MTSU’s Initial Licensure Program provides students with the opportunity to earn a
master’s degree with a major in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a license to
teach kindergarten through fifth grade. The Initial Licensure Program differs from
other programs by welcoming students with bachelor’s degrees outside of education.
In addition, courses are offered on-line, on weekends, and through the traditional
format of one evening per week. The program is specifically designed for career changers
and their busy schedules.
Program changes life and perspective in fundamental ways
Tory Smith, a current student in Curriculum and Instruction with initial licensure
program, also is a graduate assistant in the College of Education as well as the president
of the Graduate Educators Organization. She says enrolling at MTSU gave her the unique
opportunity to immerse herself in her studies and to “be exposed to the everyday lives
and dispositions of master teachers and incredibly talented peers.” Smith, whose
experiences include corporate sector work and high school teaching, says “I did a
lot of soul searching after moving to Nashville and realized that my heart was with
teaching elementary school. (This program) has changed my life and perspective in
fundamental ways. I have met, and continue to meet, so many talented and encouraging
people who have inspired me to think about the world in a completely different way.”
After graduation, Smith hopes to teach in Metro Nashville and pursue a doctorate degree.
Degree opportunity allows an exciting career change
Classroom teaching was not David Naylor’s first choice. He pursued careers in office
administration and public radio broadcasting (for which he also studied at MTSU).
“I knew it was time for a change but had only a vague idea that teaching might be
right for me. I learned about the Initial Licensure Program (ILP) and realized that
in one-and-a-half years, I could be equipped to teach children...something I'd always
enjoyed as a volunteer,” Naylor remembers. “The ILP changed my life; it didn't try
to "unmake" me or negate the skills I'd developed in previous careers. Instead, it
drew on my interests and natural and professional abilities and combined those with
new learning, enabling me to become a certified teacher.” Naylor says he looks forward
to “helping children connect their everyday lessons with big ideas in the outside
world...thanks to a program that crafted my outside world careers into classroom strengths.
Thanks, MTSU!”
Related Media
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
Graduates of the Initial Licensure Program have a high success rate of becoming a
teacher immediately upon graduation. Courses offered are intended to prepare graduate
students with the tools and network connections needed to excel upon entering the
educational field. Graduates can be found across the middle Tennessee area as well
as across the country including Arizona, Illinois, Texas, and South Carolina to name
a few.
Some potential careers include
- classroom teacher
- curriculum specialist
- director of curriculum and instruction
- instructional coordinator
- teacher mentor
- textbook reviewer
Alumni from the Curriculum and Instruction Program have been employed across the nation
as well as in many districts including
- Bedford County Schools
- Franklin Special Schools
- Lebanon School District
- Metro-Davidson Schools
- Murfreesboro City Schools
- Rutherford County Schools
- Sumner County Schools
- Tullahoma City Schools
- Williamson County Schools
- Wilson County Schools
The Department of Elementary and Special Education offers the Master of Education
(M.Ed.) degree with program of study in Curriculum and Instruction and a specialization
in Initial Licensure. This program leads to initial teacher licensure in elementary
education (K-5 grades).
Admission Requirements
Admission is limited and based on a holistic view of test scores, past academic success,
and the potential for success in a rigorous master’s program. The following represent
the minimum admission requirements to the Initial Licensure Program with a master’s
degree in Curriculum and Instruction: applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in an
undergraduate degree and applicants must have a minimum score of 386 on the Miller’s
Analogy Test as well as complete an interview with the program coordinator. All application
materials should be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
NOTE: Accepted students will be required to attest to their commitment to contribute
to the necessary quality and quantity of time and energy to ensure the success of
the community of learners to accomplish their goals.
NOTE: International students will be required to meet MTSU’s English language proficiency
requirements in addition to the program admission requirements.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Other Graduate Programs
Other M.Ed. programs include a program of study in Curriculum and Instruction Elementary School Education , Special Education with two concentrations including Mildly/Moderately Disabled Students (Interventionist K-8 or 6-12) and Severely/Profoundly Disabled Students, and Literacy.
Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Elementary and Special Education offers four undergraduate majors, all leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education (K-5), Middle Level Education (6-8), and Special Education with choices of comprehensive program, K-12 (for individuals with severe/profound
disabilities) or K-8 or 6-12 interventionist (for individuals with mild/moderate disabilities).
Apply now!
