

The Elementary Education program is designed for students who wish to teach in grades 1-6.
The program stresses a humanistic approach to teaching that is both developmentally appropriate and intellectually challenging. It prepares the teacher to work with a diverse range of children by providing the teacher with knowledge about instructional practices, along with perspectives on children, schools, and society.
Prerequisite for the program is a bachelor's degree with an arts and sciences, interdisciplinary major, or the equivalent. No prior teaching licensure is required for admission.
The Programs of Study for the program includes foundation and professional courses, and practicum experiences. The program reflects current research and practices in teaching and learning.
Courses of study are carefully planned with the faculty advisor to ensure that both degree requirements and licensure requirements are fulfilled.
Graduate students participating in the Elementary Education program will learn to promote student development, how to teach for social justice, and how to reflect on practice to improve instruction. They will be prepared to work with students of a variety of backgrounds creating classroom environments that engage all students. More specifically:
The teacher candidate will promote the learning and growth of all students by providing high-quality and coherent instruction, designing and administering authentic and meaningful student assessments, using these assessments and reflections on teaching to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an ongoing basis, and continuously refining learning objectives.
The teacher candidate will promote the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment, demonstrate cultural proficiency, and knowledge about language challenges in academic settings.
The teacher candidate will promote the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice.
The teacher candidate will demonstrate an inquiry stance by collecting and reporting data on pupil outcomes for the purpose of assessing, teaching, and modifying instructional practice.
The teacher candidate will identify policies and practices that contribute to systemic inequities in education and be aware of how his or her own background experiences are influenced by these systems, and recognizes a professional responsibility to promote and practice principles of social justice teaching.
The Lynch School has a long history of national accreditation, which includes NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education), TEAC (Teacher Education Accreditation Council), and CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). Most recently, the Lynch School was granted full and complete accreditation through CAEP, valid from Fall 2018 through Spring 2024. Boston College is currently the only CAEP accredited education preparation organization in Massachusetts.
This program consists of 12 courses and practicum, for a total of 37 credits.
Full time students will typically complete the program in 1 academic year plus 2 summer sessions.
Part time students typically complete the program in 2-3 years, depending on course load.
Students can begin the program in the spring, summer, or fall semesters.
Assistant Principal of Academics
Fourth Grade Teacher
Sixth Grade Teacher
High School History Teacher
Director of Exhibits
Court Procedures Attorney
First Grade Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Mathematics Instructor
School Principal and ELL Coordinator
Career paths chosen by previous graduates of the TESpECI Department.
Education should level the playing field – we feel the same way about financial aid.
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $7.5 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable. Here’s why:
Click the boxes below for additional details on each item
A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required, however, this fee is waived for select applicants.
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Identification of recommenders/instructions to recommenders are outlined in the online Application Form.
Two letters of recommendation are required with at least one required from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.
All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be sent to our office before the application deadline. Please note the following:
Only official sealed (unopened) transcripts are acceptable. An official postsecondary transcript must be printed on official institutional paper and include at least one of the following: an institutional watermark, the registrar’s signature, or the registrar's seal.
Copies and unofficial transcripts sent directly from applicants are not acceptable, the transcript must come directly from the institution.
If you are a current student and have not completed your undergraduate and/or graduate degree, the most updated version of your transcript is acceptable.
Official electronic transcripts are accepted when sent directly to gsoe@bc.edu from the institution. When requesting electronic transcripts, you must manually type in gsoe@bc.edu to ensure it is received by our office.
If your degree was obtained from an institution outside of the U.S. you are required to submit a course-by-course evaluation completed by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved evaluator. A complete list of NACES-approved evaluators is found on the Directory of NACES Members.
Mailed transcript(s) should be sent to the following address:
Lynch Office of Graduate Admissions, Boston College
Campion Hall 135
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
For all Boston College students and alumni
If you received any type of degree from Boston College, or if you are a current Boston College student, the GRE is not required.
For all other applicants
If you did not receive a degree from Boston College or if you are not a current Boston College student, the GRE is required.
The Lynch School GRE code is 3218.
Not required.
International applicants are encouraged to apply to the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Learn about requirements for international students.
gsoe@bc.edu
617-552-4214