Overview
Please note: The MS in Teaching Elementary track is currently paused and is not accepting new applications. Applications for the MS Teaching Secondary and PK12 tracks are active and accepting applications.
Program Coordinator: Debbie Piper
Program Modality: Hybrid (50% or more of courses delivered online)
Total Credits: 35-45
Admission Cycle: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Admissions Contact: Crystal Perry, Assistant Director, Graduate Enrollment Management (cperry@mcdaniel.edu | 410-386-4833)
GPS Student Support Liaisons: gpsadvising@mcdaniel.edu | 410-857-2500
The Teaching program provides students with the content, pedagogical background and experiences necessary for initial teaching licensure in elementary (Grades 1-6), secondary (Grades 7-12) (including biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, physics, and social studies) or PreK-12 (art, physical education and Spanish) education. The program has been evaluated and approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the Maryland State Department of Education.
The Teaching program embraces a rich combination of research based learning theory, effective teaching practices with significant public school experiences, opportunities for research within the public school setting, and encouragement to reflect upon classroom practice. National standards provide the basis for the pedagogical and content knowledge throughout the Teaching program.
Successful completion of the Teaching program will result in the candidate becoming eligible for initial teacher licensure in the respective content area by the Maryland State Department of Education and the awarding of a Master of Science degree by McDaniel College.
McDaniel College is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Master of Science in Teaching program has been awarded initial accreditation status by AAQEP through June 30, 2029. Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the program must:
- Complete an application for graduate study
- Submit official transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0*
- Complete a satisfactory interview with the program coordinator
* Please note: Students who have a 2.75-2.99 GPA may be admitted provisionally and will be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first 9-12 credit hours. Students with less than a 2.75 GPA will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis for provisional admission and may be required to provide additional documentation. Admission may also come with additional conditions. Candidates seeking admission to the MS in Teaching Secondary program must have a bachelor’s degree in the content area or equivalent required coursework as required by MSDE.
Candidates must also complete the following prior to enrollment in the program:
- Complete a criminal background disclosure statement prior to enrollment
- Complete a program plan developed in consultation with the program coordinator
International Students:
This program is delivered primarily (50% or more) online and as a result does not meet the SEVIS regulations for international students to study in the US. If you are a US citizen living outside of the US, you should contact gps@mcdaniel.edu to discuss your eligibility for admission to this program.
Course Requirements
Pending transcript analysis by the Program Coordinator, additional content courses may be required for degree completion
Please note that all candidates are required to complete a background check and fingerprinting prior to entering practicum and internship.
Secondary Licensure Course Requirements:
Prerequisite requirements from undergraduate studies include: Earned bachelor’s degree in the intended subject area of licensure or equivalent coursework as determined through transcript review, an Adolescent Psychology or Lifespan Psychology course.
Choose the appropriate methods course and matching practicum for the intended area of certification:
Total Credit Hour Requirement: 35
PreK - 12 Licensure Required Courses:
Prerequisite requirements from undergraduate studies include: Earned bachelor’s degree in the intended subject area of licensure or equivalent as determined by transcript review, a Child and Adolescent Psychology course, or a Lifespan Psychology course.
Choose the two (2) appropriate methods courses and matching practicums for the intended area of certification:
Total Credit Hour Requirement: 35
Exit Requirements
Students must complete all courses required for the degree, including the practicum and internship, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Additional exit requirements include passing scores on a final standards-based portfolio: unit plan, edTPA requirements, and action research project. Individuals pursuing certification in physical education must take a fitness test at least twice during their teacher education preparation program and must agree to be committed to their own physical fitness.
In order to be awarded the MS in Teaching degree, students will be required to take all Maryland State Department of Education tests required for certification in the students’ respective content area and have scores reported to McDaniel College. McDaniel College will not post the degree to the transcript until all scores are received.
Students should be aware that while McDaniel requires students to take all required tests which lead to Maryland certification in the students’ respective content area, MSDE does require passing scores in addition to completing a Maryland approved teacher preparation program. Students who are seeking teacher certification in states outside of Maryland should check with our Professional Licensure Representative (gps@mcdaniel.edu) and the state’s board for more information regarding education, testing, and other requirements for licensure and whether a student who obtains a Maryland teacher certification is eligible to obtain licensure as a teacher from this state’s board.
For more information related to Maryland State Department of Education Teacher licensure requirements:
https://marylandpublicschools.org/Pages/default.aspx
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-2595
Phone: 410-767-0406
E-mail: info.msde@maryland.gov
State Authorization
McDaniel is an approved institutional member of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). Membership in SARA is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses/programs offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. For more information about SARA, including the states currently participating in the agreement, visit http://www.nc.sara.org.
SARA membership allows McDaniel to accept and deliver our programs/courses online to students in 49 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students who reside in California, currently the only state not a member of SARA, should contact the admissions office prior to application to verify if you are eligible to participate in the online program of interest.
For more information about state authorization requirements and complaint resolution, visit https://www.mcdaniel.edu/academics/graduate-professional-studies/state-authorization-requirements-complaints-resolution
Professional Licensure
Requirements for professional licensure in fields such as accounting, education, counseling, nursing, psychology, and social work vary from state to state. McDaniel’s academic programs are designed to meet Maryland’s licensure requirements and may not meet requirements from other states. Before beginning any academic program that leads to licensure, McDaniel highly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to seek licensure to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s licensing requirements. You may also contact McDaniel College’s Professional Licensure Representative at gps@mcdaniel.edu to inquire.
For more important information regarding professional licensure and the completion of McDaniel degrees, please review our Professional Licensure webpage.
Students who complete this program and are seeking Maryland licensure must meet all Maryland-specific requirements in addition to completing this Maryland approved program. The requirements may include but are not limited to the following:
- Passing scores on content specific exams (i.e. - Praxis)
- Pedagogy assessment (edTPA)
- Reading content tests
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Payment of application or processing fees
More information about Maryland State Department of Education requirements can be found at https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/pages/dee/certification/index.aspx
