Education

Middle School Education

License-Only, Initial Licensure (5-8) Program

Turn your passion into positive learning experiences for students.

This program is designed for career changers and others who want to teach but may not need to complete a full master’s degree. Gain the skills needed to earn your license, and emerge prepared to inspire middle school students to become successful lifelong learners.

You'll examine ways to design curriculum and learning environments and implement classroom management strategies. Explore adolescent development from physical, cultural, and psychological perspectives. Learn how schools can best serve the needs of this unique age group.

You'll investigate how social justice and equity can inform ways of closing the achievement gap and supporting students with special needs. Explore multiple perspectives that will lead to greater cultural awareness. And through student teaching, you'll get into real middle school classrooms, where you’ll have the chance to refine your skills. 

Come study with dedicated faculty at the place that educates more teachers than any other place in New England. You'll benefit from the reputation of a school with exceptional programs in Massachusetts, where school principals prefer to hire Lesley graduates and believe they're the most prepared for the classroom. (Source: Radius Global Market Research, 2017)

Select one of the following seven tracks, all leading to middle school education initial teacher licensure. Please note that English, History, and Social Sciences licenses span grades 5-12, as of July, 2019.

  • English (5–12)
  • General Science (5–8)
  • History (5–12)
  • Humanities (5–8)
  • Mathematics (5–8)
  • Mathematics/Science (5–8)
  • Social Sciences (5–12)
Graduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-Time or Part-Time Program

28 Credits
On-Campus Graduate Education Programs

Our on-campus programs are offered in a combination of face-to-face, remote synchronous via Zoom, or asynchronous online courses. Whatever the delivery mode, you'll get the same careful attention and support from our dedicated faculty and staff.

Please contact luadmissions@lesley.edu if you have any questions.

Gain Skills and Expertise
Our licensure-only middle school education program prepares you to:
$86,755
Average salary for teachers in Massachusetts (2021-2022), according to the National Education Association.
#1
Superintendents and other hiring managers across Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, reporting that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. (Source: Radius Global Market Research)
Top Schools
Massachusetts ranks as the best state to be a teacher, with some of the highest performing schools and best salaries in the country, according to US News.
The degree employers are looking for.
Lesley graduates go on to rewarding careers in public and private schools, charter schools, and beyond. That's because our programs are ranked #1 for preparing teachers with the skills Massachusetts employers are seeking, including:
Important Licensure Information

All Lesley University educator licensure programs comply with current Massachusetts educational requirements, as specified. In addition, Massachusetts participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, which makes it possible for an educator to have their Massachusetts license/s recognized across the United States. Depending on your professional goals, where you reside or plan to teach, and the licensure structures that exist within that state, there are diverse pathways to licensure that may be relevant. In accordance with Lesley University’s institutional participation in SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and with federal regulations, Lesley University strongly encourages prospective applicants who intend to pursue licensure in a state other than Massachusetts review the Lesley University Licensure and Credentialing page for more information.

Faculty

Total approximate cost for this license only program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023–2024 academic year.
Middle School Education
  • Tuition
    $925/credit x 28
    $25,900
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $700
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

  • Tuition
    $750/credit x 28
    $21,000
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $700
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

  • Tuition
    $562.50/credit x 28
    $15,750
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $700
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Your degree is an investment, and we're committed to ensuring its value. That's why we offer the best teacher education in Massachusetts at competitive tuition rates.
We'll help ensure your degree is as affordable as possible. Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.