Professional Licensure Disclosure
The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) College of Education’s teacher licensure preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and are eligible for accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with program of study in Curriculum and Instruction and a specialization in Initial Licensure program at MTSU is designed to meet the licensure requirements set by the Tennessee Department of Education. Students should be aware that licensure requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. MTSU has not made a determination whether a specific program will meet all of the requirements of another US state or territory. MTSU recommends that students who plan to seek licensure outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency and discuss their plans with their advisor. To obtain current information about each state’s and territory’s licensure requirements and any additional regulations, students should consult the US Department of Education’s website for state contacts at https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Graduates of MTSU teacher education programs certified to teach in Tennessee are eligible for certification reciprocity in many states. Reciprocity is not an automatic or complete transfer of certification, thus individuals should consult the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) site at https://www.tn.gov/education/licensing.html and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) site at https://www.nasdtec.net/page/Interstate as well as the US Department of Education state contacts site for information about any additional state requirements.
Curriculum and Instruction, Initial Licensure Specialization, M.Ed.
Tracey Huddleston, Program Director
(615) 898-2680
Tracey.Huddleston@mtsu.edu
The Department of Elementary and Special Education offers the Master of Education degree with a major in Curriculum and Instruction which can be obtained two ways. If a current license in Elementary Education is held, a student may pursue the master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary School Education. If a current license in Elementary Education is NOT held, a student may pursue the Initial Licensure program providing licensure in Elementary Education K-5 and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate program.
Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission to the Master of Education program are expected to score at least 380 on the Miller Analogies Test or 281 on the Graduate Record Examination or the minimum on a National Teachers Examination that meets Tennessee licensure standards.
Applicant must
- have at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA for full admission and 2.50 undergraduate GPA for conditional admission;
- have elementary teaching licensure, the attainment of which may require additional undergraduate courses prior to the completion of the degree;
- have an initial conference with an appropriate graduate advisor in the Department of Elementary and Special Education.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicant must
- submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php).Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official scores on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or Principles of Learning and Teaching Exam (PRAXIS II).
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an initial licensure specialization requires completion of 48 semester hours that includes a nine-hour internship.
Candidate must
- meet requirements for admission to teacher education and internship in addition to the traditional graduate admission requirements;
- successfully complete a written comprehensive exam to be taken in the last semester of coursework (may be taken no more than twice).
Curriculum: Curriculum and Instruction, Initial Licensure
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.
Required Courses (9 hours)
ELED 6340 - Introduction to Educational Research
3credit hours
Research methodologies in education. Rationalistic and naturalistic paradigms explored with respect to problem statements and literature reviews. At the 7000 level, students will broaden the scope of their research to include original data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
ELED 6570 - Methods of Curriculum Integration
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Acceptance into graduate studies and the initial licensure program. Acquaints students with the philosophy and need to teach mathematics, English/language arts, social studies, and science in the elementary classroom; familiarizes students with a variety of instructional strategies for teaching these content areas in an integrated approach.
ELED 6580 - Effective Management Practices for the Elementary Classroom
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 6 graduate hours or acceptance in the Initial Licensure Program. Introduces students to classroom and instructional strategies to build, adjust, and maintain an effective classroom learning environment.
Specialized Core (9 hours)
ELED 6370 - Education and Ethno-Cultural Diversity
3credit hours
Explores the ethno-cultural issues, concepts, and theories that impact teaching practice. Course content linked to students' (anticipated) professional needs and interests. Prior professional, cross-cultural, or international experience welcomed. Exposes participants to social dimensions of ethno-cultural diversity that increasingly impact pedagogy.
ELED 6500 - The Science of Learning and Teaching
3credit hours
Explores educational theory, classroom management and learning environments. Candidates use both theory and data to inform practice.
SPED 6800 - Exceptional Children and Youth
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to graduate program or permission of department. Introduction to problems in identification, etiology, and educational treatment of mentally retarded, gifted, physically and emotionally challenged, learning disabled, and culturally disadvantaged children and youth.
Specialized Courses (21 hours)
All courses require admission to Teacher Education.
ELED 6510 - Language Arts
3credit hours
Explores language learning and teaching. Introduces various theories about cognition, language, and language learning, including second language acquisition and various strategies for teaching language arts. Public school practicum required.
ELED 6530 - Teaching Social Studies
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Valid teaching license or acceptance into the teacher education program. Introduces students to philosophy and need for teaching social studies in the K-6 classroom and to a variety of instructional strategies for teaching social studies.
ELED 6540 - Teaching Science
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program; ELED 6500. Introduces students to various philosophies for teaching science in the K-6 classroom and to a variety of instructional strategies for teaching science.
ELED 6550 - Teaching Mathematics
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program or a valid teaching license; ELED 6500. Orientation to the teaching strategies and materials appropriate for teaching mathematics in grades K-6. Emphasis on using a constructivist approach.
ELED 6560 - Assessment
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program. Explores evaluation and assessment of children in grades K-6.
