Policies relevant to participants in the Integrated bachelor/master's program.

Intent to progress to Stage 1
GPA requirements
Change of license request
Adding a second license
Exit requirements

It is highly recommended that you review all policies pages so you are familiar with all policies that may impact you.

Intent to Progress to Stage 1

All students who wish to continue pursuing licensure after the sophomore year, are invited to declare an intent to progress into the cohort phase of the program through a process known interchangeably as the 4+1 application and the Intent to Progress to Stage 1. Generally, sophomores are invited to submit an application by December each year to join the following year, and transfer students submit by July 1. On a case-by-case basis, transfer students may apply in the fall term to join the cohort in January. When completing the application, students should have the following information on hand:

Grade and Major information
MEPID number
MTEL Score information (if taken, students are encouraged to take the Communication and Literacy exam before applying)
Name and SSU email for a professor who can attest to your academic and professional potential
Anticipated address for the following year

Once the application is submitted, students will participate in two admissions screening activities:

Writing sample based on a prepared prompt

In general, fully admitted students have the following profile:

A passing score on the Communication and Literacy portions of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL);
3.0 GPA in prior college course work (obtained by end of sophomore year, can be in progress;
ability to express a desire in the teaching profession that demonstrates genuine interest and a 'professional' demeanor.

Students should review the typical requirements for their program of interest in the university catalog:

Elementary(Grades 1-6) and Early Childhood (Grades PK-2)
Secondary (5-12) [Choose from the list below]:

- Biology: Secondary Education (8-12 grade)
- English: Secondary Education (5-12 grade)
- History: Secondary Education (5-12 grade)
- Mathematics: Secondary (5-12 grade)
- Physical Education: Select a concentration in Pk-8 or 5-12
- Spanish: Select a concentration in Pk-8 or 5-12

GPA requirements

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the Integrated Program and may not receive any grade lower than a B in their education classes. If a student drops below a 3.0 GPA or a grade of B in the required education courses, the student must schedule an appointment with their advisor or the SOE Student Services Office to discuss an academic improvement plan. If the student neglects to make an appointment, they may lose the opportunity to proceed with their fieldwork or practicum experience.

Change of License Request

Students who wish to to change which license they are pursuing must meet with an advisor to find out if it is possible, and then fill out an Academic Action request form and submit it to soedeans@salemstate.edu for review.

A student who changes license area is responsible for all MTELs required for the new license and must still abide by posted deadlines. A change in license area may also require making up classes which could delay graduation and/or licensure.

Adding a Second License

Students with interest and space in their programs can choose to pursue a second license in special education or ESL.

Students interested in a second license must submit a request to the relevant program coordinator to determine if the second license will be a good fit with their current performance and program requirements. Check with your advisor or student services (edussu@salemsate.edu) for more information.

Adding a second license may require completing additional MTELs.

Adding a second license will require additional coursework, generally 6-8 additional 3-credit courses. Which courses are required will vary based on the original program and the selected second license. The exact course requirements will be determined by the program coordinator and put in writing. The additional license courses may need to be completed over the summer at an additional expense.

Exit Requirements

If a student chooses to exit the integrated bachelor/master's program, they must met with their advisor or a member of the Student Services staff to review their program and update their graduation plan.

If they intend to complete the education BS (typically students choosing to exit senior year) they must appeal for permission to graduate with the education BS without moving forward to the M.Ed. portion of the program. Doing so requires completing the Academic Action Request Form and submitting it to soedeans@salemstate.edu for review.