Educator Preparation and Licensure

To obtain an Initial License through a state-approved graduate (initial licensure post-baccalaureate) program, a student must obtain an appropriate master’s degree or the completion of a Performance Assessment Program and other requirements established by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Students seeking Initial Licensure are also required to pass the two-part Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). For all students (Theatre Education and Communication Sciences and Disorders), they must pass the Communication and Literacy Skills Tests and pass a respective subject matter test - for Theatre Education this is the MTEL Theatre Subject Matter Test, and for students in Communication Sciences and Disorders this is the ASHA national examination. 

The Department of Performing Arts offers Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education-approved programs leading to the Initial License as a Teacher of Theatre (all levels).

For more information, contact Theatre Education Licensure Coordinator/Emerson College DESE Liaison: Kevin Ziomek - Office of the Registrar. 

Students in the Program of Communication Sciences and Disorders who seek the Initial License as a Specialist Teacher in Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders (all levels) must complete the master’s degree in Communication Disorders. The Professional License requires the completion of the post-master’s degree Clinical Fellowship.

For more information, contact Director of Clinical Education and Director for Educator Preparation: Melissa Spring, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Students must apply for and be accepted into an approved program to be considered a candidate for licensure. Students should contact their program advisor and the educator preparation program director in their proposed area of licensure as early as possible for information regarding requirements and appropriate coursework and field placements. A minimum of one semester of enrollment at Emerson is required prior to student teaching.

Theatre Education students must fulfill the student teaching practicum through Emerson College. Communication Disorders students who seek the Initial License as a Specialist Teacher in Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders (all levels) must complete all graduate clinical practica as part of their master’s program through Emerson. All CD students must complete one school placement and be on site for a minimum of 100 hours.

The Theatre Education faculty offers review sessions for the MTEL exams once each semester. Attendance at one of the review sessions prior to taking the exams is mandatory. It is recommended that students take the CLST early in their program and take the Theatre SMT near the end of their studies, but prior to graduation. Students who have successfully completed all of their coursework and practicum requirements and who have passed both parts of the MTEL will be considered program completers and be licensure eligible.

Section 207 of the Higher Education Act mandates that institutions preparing educators for work in schools must disclose the pass rates on state teacher tests for their students during the most recently completed academic year. In Massachusetts, this is the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure comprising the Communication and Literacy Skills Test (CLST) and the Subject Matter Test (SMT). For the 2016-2017 academic year, Emerson students in programs that will prepare them for classroom teaching (Teacher of Theatre) had a total pass rate of 100 percent (CLST and SMT). Communication Disorders students do not take a state-designed subject matter test. Title II data do not include these latter individuals’ CLST scores, as they are not preparing for classroom work.

I. Professional Licensure Programs

Emerson College offers several programs that lead to professional licensure in Massachusetts and may lead to professional licensure in other states. These programs may satisfy the relevant educational requirements set by various state licensing bodies that oversee certain professions. While Emerson’s programs may satisfy the basic educational requirements for licensure, applicants for licensure may need to pass additional coursework and/or exams and complete required applications before becoming fully licensed. Additionally, some professions may require continuing education requirements to maintain a professional license. This policy does not address reciprocity arrangements which may allow licensed professionals to practice in different states for which reciprocity is recognized. 

In compliance with US Department of Education regulations found in 34 C.F.R. 668.43(a)(5)(v), Emerson College is required to disclose whether certain programs meet educational requirements for professional licensure and certification if the programs are designed or advertised as meeting such requirements. Emerson College has identified the following programs as ones that are designed for and advertised as meeting educational requirements for professional licensure:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education and Performance 
• Master of Arts/Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre
• Master of Science in Communications Disorders 

The US Department of Education regulations require Emerson College to disclose the states with respect to which it has determined that these programs meet the educational requirements for professional licensure, the states with respect to which it has determined these programs do not meet the educational requirements for professional licensure, and the states with respect to which Emerson College has not made a determination as to whether the program meets the requirements for licensure. 

1. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education and Performance 

Students completing the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education and Performance program may be eligible to obtain a Massachusetts educator license, which is honored reciprocally in many states, depending on and subject to the laws of that state. To qualify for the Initial License in Massachusetts, students must complete the program, which includes a school practicum placement; must pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communication and Literacy Skills Tests and Subject Matter Test; and must apply for the license. For further information, please see the Educator Preparation and Licensure section of this catalog or visit doe.mass.edu/licensure/. Emerson College has not determined whether the program meets the educational requirements for licensure of any state other than Massachusetts.

In accordance with US Department of Education requirements that institutions disclose whether programs that lead to professional licensure satisfy the requirements of different states, Emerson College has made the following determinations.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education and Performance program meets the educational requirements for licensure in: Massachusetts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education and Performance program does not meet the educational requirements for licensure in: N/A

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education and Performance program has not made a determination as to whether it meets the educational requirements for licensure in: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Federated States of Micronesia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Marshall Islands, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, US Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Students should consult with the Theatre Education Department’s Director of Educator Preparation for individualized support in seeking licensure in other states.

1. Master of Arts/Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre

Students completing the Master of Arts/Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre program may be eligible to obtain a Massachusetts educator license, which is honored reciprocally in many states, depending on and subject to the laws of that state. To qualify for the Initial License in Massachusetts, students must complete the program, which includes have a school practicum placement; must pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) , Communication and Literacy Skills Tests and Subject Matter Test Section; and must apply for the license.  For further information, please see the Educator Preparation and Licensure section of this catalog or visit doe.mass.edu/licensure/. Emerson College has not determined whether the program meets the educational requirements for licensure of any state other than Massachusetts.

In accordance with US Department of Education requirements that institutions disclose whether programs that lead to professional licensure satisfy the requirements of different states, Emerson College has made the following determinations.

