Education Licensure

The Lynch School of Education and Human Development (LSEHD) at Boston College offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts (M.A) in School Counseling, and programs that prepare undergraduate and graduate students for Initial licensure in fields of education, educational leadership and counseling. Boston College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The teacher education, educational leadership and school counseling programs are based in Massachusetts and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for Initial licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In order to teach in Massachusetts public schools, educators must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the field, role, and grade level of the license sought. To be eligible for the initial license, applicants must complete an approved educator preparation program that leads to the desired license. Completion of Boston College’s approved educator preparation program includes the program of study along with a practicum in the state of Massachusetts; it is important to note that all practicum hours must be completed in a Massachusetts PK-12 school setting and under supervision from Boston College.

Successful completion of LSEHD program requirements leads to endorsement for Initial licensure to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Program endorsement, along with successful completion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs), enables students to receive an Initial license as an educator in Massachusetts. The initial license is valid for five years and may be renewed once for an additional five years.

As of July 1, 2014, educators applying for their first Initial license in Massachusetts must obtain the Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) Endorsement. Teacher candidates can qualify for the SEI Endorsement by successfully completing the state-approved teacher education programs at Boston College that lead to initial licensure in Massachusetts. The requirements for endorsement are embedded into the undergraduate and graduate Programs of Study. Candidates earn this endorsement by completing the approved Program of Study for the designated initial licensure program and graduating from Boston College.

Licensure Disclosures by State


Check below to see if Boston College’s teacher education programs fulfill the requirements for licensure by state:

Questions?

The Lynch School’s Office of Field Placement and Outreach may also be contacted for questions or additional information:

For students enrolled in an online program track, more information
can be found at Boston College’s Distance Education Policies website:

 Distance Education Policies & Procedures