Accelerated Postbaccalaureate Program
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.
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.
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.
Curriculum
Core Courses (3 credits each)
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) or if already SEI Endorsed, EDHM 573 - Issues/Foundations in Middle and High School
Student Teaching or Employment Based Practicum - 6 Credits
*Alternative Curriculum
As an alternative to the APB program, the Department of Secondary Education and Professional Programs will allow accepted students to follow the undergraduate course sequence. Contact the program coordinator for additional information.
The deadline to apply for the Spring practicum is the end of September and the end of February for the Fall practicum. The online application is available in August/September and January/February on the CEAS intranet homepage
Total Minimum Credits: 15
***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.