The Master of Arts/Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education and Performance program meets the educational requirements for licensure in: Massachusetts

The Master of Arts/Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education and Performance program does not meet the educational requirements for licensure in: N/A

The Master of Arts/Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education and Performance program has not made a determination as to whether it meets the educational requirements for licensure in: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Federated States of Micronesia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Marshall Islands, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, US Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Students should consult with the Theatre Education Department’s Director of Educator Preparation for individualized support in seeking licensure in other states.

1. Master of Science in Communications Disorders

Students completing the Master of Science in Communications Disorders program may be eligible to obtain a speech language pathologist license depending on applicable state law. For example, in order to be a licensed speech-language pathologist in the state of Massachusetts, you will need to submit evidence of meeting the Standards for Certification published by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Council for Clinical Certification and pass a national examination in speech-language pathology (the PRAXIS exam). 

In accordance with US Department of Education requirements that institutions disclose whether programs that lead to professional licensure satisfy the requirements of different states, Emerson College has made the following determinations.

The Master of Science in Communications Disorders program meets the educational requirements for licensure in: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. 

The Master of Science in Communications Disorders program does not meet the educational requirements for licensure in: Alabama, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

The Master of Science in Communications Disorders program has not made a determination as to whether it meets the educational requirements for licensure in: n/a

Students should consult with the Speech@Emerson Department’s Program Director or Director of Clinical Education for individualized support in seeking licensure in other states. Additionally, there may be additional requirements for speech language pathologists to work in certain settings (e.g., schools). Students should consult with the department’s Director of Clinical Education for individualized support in navigating these additional requirements. 

II.   Student Location Determination 

Emerson College uses the following procedure to determine a student’s location for purposes of disclosures required by the US Department of Education. Emerson College determines the state in which a student is located based on the address at which the student receives mail while enrolled in these programs. The US Department of Education grants institutions of higher education flexibility in the determination of student locations, allowing institutions to defer to the locations provided to them by their students. Emerson College’s student location policy also accounts for any changes to locations while students are enrolled in a program. This policy will be made available to the US Department of Education upon request.  

A student’s location will be determined based on the following policy:

1. Prospective students will be considered as located in the state of their Local Mailing Address at the time of enrollment in the relevant program. For students enrolling in on-the-ground programs that will be provided on Emerson College’s campus in Boston, Massachusetts, their Local Mailing Address will be in Massachusetts. For students enrolling in online programs offered through distance education, the state of a student’s Local Mailing Address will be used as the state of a student’s location while enrolled in the program. Emerson College will use the address provided on a student’s application if it is otherwise unclear where the student will be taking courses while enrolled in the program. 
2. At the start of each academic term the Registrar’s Office will send an email to all enrolled students to request that students update their Local Mailing Address in Banner. The Local Mailing Address is the address at which students will receive mail while enrolled in the program. The state of this Local Mailing Address will be used as the state of a student’s location while enrolled in the program. If there is no Local Mailing Address listed for a student, the state of a student’s Permanent Legal Address will be used to determine location. 
3. Upon a change in mailing address, students should update their Local Mailing Address in Banner. Changes in mailing address should be updated if the student begins a clinical placement in a new location, begins an externship in a new location, or moves residences for any other reason. After a change in Local Mailing Address, the state of the updated address will be used as the state of a student’s location. Emerson College will then provide any necessary disclosures to students that change addresses. 

III.  Disclosures

Emerson College will make individualized disclosures to prospective and enrolled students regarding whether Emerson’s programs satisfy educational requirements for professional licensure in different states. These individualized disclosure will be provided via e-mail. For prospective students, these disclosures will be provided when enrollment agreements are sent to students. For enrolled students, these disclosures will be provided within 14 days after any determination that an Emerson program does not meet the educational requirements for professional licensure in a state in which an enrolled student is located. 

For prospective students, the following disclosure process will apply: 

1. When an accepted student confirms an intention to matriculate and requests an enrollment agreement, Emerson will first determine whether the student is enrolled in a program that is designed and advertised as leading to professional licensure. A list of such programs is included in Section I of this policy. 
2. If a prospective student plans to enroll in a program listed in Section I of this policy, then the Registrar’s Office will determine the state of the student’s location in accordance with Section II of this policy. 
3. If the state of the student’s location is one that appears on the list of states for which Emerson has determined that program does not meet professional licensure requirements or on the list of states for which Emerson has not made a determination as to whether the program meets professional licensure requirements, then the student must be provided with a professional licensure disclosure notification via email or other electronic means. 
4. The professional licensure disclosure notification will be provided to the student with the student’s enrollment agreement for the student to review prior to signing the enrollment agreement. 

For enrolled students, the following disclosure process will apply: 

1. Within 14 days after any determination that an Emerson program does not meet the educational requirements for professional licensure in a state in which an enrolled student is located, the relevant Emerson academic program unit shall make a notification to the Registrar’s Office. 
2. For all states identified in Step 1, the Registrar’s Office will compile a list of students with a Local Mailing Address listed in Banner in any of those states. 
3. For all students identified in Step 2, the Registrar’s Office will send the professional licensure disclosure notification to the affected students via email or other electronic means. 

For enrolled students that change addresses, the following disclosure process will apply: 

1. If a student makes a change to the student’s Local Mailing Address in Banner, and that address change involves a change in states, the Registrar’s Office will be notified. 
2. If the student is enrolled in a program listed in Section I of this policy, then the Registrar’s Office will determine the state of the student’s location in accordance with Section II of this policy. 
3. If the state of the student’s location is one that appears on the list of states for which Emerson has determined that program does not meet professional licensure requirements, then the student must be provided with a professional licensure disclosure notification via email or other electronic means. 
4. This email disclosure will be made within 14 days after the address change.