children sitting around teacher and looking at a globe

Curriculum and Instruction - with Certification (MCERT), M.Ed.

Master of Education
At a Glance
Leads to Teaching License?

Yes

Avg. Duration

1 year

Start Term

Summer

Required Credits

36-39

Course Load

Full-time

Location
  • On-Campus
  • Internship schools
Application Deadline

Varies by pathway

FAFSA Deadline

June 30, 2025

At a Glance
Leads to Teaching License?

Yes

Avg. Duration

1 year

Start Term

Summer

Required Credits

36-39

Course Load

Full-time

Location
  • On-Campus
  • Internship schools
Application Deadline

Varies by pathway

FAFSA Deadline

June 30, 2025

Program Overview

The Curriculum and Instruction - with Certification (MCERT), Master of Education (M.Ed.) program offers a comprehensive pathway to elementary, middle school, secondary or preK-12 teacher certification and a Master of Education degree in just one year. Designed for aspiring educators across various grade levels and subject areas, MCERT combines rigorous coursework with intensive mentored internships in partnership with school districts like Anne Arundel, 浪花直播ard, Montgomery, and Prince George鈥檚 Counties.

Grade Level and Content Area Specializations

  • PreK-12 Level (All grades)
    • Art
    • Physical Education
    • TESOL
    • World Language
      • Arabic
      • Chinese
      • French
      • German
      • Italian
      • Latin
      • Russian
      • Spanish
  • Elementary Level (Grades 1-6)
    • General Education
  • Middle School Level (Grades 4-9)
    • Mathematics
    • Science
  • Secondary Level (Grades 7-12)
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Sciences
      • Agriculture
      • Biology
      • Chemistry
      • Computer Science
      • Earth/Space Science
      • Physics
      • Social Studies

Program Advantages

Throughout the entire internship year, you will apprentice in classrooms with experienced certified teachers who serve as mentors. The classrooms serve as 鈥渓earning laboratories鈥 where you can practice the ideas and concepts that you are studying in your courses and learn the essentials of instructional planning, responsive teaching, embracing diversity, and the ongoing assessment of student learning. In addition, you will receive support during the school year from a university-based supervisor and a subject-based coordinator, who are experienced educators in the area of the intern鈥檚 certification field.

MCERT interns, also referred to as 鈥渢eacher candidates,鈥 are organized into content area and grade-level cohort groups. These groups work closely with faculty and public school staff, enroll in the same classes, and participate in an ongoing peer-support network for interactive learning and support through a seminar course. The seminar experiences provide instruction that complements the internship.

Created in 1985, MCERT has expanded to encompass partnerships with four neighboring school districts: Anne Arundel, 浪花直播ard, Montgomery, and Prince George鈥檚 Counties. Select partners from these school districts, in which we have 25 school sites, join university faculty in the development of the program curriculum. Most MCERT interns study in Professional Development (PDS) schools across these four districts and in other districts depending on the content area/grade level needs.

The College of Education is fully accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), and our programs are approved by the 浪花直播 State Department of Education. MCERT provides all necessary requirements for 浪花直播 State Certification, combining the rigorous coursework and content/grade level-specific internship (student teaching). Upon successful completion of the program, you are recommended to the 浪花直播 State Department of Education for licensure. 浪花直播 has reciprocity with other states and U.S. territories. 

The University of 浪花直播鈥檚 reputation and location near Washington, D.C. provides you with a wealth of opportunities to work in diverse school districts, collaborate with educational associations, and engage in important, practical research.

Learning Goals
  • Demonstrate competency in subject matter, curriculum, pedagogy, and content knowledge, enabling effective teaching across diverse student populations.
  • Develop a profound understanding of learners' social and cultural contexts, embracing a global perspective and sensitivity to diverse cultures to create inclusive learning environments.
  • Practice evidence-based decision-making using assessment tools and critical research interpretation to enhance educational practices and improve student learning outcomes.
  • Integrate technology into instructional practices to support student engagement and achievement, employing data-driven solutions for continuous instructional improvement.
  • Advocate for student needs within school districts and classrooms, equipped to lead educational initiatives that promote the holistic development of PK-16 learners and advance educational equity.
#11
Best Curriculum and Instruction program by U.S. News & World Report
Career Options

Graduates of the MCERT program are prepared to pursue teaching positions in public and private schools across 浪花直播 and beyond. You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet the diverse needs of students, advocate for educational equity, and contribute to positive learning outcomes in their classrooms.

浪花直播 to Apply
  • Step 1: Download the MCERT Admissions Handbook 2024-2025.
  • Step 2: Contact the program with questions or attend an information session.
  • Step 3: Request a .
  • Step 4: Complete online .

Applications must be complete on the dates listed:

  • Priority deadline November 5, 2024
  • Final deadline March 14, 2025
    • The Social Studies specialization deadline is February 3, 2025

         

  • Bachelor鈥檚 Degree with 3.0 GPA
  • Experience with children or young adults
  • Strong background in certification area content
  • Praxis II Requirements for Teacher Certification Track Graduate Programs
鈥淚 have so many ideas that I have learned from this program that I want to implement into my own classroom. I want to establish a positive and loving learning community in my classroom, where all my future students are valued and challenged. I am very passionate about working towards educational equity for all students, and I hope that it will be evident in my future classroom.鈥

Jennifer Lee, 鈥19

Program Requirements

Program details can be found in the program handbook:

MCERT Program Handbook 

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above for required coursework.
  • Passing Praxis II content test.
  • Successful completion of portfolio.
  • Successful completion of TLPL 698 and submission of Action Research paper.
  • Successful completion of MCERT internship.
  • Satisfactory performance on Foundational Competencies, Final PBA, and edTPA.
  • Applying for Graduation and submitting a Master鈥檚 Approved Form by deadlines.
  • Fulfillment of all provisions/prerequisites required in the terms of your initial offer of admission to UMCP/MCERT.
Contact
black circle with outline of generic person inside
Office of Student Services
Admissions & Preliminary Transcript Review
Joy Jones
MCERT Graduate Pathway Coordinator
Info Session & Events