Master of Education (M.Ed./M.A.T./M.S.T./C.A.E.S) in Secondary Education
Students in secondary education can pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.), if they possess a strong background in their content area. Prerequisite for the program is a bachelor's degree in a liberal arts major in the field of desired licensure or an equivalent degree. Those applicants with less content knowledge in the particular field should consult a faculty member in that field.
In addition to required courses in the field of education, secondary education master's degrees require courses taken at the graduate level in the arts and sciences department of specialization. M.Ed. students take a minimum of two graduate courses in A&S, and M.A.T./M.S.T. students take five graduate courses in their content area.
These degree programs lead to (grades 8-12) licensure in one of the following disciplines: English, History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Classics, Spanish, French and Mathematics.
Courses of study are carefully planned with a faculty advisor. Given the shifting demographics of US schools, all candidates have the opportunity to obtain a Teaching English Language Learners (TELL) Certificate. This experience prepares teachers to work with English Language Learners in mainstream classrooms.
All of the Master's programs leading to licensure in secondary education include practicum experiences in addition to course work. For the initial pre-practicum, candidates typically spend one day per week in a school setting with a mentor teacher. For the full practicum, candidates work full-time for 14 weeks in all aspects of classroom teaching working closely with a cooperating teacher and university supervisor.
- 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, analyzing student performance and growth data, using this data to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an on-going 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, and demonstrate cultural proficiency.
The teacher candidate will promote the learning and growth of all students through effective partnerships with families, caregivers, community members, and organizations.
The teacher candidate will promote the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice.
- The teacher candidate will promote an inquiry stance of critical reflection about personal practice through individual and collaborative inquiry in service of improving pupil academic, emotional, and social learning.
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.
At a Glance
How many courses?
The program consists of 9 courses and a practicum for a total of 37 credits.
How long will it take?
Full-time students will typically complete the program in one academic year with two summer sessions.
Part-time students typically complete the program in two to three years, depending on course load.
When can I start?
Students can begin the program in the spring, summer, or fall semesters.
#18
National ranking for Secondary Education program
U.S. News & World Report
Program Faculty & Expertise
What will I study?
Curriculum
- Courses: 9
- Credits: 37
- Practicum
Sample curriculum: refer to program of study for curriculum differences between M.A.T., M.S.T. and M.Ed.
Where do our graduates work?
St. John's Preparatory School
Assistant Principal of Academics
Littleton Public Schools
Fourth Grade Teacher
Papillion La Vista School District
Sixth Grade Teacher
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
High School History Teacher
Museum of Science
Director of Exhibits
Goodwin Procter LLP
Court Procedures Attorney
Boston Public Schools
First Grade Teacher
Needham Public Schools
Special Education Teacher
Steppingstone Foundation
Mathematics Instructor
North Attleborough Public Schools
School Principal and ELL Coordinator
Career paths chosen by previous graduates of the TCS Department.
Financial Assistance
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:
Application Information
PrintClick the boxes below for additional details on each item
Deadlines
- Regular Decision
- 1/6/20
- Rolling Admission
- After 1/6/20
- Spring
Regular Decision - 11/1/19
Apply Now
Prerequisite for the program is a bachelor's degree in a liberal arts major in the field of desired licensure or an equivalent degree.
A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required, however, this fee is waived for select applicants.
Resume
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.
Personal Statement
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.
Letters of Recommendation
Identification of recommenders/instructions to recommenders are outlined in the online Application Form.
Two letters of recommendation from academic sources are required, but applicants with significant relevant professional experience may submit additional letters of reference from supervisors.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in lieu of official transcripts for the application review process. In the event that one is admitted into a program and enrolls, our office will need official transcripts prior to course registration. To expedite application processing times, our office encourages you to send unofficial transcripts electronically to our email address at GSOE@BC.EDU. Please note that unofficial transcripts must include all of the following items:
- Course titles and grades for each course
- Year and entry term for each of the courses listed
- Translated into English by certified translation agent (if not already in English)
- Original and translated transcripts must be provided
If you are able to secure official transcripts, please note the following:
- 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.
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
Standardized Tests
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.
Writing Sample
Not required.
International Students
International applicants are encouraged to apply to the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Learn about requirements for international students.