Accelerated 4+1 Bachelor's & Online Master of Education
Earn a bachelor's degree, a fully online MEd, and two Initial teaching licenses, including Moderate Disabilities, in five years. This accelerated pathway combines undergraduate preparation with graduate study for efficient progression into teaching.
Small Classes. Big Impact. Paid Experience.
Degree: Bachelor's + Master of Education (MEd)
Program Delivery: Undergraduate (On Campus) + Graduate (Online)
Next Term: Fall 2026
Program Duration: Five years (including summers)
Total Credit Hours: 33 graduate credits (fifth year)
Why Choose the 4+1 Education Degree at MCLA?
The 4+1 pathway allows students to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees in a single streamlined program. By combining licensure and graduate coursework, students save time while gaining additional qualifications that strengthen their readiness for teaching roles.
Two Degrees, Two Licenses
Students graduate with a bachelor's degree, a Master of Education, an Initial teaching license, and a second Initial license in Moderate Disabilities, expanding their qualifications across general and special education settings.
A Fully Online 5th Year
The fifth-year graduate coursework is delivered fully online. Students complete 33 credits while maintaining flexibility to begin working in schools or return to their communities.
Built-In Financial Savings
Students accepted into the 4+1 program receive a $500 tuition discount per semester during the fifth year, totaling $2,000 in savings on graduate coursework.
Career Outlook & Program Outcomes
Earning both a bachelor's and a master's in education strengthens your earning potential and expands the range of teaching roles you can pursue.
Where This Degree Takes You
Graduates enter the workforce with advanced qualifications, including a master's degree and dual licensure. This combination supports broader teaching opportunities and positions candidates for roles across diverse classroom settings.
Career Opportunities
- Elementary or Secondary Classroom Teache
- Special Education Teacher (Moderate Disabilities)
- Inclusion or Support Classroom Teacher
- Instructional Support Specialist
- Education Program Coordinator
Skills You'll Develop
Spotlight Courses
Faculty & Staff
Meet Your Mentors
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
"I was becoming someone who could contribute across the board in a lot of different ways, and it made me very adaptable. MCLA made me a much more well-rounded person."
Admission Requirements
Graduates enter the workforce with advanced qualifications, including a master's degree and dual licensure. This combination supports broader teaching opportunities and positions candidates for roles across diverse classroom settings.
Requirements include:
- Meet all graduate admission requirements
- Submit application by May 1 of senior year
- Personal statement
- Three letters of reference
- Resume
- MCLA transcript with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Completion of undergraduate licensure requirements
- Successful completion of MTEL exams and student teaching practicum
FINANCIAL AID
Students who are accepted and remain in good standing in the 4+1 program will receive a $500 discount per semester ($2,000 total) in the fifth year. Financial aid information is available on the MCLA website at https://mcla.edu/admission-aid/paying-for-college/. Students enrolled in a graduate program taking at least 5 credit hours are eligible for a Federal Direct Student Loan. Students must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Reciprocity
In most states, candidates with a Massachusetts teaching license need only pass the appropriate state teacher tests in order to be eligible for a teaching license.
Please note that MCLA reserves the right to unilaterally add, withdraw, or revise any course offering in the above mentioned program of study including policies, provisions, requirements, and fees.
FAQs
In many states, candidates with a Massachusetts teaching license may become eligible for licensure by passing the required state-specific exams.
The program requires meeting graduate admission requirements, which include submitting application materials such as transcripts, references, and a personal statement.
The fifth-year coursework is fully online, allowing flexibility. Many students use this format to balance coursework with professional or personal responsibilities.
MTEL exams are completed during the undergraduate portion of the program as part of licensure requirements, along with the student teaching practicum.
Students must complete all undergraduate licensure requirements before entering the graduate portion. Academic advising supports students in staying on track toward on-time program completion.
Interested in Learning More About MCLA’s Accelerated 4+1 Bachelor’s & Online Master of Education?
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