Accelerated Postbaccalaureate Program (APB)

The Accelerated Postbaccalaureate (APB) program is a rigorous, accelerated graduate level program of study (15 credits) that leads to initial teacher licensure. Recognizing the unique strengths of nontraditional licensure candidates, the APB program is designed for individuals who are committed to becoming outstanding teachers. It is designed for persons who have a bachelor’s degree and are seeking initial licensure.

Please note: Undergraduate alumni from Bridgewater State University who have completed the Secondary Education courses at Bridgewater and only need to complete the practicum should do so as a non-degree student.

Program Highlights

If you are thinking of pursuing a rewarding career as a teacher, a Postbaccalaureate Licensure Program can provide the knowledge and skills you need. Designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences, these programs offer a convenient, time-efficient way to become licensed to teach in the state of Massachusetts. Prepare yourself to become a highly qualified teacher, and bring your unique experience to the classroom – with a degree from Bridgewater State University.

Postbaccalaureate licensure programs offer:

Diverse faculty with extensive teaching experience and ongoing participation in educational research, scholarly publication and professional organizations
Compliance with recommendations of the Professional Standards and Ethics Committee and the Advisory Group to the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Prepractica and practica opportunities, enabling close collaboration with students from other programs within the College of Education and Allied Studies
Small classes facilitating a more personalized learning experience
Courses are offered in the evening and taught in two formats: in-person or a hybrid of in-person an online
Benefits of a state institution that has been training teachers for more than 170 years
Affordable tuition, whether you live in state or out of state

*Students who return to Bridgewater to complete the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) to advance to their professional stage licensure may apply one course from the APB program toward the core requirements (EDMC 538) of the MAT program.

To learn more about the program, please see our FAQ's below.

APB Students, START HERE! Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Program Coordinator: Professor Melissa Winchell

Admissions Requirements

Online application and $50 application fee
Resume
3 Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts - Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
Minimum GPA - Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8*
MTEL Scores - Passing MTEL scores from the Communication and Literacy Skills test, both Reading and Writing subtests
Subject MTEL Scores** - Passing MTEL scores from subject matter test (click for details)
Personal Statement - Statement of desire to be a teacher, including descriptions of appropriate life experiences and experience with youth at the licensure level

* Candidates with an undergraduate GPA below 2.8 should contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for a Low GPA Remedy.

** Due to COVID-19, we are temporarily waiving the MTELs as an admissions requirement for Spring 2021. Students will need to pass all required MTELs prior to student teaching

As part of the admission process each candidate’s transcripts will be reviewed by the APB program coordinator in collaboration with the appropriate departmental graduate coordinator for relevant content area coursework. A list of required topics has been determined by the specialized professional associations. The result of this review may require courses to be taken in the content area in addition to the 15 core APB education credits.

Application materials should be submitted online or mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Application Deadlines

Fall and Spring Semester: Rolling deadline
*There is no summer start. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply Today

Curriculum

EDHM 571 - Teaching and Learning in Middle and High Schools

EDHM 572 - Planning and Assessment in Middle and High Schools

EDLE 579 - Education of Diverse Populations - Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) *

SPED 510 - Teaching Exceptional Students in Schools

EDHM 554 - Student Teaching Practicum or EDHM 556 - Employment-Based Practicum

*Students who have met the SEI requirement may replace EDLE 579 with another course as approved by the graduate coordinator.

Total minimum required credits: 18

***For the most up-to-date information regarding course descriptions, please visit our University Catalog

Funding Opportunities

The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.

The APB program is eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.