Education Accelerated Dual Degree Program

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Now Available to Elementary & Early Childhood Education Majors!

2 Degrees. 2 Teaching Licenses. 5 years.

Westfield State University offers an accelerated dual degree program for undergraduate Education majors. This program is a coordinated sequence of undergraduate and graduate-level Education courses that allows students to begin graduate coursework as undergraduates, complete their bachelor’s degree in four years, and earn their M.Ed. in one additional year.

Students can pursue this accelerated pathway as Elementary Education (ELED, 1–6) majors or Early Childhood Education (ECED, PreK–2) majors. The ECED track now includes a new option that allows students to continue directly into the PreK–2 Moderate Disabilities graduate licensure program.

When completed, you will be eligible for:

  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (1–6) or Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (PreK–2)
  • Initial licensure in Elementary Education (1–6) or Initial licensure in Early Childhood Education (PreK–2)
  • Master of Education in Moderate Disabilities
  • Initial licensure in Moderate Disabilities (PreK–8 or PreK–2, depending on the track selected)

View the ELED course completion plan
ECED course completion plan coming soon!

Program Highlights

  • Dedicated Advisor – Support throughout your dual-licensure program
  • MTEL Prep – Help passing Massachusetts teacher exams
  • Career Boost – Gain skills that increase marketability and earning potential
  • Seamless Transition – Smooth pathway from undergraduate to graduate coursework

Hands-On Learning, Specialized Skills, and a Supportive Community

  • Reach to Teach alumna Lisha standing outside school smiling wearing a black coat, white shirt, and glasses.

    Learn by Doing in Real Classrooms

    Gain hands-on teaching experience throughout your program. This program integrates student teaching placements in both undergraduate and graduate coursework, allowing you to develop real-world classroom skills while building confidence and expertise.

  • Student smiling sitting at a table with a striped background.

    Build Expertise in Special Education

    Prepare to meet the needs of all learners with a focus on Moderate Disabilities education. Through specialized coursework and mentoring, you’ll develop strategies to support diverse classrooms and create inclusive learning environments that help every student succeed.

  • Education faculty member giving thumbs up smiling with three students.

    A Community That Supports You

    Join a network of faculty, advisors, and peers dedicated to your growth. With personalized guidance, collaborative projects, and access to local schools, you’ll cultivate relationships and professional connections that last well beyond graduation.

Where Your Dual Degree Can Take You

Graduates of Westfield State University’s accelerated dual degree program are prepared to make an immediate impact in schools. With Massachusetts licensure in Elementary Education (1–6) and Moderate Disabilities (PreK–8), and an option for Early Childhood Education (PreK–2) majors to advance into the PreK–2 Moderate Disabilities track, you can teach in diverse classrooms, design individualized learning plans, and support students with varying learning needs. Many alumni pursue careers as classroom teachers, special education specialists, or intervention coordinators. This dual degree equips you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to thrive in a variety of educational settings and positively shape the next generation of learners.

Student smiling wearing a cap and gown at commencement.

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • Open to elementary and early childhood education majors

  • Apply in sophomore & junior years

  • Two degrees & teaching licenses

Learn from Experienced Educators Who Support Your Dual Pathway

In Westfield State University’s accelerated dual degree program, you’ll learn from expert faculty who bring real-world classroom experience to every course. Our Education faculty have extensive backgrounds in P–12 teaching and school leadership.

With small class sizes, you’ll benefit from individualized support, close mentorship, and meaningful collaboration with your peers. Faculty are dedicated to helping you grow as both an elementary and special education professional—ensuring you graduate confident, prepared, and ready to lead in diverse learning environments.

Contact Us

Dr. Megan Kennedy
Education Program Administrator

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Current Westfield State Elementary and Early Childhood Education majors can apply to the Accelerated Dual Degree program in their sophomore year.  After acceptance, students must continue to meet the program requirements in order to move into the master’s degree phase. The application process for this accelerated option is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. To be eligible for the accelerated dual degree program, you must:

Complete the statement of eligibility form in the sophomore year by April 1

  • Applicants to the program need to have a WSU overall GPA of at least 3.3 and sophomore standing
  • Submit a current degree audit with the statement of eligibility for your BSE program
  • Applicants to the program need to have successfully completed the Communication and Literacy MTEL test. Please include your official score report to your statement of eligibility

Statement of Eligibility Form

Complete the Early Entry Graduate Application by February 15th of the junior year submitted with the following:

  • Narrative statement
  • Two references

Early Entry Graduate Application

How long will it take?

This program is designed for students majoring in Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education who are also interested in obtaining a second initial license in Moderate Disabilities and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree. After four years, including summer sessions between the junior and senior years, the initial phase of the program leads to an undergraduate degree and initial licensure in Elementary Education (1–6) or Early Childhood Education (PreK–2), provided all degree and licensure requirements are met, including the successful completion of student teaching. A fifth year of graduate study then leads to initial licensure in Moderate Disabilities (PreK–8 or PreK–2) and the M.Ed. degree, again contingent upon meeting all degree and licensure requirements, including the successful completion of student teaching.

What are the costs?

Current graduate tuition and fees may be found on the website for the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education. These are not included in your undergraduate tuition. A practicum fee is required for student teaching.

You may need to pay for graduate classes out of pocket if you already receive the maximum amount of financial aid.

The Division of Graduate and Continuing Education offers a limited number of graduate assistantships that can help with the costs of graduate courses. Also offered is the Supporting our Schools Scholarship, with an application deadline each summer. 

Can I apply as a part-time student?

This program requires daytime availability and a full-time course schedule.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

For questions about the Accelerated Dual Licensure program and how to apply, please contact Education Program Administrator, Dr. Megan Kennedy at mkennedy@westfield.ma.edu.

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Education Accelerated Dual Degree Program