Teaching and Learning

Program Type
Certificate of Graduate Study
Credential
Certificate of Graduate Study
Mode of Study
Blended
Department
Teacher Education
School
School of Education and Human Development

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition & fees. See cost details

Credit hours

12 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list

Program duration

Finish in as few as 2 semesters. Explore program requirements

Admissions

Apply for fall, spring, or summer term. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Complete four of the courses for Elementary Education (K-6) or Secondary Education (6-12) to apply towards emergency or conditional teacher certification as granted by the Maine Department of Education.
  • Take advantage of a flexible schedule in our blended program, which includes a mix of online and in-person courses.
  • Study in a program designed for working educators who hold a bachelor’s degree.
  • Make progress toward a future degree: Apply course credits from your certificate toward a USM master’s degree.
  • Receive high-quality and culturally-conscious training as an educator, with the support of professional advising.
  • Save time by transferring in up to 6 graduate education course credits.
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Program requirements

You’ll complete four courses for Elementary Education (K-6) or Secondary Education (6-12) to apply towards emergency or conditional teacher certification as granted by the Maine Department of Education.

Visit course catalog
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Experienced, dedicated faculty

Study with faculty who have extensive experience as practicing educators in K-12 schools. Our faculty guide and support your professional development and career planning.

Meet our faculty

Future degree planning

Interested in earning your Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning or in Teacher Leadership in the future? The credits you earn through this certificate program can be applied to one of our education master’s programs.

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Teaching and Learning

Our MSEd program pairs an intensive student-teaching internship with evidence-based professional knowledge, ensuring that our students have a highly practical, authentic, and well-supported experience.

Explore Teaching and Learning
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Teacher Leadership | Blended

Our MSEd program with a blended mode of study is designed to cultivate and strengthen teacher leadership by increasing knowledge, deepening practices, and developing leadership skills.

Explore blended Teacher Leadership
Three teachers sit at a table. Two look at a laptop together.

Teacher Leadership | Online

Our online MSEd concentration in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment focuses on professional development and the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards.

Explore online Teacher Leadership
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Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Admission information: Certificate of Graduate Study in Teaching and Learning

Application deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.

Application deadlineFall term startSpring term start
FinalAugust 1December 15

Criteria for admission include successful completion of a bachelor’s degree and relevant professional experience, including current employment in a K-12 school setting.

To earn a certificate, students must complete 75 percent of the required coursework at USM, and earn a grade of B (3.0) or better in each course.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

  • Application: Online application
  • Application fee:
    • In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
    • International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
  • Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
  • Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

  • Personal statement: Discuss your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals.
  • Proof of employment in a K-12 school setting. The school can provide a letter stating employment status and submit to edocs@maine.edu.

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address