Your Next Step in Education Starts Here
Fitchburg State University’s School of Education has been preparing educators since 1894 and continues to lead in the field by offering affordable, flexible, and career-focused graduate education programs. Whether you're pursuing your initial Massachusetts teaching license, seeking advanced leadership roles, or specializing in a new area, we help you build on your experience to achieve your goals.
With both licensure and non-licensure options available, you can customize your degree to match your professional interests. No matter your path, at Fitchburg State, you graduate ready to elevate your teaching career and make a lasting impact in education. Explore hybrid and online graduate degrees in education.
Initial Licensure vs. Non-Licensure in Education
Before selecting a graduate degree in education, it’s important to understand the difference between licensure and non-licensure pathways. Licensure programs prepare new educators for certification, while non-licensure programs help practicing teachers expand their expertise.
Review additional details about licensure in education to determine which path aligns with your goals and previous experience. If you’re not sure which category you belong in, schedule an appointment to speak to an advisor.
Initial Licensure Programs
- Designed for individuals who do not yet have a teaching license
- Includes coursework and field experiences in a Massachusetts public school setting required for state certification
- Prepares you to become a licensed classroom teacher
- Meets Massachusetts state licensure requirements for your subject or grade level
Non-Licensure Programs
- Designed for certified teachers looking to advance their careers
- Focuses on specialized coursework, leadership training, or instructional strategies
- May lead to administrative roles, curriculum design positions, or advanced teaching expertise
- Does not include student teaching or lead to initial licensure
Graduate Degrees and Certificates in Education
Earning a graduate certificate or degree in education gives you high-level training, new credentials, and the flexibility to grow in your field. With Fitchburg State, you can choose from online and hybrid options, including master’s degrees, education specialist programs, accelerated pathways, and targeted certificates. Find the best fit for your goals to increase your impact in the classroom, school administration, or beyond.
Not sure which education graduate degree is right for you? Attend an information session!
Take your leadership skills to the next level with specialized programs for experienced educators seeking advanced roles outside of the classroom:
- Educational Leadership and Management (Non-Licensure)
- Educational Leadership and Management: School Principal
- Educational Leadership and Management: Supervisor/Director
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Reading Specialist
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Counseling/Psychology
- Interdisciplinary Studies: Individualized Concentration
Gain a master’s degree to step into leadership, licensure, or special education positions:
Initial Licensure Options
- Early Childhood Education PreK-2 (Initial Licensure)
- Education, 5-12 (Initial Licensure)
- Educational Leadership and Management: School Principal (Initial Licensure)
- Educational Leadership and Management: Supervisor/Director (Initial Licensure)
- Elementary Education 1-6 (Initial Licensure)
Non-Licensure Options
- Education, 5-12 (Non-Licensure)
- Educational Leadership and Management (Non-Licensure)
- Educational Leadership and Management: Online Education Administration (Non-Licensure)
- Educational Leadership and Management: Principal/Assistant Principal (Non-Licensure)
- Educational Leadership and Management: Special Education Director (Non-Licensure)
- Occupational Education (Non-Licensure)
- Pedagogy and Learning (Non-Licensure)
Special Education Focus
- Special Education: Guided Studies - Applied Behavior Analysis
- Special Education: Guided Studies - Dyslexia Specialist (Non-Licensure)
- Special Education: Guided Studies (Non-Licensure/Individualized Concentration)
- Special Education: Reading Specialist (Initial Licensure)
- Special Education: Reading Specialist (Non-licensure)
- Special Education: Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Initial Licensure, 5-12 or Pre-K-8)
- Special Education: Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (Initial Licensure)
Blend online and in-person learning with Fitchburg State’s MEd programs in Art Education:
Fast-track your degree with accelerated online graduate education programs:
Earn high-demand skills in various education fields through short-term programs:
Online Learning: OnSync
Many of our graduate education programs are available in fully- online formats. Some 100% online programs include limited OnSync classes, which require live, synchronous class meetings on a set day each week. These sessions provide real-time interaction with faculty and peers while maintaining the flexibility of an online program. Check our course schedule to find more details about OnSync.
Professional Development for Educators
Enhance your teaching skills, earn continuing education credits, and stay ahead in the field of education with professional development at Fitchburg State. Our Center for Professional Studies (CPS) offers in-person and online courses, workshops, and institutes designed for educators at all levels.
Our programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and help educators meet licensure and career advancement requirements. Explore opportunities to:
- Earn Professional Development Points (PDPs) for licensure renewal (DESE-approved)
- Gain graduate or undergraduate credit
- Develop specialized expertise in high-demand areas
- Complete short-term, flexible courses
Graduate Education Program Cost
Earning your graduate education degree at Fitchburg State is a strategic investment in your future. Our graduate education programs are some of the most affordable among public universities in Massachusetts. Review tuition, fees, financial aid, and payment options.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
We’re ready to support you in choosing the right graduate education program. Enhance your teaching skills, step into leadership, or specialize in a new area with Fitchburg State University. Get in touch:
- Email an enrollment counselor gce@fitchburgstate.edu or call 978.665.3182
- Attend an Information Session
- Watch a webinar
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