READ 5130 - Literacy Assessment
3credit hours
Prerequisite: A reading methods or literacy course. The modification of assessment and instruction for the resolution of reading problems in the elementary classroom.
READ 6520 - Teaching Reading
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program; ELED 6500 and ELED 6510 may be taken concurrently. Introduces students to the various philosophies for teaching reading in the K-6 classroom and to a variety of instructional strategies for teaching reading.
Specialized Required Internship (9 hours)
Requires admission to Teacher Education
ELED 5510 - The Teaching Internship, Grades 1-8
9credit hours
A supervised internship available only to those with at least one year of paid teaching experience in the major in which endorsement is sought. Applicants must meet all prerequisites for student teaching.
Program Notes
Any of the courses above may require observations, case studies, or other time in K-5 classrooms.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Elementary Education
ELED 1001 - Becoming a Paraprofessional Literacy Tutor
1 credit hour
Overview of the effective components of literacy tutoring. Six modules cover the important aspects of literacy instruction as defined by the Common Core Standards. Modules will be delivered in an online format while instructional practice will take place in onsite sessions. Offers preparation to individuals without an educational background to deliver high quality literacy instruction.
ELED 3000 - The Contemporary Classroom through the Lens of Diversity
3 credit hours
Corequisite: ELED 3100. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the teacher education program. Provides a foundation for teaching for social justice and equity. A field-based component included.
ELED 3100 - Experiencing Elementary Education
1 credit hour
Corequisite: ELED 3000 with C or better. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education. Field-based course that builds upon previous experiences and coursework. Students will implement content pedagogical strategies into teaching as well as other field experiences in elementary schools.
ELED 3150 - Mathematics Methodology
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program; General Education math with C- or better; MATH 1410 and MATH 1420 with C or better. Offers preparation to pre-service elementary and middle school teachers for teaching mathematics. Field-based experiences required.
ELED 3300 - Digital Applications for Teaching and Learning
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of emerging technologies and how best to utilize them for teaching and learning. Explores characteristics of digital age learners, creation and application of emerging technologies, digital communication strategies, safe use of information, and technology integration within the curriculum that enhances the learning environment.
ELED 3400 - Teaching Science and Social Studies through Literacy
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education; ELED 3000 and ELED 3100 with grade of C or better; PSCI 4030 or BIOL 3000. Corequisite: READ 4015. Teacher candidates introduced to issues and trends that influence the areas of science, social studies, and English language arts (ELA) as well as methods, techniques, strategies, and materials that will enable them to integrate and teach these content areas successfully. Explores these topics via lecture, investigations (problem-based learning projects and scientific inquiry), lab, and field experiences in local elementary schools.
ELED 4070 - Writing to Learn
2 credit hours
Corequisites: ELED 4350 and READ 4130. Familiarizes teacher candidates with writing-to-learn techniques that can be used across the curriculum to assist students in thinking and processing new and existing knowledge.
ELED 4110 - Directed Teaching, Grades K-5
12 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Full-day supervised teaching experience of 15 weeks duration in a public school classroom. Pass/Fail.
ELED 4130 - Academic Interventions for Elementary School Learners
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department; admission into Residency I coursework. Corequisites: ELED 4350, ELED 4340, and ELED 4200. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of academic success for all learners, differentiated instruction, assessment, and intervention frameworks such as RTI2. Teacher candidates must be officially admitted into the K-5 Residence I program and will work with elementary students at a local school.
ELED 4200 - Assessing the Elementary Level Learner
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Permission of department; admission to Residency I semester. Corequisites: ELED 4130, ELED 4340, and ELED 4350. Integrates elementary level content with classroom and standardized assessments to enable the planning, design, and implementation of assessment driven instruction.
ELED 4260 - Problems in Elementary Education
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. A problem-oriented course, on or off campus, planned and designed for individuals, a school faculty, school system, or other professional groups, which will provide opportunities for in-service education related to assessed needs. Credit toward an undergraduate degree will be limited to six semester hours.
ELED 4340 - Managing Learning Environments
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program. Familiarizes teacher candidates with classroom management strategies.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
ELED 4350 - Theory to Practice
6 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program; ELED 4130, ELED 4200, and ELED 4340. Strategies and techniques for guiding the learning of elementary school children. Development and use of materials in elementary classrooms with emphasis on explanation and experimentation. Laboratory work and weekly seminar.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
ELED 4410 - Effective Instruction: Integrating Social Studies and Assessment
4 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education program. Familiarizes teacher candidates with classroom management strategies:4-8, best practices of social studies instruction, and the integration of both with classroom and standardized assessments to enable the planning, design, and implementation of a standards-based social studies curriculum.
NOTE: Students must select a specific Residency I section and sign up for all corresponding classes in that particular section. Classes may not be selected from multiple sections.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
