology, and intervention to work with students from every background with equal ability. The degree requirements are tailored to your individual needs, so you graduate with an education that plays to your strengths without wasting your time.

Tennessee

University of Tennessee
Department of Theory Practice and Teacher Education
Knoxville, Tennessee
Website

MS in Teacher Education

  • Art Education
  • American Sign Language
  • Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Elementary Education
  • ESL
  • English Education
  • Mathematics 6-8
  • Science Education
  • Science 6-8
  • Social Sciences Education
  • Special Education
  • World Languages

Accreditation Status: NCATE-accredited till 2020

  • Program is offered entirely online for easy attendance from any location
  • Thesis and non-thesis course options available
  • Graduates have gone on to become Teacher of the Year and receive numerous national-level awards
  • Collaborative efforts such as the Reading Center offer students the opportunity to work with active teachers in the region on research and education while gaining practical experience

As a recently consolidated educational unit at the college, the Department of Theory Practice and Teacher Education offers an exciting integration of different aspects of educational theory and practice, allowing innovative and creative teaching solutions to flourish here. In a large, accomplished, and diverse group of instructors, you can always find someone with the right experience and expertise to meet your needs. Available university centers such as the UT Aerospace STEM Workshop and the Center for Children’s and Young Adult literature provide further resources to get you the preparation you need to succeed in the classroom.

Texas

Dallas Baptist University
Dorothy M. Bush College of Education
Dallas, Texas
Website

MEd in Special Education

  • General
  • Diagnostician
  • Admission Review Dismissal Facilitator

Also offers an MAT in EC-6 or Secondary that requires the GRE or MAT for admissions.

Accreditation Status: CAEP-accredited till 2024

  • Constant support provided by professors and professional mentors
  • Christian, service-based school that aligns closely with special educator values
  • Specializations promote the skills that are in demand in the field of special education today

Texas licenses special ed teachers in a separate category along with counselors and reading specialists, and this nonconventional teaching role is fast becoming one of the most important positions in any school system. We just had to include Dallas Baptist special ed MEd among the best options in the state with no entrance exams. Special education places a unique set of challenges on any educator, and it takes the right kind of preparation to succeed in that critical and expanding field. DBU sets you up for a long career working with special education students through a comprehensive process that introduces you to specific disabilities and other health impairments and then trains you to assess, plan, and assist students in their individual growth around those disabilities. You’ll also form life-long friendships with other students and professors, and find mentors along the way that exemplify successful special education practices.

Texas State University
Office of Educator Preparation
San Marcos, Texas
Website

MEd in Elementary Education

  • Bilingual EC6
  • ESL EC6
  • Generalist
  • Math
  • Science
  • English Language Arts

MEd in Secondary Education

MEd in Special Education

Accreditation Status: TEAC-accredited till 2023

  • Hybrid and online course options available
  • Opportunity to network with over 100 Texas school districts each semester and take part in regular teacher job fairs
  • High pass rates and long-term retention show the quality and value of the program
  • Texas State University credentials transfer easily, allowing graduates to teach around the country and all over the world

Texas State-trained teachers make an impression wherever they go. If you’re ready to be a rock star in the field of education, this is the school to get your game face on. The school is the single largest source of public school teachers in the state of Texas, and graduates have found themselves teaching as far afield as Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, and Hong Kong. As an emerging research university with a focus on public education and a long tradition of preparing professional educators, you’ll find an environment here that is absolutely keyed in on the most important initiatives and techniques used in the field today.

Utah

University of Utah
College of Education
Salt Lake City, Utah
Website

MEd in Secondary Education

MEd in Secondary World Languages

MEd in Elementary Education (Dual degree with MEd in Educational Psychology)

Also offers MEd and MS programs in Special Education (Mild-Moderate Disabilities, Severe Disabilities, Deaf and HOH, Visually Impaired), Special Education Deaf-Blind or Elementary Education combined with M.Ed in Special Education that require the GRE for admissions.

Accreditation Status: CAEP-accredited, probationary with stipulations through 2019

  • Annual Diversity Lecture Series exposes graduate students to a wide array of perspectives and cultures
  • Committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive
  • Numerous school research institutes and committees offer real-world connections with the teaching community

The University of Utah is a widely known and respected research university that offers graduate students in education programs the opportunity to forge their own way in cutting-edge research projects to both advance the practice of education and better understand the challenges facing the community today. The school also has close ties with the local community, promoting reciprocal learning through programs like the University Neighborhood Partners. Research centers such as the University Reading Clinic not only give students the resources to conduct unique research in their area of interest, but also provide services to local communities in assessment and intervention.