College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Education plus Licensure Prep (M.A.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Education plus Licensure Prep (M.A.)
Turn Your Passion for Learning Into a Licensed Teaching Career
The Master of Arts in Education plus Licensure at New Mexico State University prepares future educators to step confidently into today’s classrooms with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to make a lasting difference. Designed for individuals seeking to become licensed teachers, this graduate program blends advanced coursework, hands-on field experiences, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
Students can choose from three licensure-focused concentrations — Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary Education — allowing you to align your studies with your career goals and the learners you want to serve. Through real classroom experience and close faculty mentorship, NMSU prepares graduates to teach effectively, adapt to diverse learning environments, and inspire the next generation of students.
Admission Deadlines
March (fall), October (spring)
- Total credits: 39
Delivery Format
Career Pathways
Graduates of the M.A. in Education plus Licensure are prepared for meaningful careers in education, including:
- Licensed early childhood teacher
- Elementary school teacher
- Middle or high school teacher (content area specific
- Public or charter school educator
- Private or independent school teacher
- Curriculum or instructional support specialist
- Educational program coordinator
- Teacher leader or grade-level lead
- Pathway to advanced roles in education leadership, curriculum design, or instructional coaching
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Arts in Education plus Licensure? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a M.A. in Education plus Licensure at NMSU?
NMSU’s licensure-focused master’s program is designed to move you from graduate study to the classroom with confidence. The program emphasizes hands-on teaching experience, strong partnerships with schools, and coursework grounded in real-world educational challenges. Students gain practical classroom skills while developing a deep understanding of equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
With flexible program options, experienced faculty mentors, and a clear pathway to state licensure, NMSU supports your journey every step of the way. Whether you are changing careers or advancing your impact in education, this program prepares you to teach with purpose, lead with integrity, and make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
Concentration Options:
- Early childhood education (licensure) — Prepare to support the development and learning of young children through developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and family-centered teaching practices.
- Elementary education (licensure) — Build a strong foundation in curriculum design, classroom management, and instructional strategies for teaching across core subject areas in grades K–8.
- Secondary education (licensure) — Focus on teaching content areas at the middle and high school level, combining subject-matter expertise with effective instructional and assessment strategies.
CAEP-Accredited
Our program is CAEP-accredited and approved by the New Mexico Public Education Department
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The College of Education's School of Teacher Preparation, Administration and Leadership at New Mexico State University offers a 39-credit Master of Arts in Education plus Licensure in Early Childhood Education for individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree. The program is designed to meet the professional education course requirements for teacher licensure as a part of a Master of Arts in Education degree program. A full-time student in this program typically completes in two years.
Take classes like:
- EDUC 5120 – Multicultural Education
- EDUC 5140 – Research in Curriculum and Pedagogy
- BLED 5120 - The Bilingual Preschool Child
- EDUC 5510 – Advanced Teaching and Learning of Literacy
- ECED 5310 - Issues in Early Childhood Education
- ECED 5220 - Play in the Early Childhood Curriculum
The College of Education's School of Teacher Preparation, Administration and Leadership at New Mexico State University offers a 39-credit Master of Arts in Education plus Licensure in Elementary Education for individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree. The program is designed to meet the professional education course requirements for teacher licensure as a part of a Master of Arts in Education degree program.
Take classes like:
- EDUC 5120 – Multicultural Education
- EDUC 5140 – Research in Curriculum and Pedagogy
- SPED 5105 – Introduction to Special Education in a Diverse Society
- READ 5320 - Elementary School Literacy II
- EDUC 5310 - Methods of Teaching Elementary School Science
- EDUC 5320 - Methods of Teaching Elementary School Mathematics
The College of Education's School of Teacher Preparation, Administration and Leadership at New Mexico State University offers a 39-credit Master of Arts in Education plus Licensure in Elementary Education for individuals who have completed a Secondary degree. The program is designed to meet the professional education course requirements for teacher licensure as a part of a Master of Arts in Education degree program.
Take classes like:
- EDUC 5120 – Multicultural Education
- EDUC 5140 – Research in Curriculum and Pedagogy
- SPED 5105 – Introduction to Special Education in a Diverse Society
- READ 5330 – Content Area Literacy
- EDUC 5410 - Teaching Science at the Middle and High School Level
- EDUC 5420 - Teaching Mathematics at the Middle and High School Level
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.