Admissions Standards

Masters Program in Educational Leadership (36 Credit Hours) Licensure

Students seeking admission to a program leading to a master’s degree must hold a bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution of acceptable standing. (College seniors may be admitted on a conditional basis.) Master’s degree applicants must meet the following criteria in order to receive a "clear admit" (full graduate student status):

  • A 2.75 undergraduate GPA based upon four years of work, or a 3.0 undergraduate GPA based upon work completed during the junior and senior years.
  • A rating of 1 (on part IV) on the three letters of recommendation (with 1 being the highest rating on the scale). At least two of the recommendations should be from professors and the third letter of recommendation could be from a professional employer.
  • Qualifying score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Educator Certification Tests.
  • Entrance Interview (face-to-face) or over the phone by Educational Leadership program advisor may be required.

Applicant’s who do not meet the "Clear Admit" status will be granted a "Conditional Acceptance" if they meet the following criteria:

  • A 2.5 undergraduate GPA based upon four years of work, or a 2.75 undergraduate GPA based upon work completed during the junior and senior years.
  • A rating of at least 2 on the three letters of recommendation (with 1 being the highest rating on the scale). At least two of the recommendations should be from professors and the third letter of recommendation could be from a professional employer.
  • Qualifying score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Educator Certification Tests.

Conditions that must be met to move from conditional to full graduate student status:

  • In those programs in which it is required, the student must meet with his or her adviser who will recommend three graduate courses that must be taken at Bridgewater State University.
  • The student must attain a GPA of at least 3.0 after completion of the three required courses.

If students make a GPA of at least 3.0 after completing the courses, they would be moved into full graduate student status. If students do not make a GPA of at least 3.0 after completing the courses, they would automatically be dismissed.

Masters Program in Educational Leadership (36 Credit Hours) Non-Licensure

3 Electives from any department in CEAS to replace practicum for non-licensure.  Admission criteria is the same as above, however, candidates have the following criteria option:

  •     Submit a composite score of 600-899 on the quantitative and verbal parts of the GRE General Test OR
  •     qualifying score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Educator Certification Tests.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study CAGS (39 Credit Hours) Licensure

Entrance to the program will be determined based upon the following:

  • Master’s degree from an accredited college or university (official transcript required)
  • Three letters of recommendation (one from immediate supervisor)
  • Completed application form
  • Academic certification through Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
  • Qualifying score on the Communication and Literacy Skills portion of the Massachusetts Educator Certification Test.
  • Entrance Interview (face-to-face) or over the phone by Educational Leadership program advisor may be required.

Students accepted in the CAGS in Educational leadership are required to meet a faculty advisor and design a course schedule based on the current licensure requirements in Massachusetts 90 days after admission to the program.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study CAGS (30 Credit Hours) Non-Licensure

Entrance to the program same as licensure with the following exceptions:

  •    GRE scores of 600-899 on the quantitative and verbal sections may be substituted for Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure

Accelerated School Administration Licensure Program (LEAD-Leadership through Administrator Development)

To qualify for admission to this accelerated program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum 2.8 GPA
  • Letter articulating the candidate’s philosophy of education
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Original transcripts for previous institution(s) of higher education
  • Entrance Interview (face-to-face) or over the phone by Educational Leadership program advisor may be required.
  • Initial licensure in other area, dependent upon administrative license sought
  • A passing score on the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure [MTEL].
  • Initial or Preliminary teaching license OR
  • Completion of at least 3 full years of employment in an executive management/leadership role or in a supervisory, teaching, or administrative role in a public school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting accepted by the department. (Principle/Assistant-Initial Licensure)

*Note: Conditional admission to the program may be granted, however CLEAR admission will only be granted if the passing MTEL Scores are submitted by the conclusion of the first semester of classes in the program.

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Last Modified: February 10, 2012