Fast-track your path to teacher licensure in Ohio.

If you’re called to a teaching career — no matter what you studied at the undergraduate level — a master of education will help you enter this rewarding profession. 

John Carroll University offers two pathways to the M.Ed. with Initial Licensure. The School-Based option is the fastest route. With its accelerated format, you can complete the program in less than a year. It’s intensive and immersive, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Accelerated Program

Complete your M.Ed. degree in 11 months of full-time study, including your coursework and teaching internship. Start in the summer, and be done in just three semesters.

Specialization Options

Tailor the program to meet your teaching interests. Focus in either primary, middle childhood, adolescent/young adult, or multi-age world language education.

Extensive Partner Network

We’ll match you with a mentor teacher at one of our partner sites. JCU has strong relationships with public and private schools across the region.

Program Overview & Outcomes

The School-Based M.Ed. program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to obtain teacher licensure while working toward their master’s degree. You’ll get to choose an area of teaching focus, including: 

  • Primary Education (grades P-5)
  • Middle Childhood (grades 4-9)
    • Language Arts
    • Social Studies
    • Science
    • Mathematics
  • Adolescent/Young Adult (grades 7-12)
    • Integrated Language Arts
    • Integrated Social Studies
    • Integrated Sciences
    • Mathematics
  • Multiage World Languages (K-12)
    • Latin
    • Spanish

Our master of education programs are grounded in JCU’s Jesuit values. Whichever licensure pathway you choose, you’ll develop into an empathetic, reflective professional who strives for social justice, inclusion, and classroom excellence.

Program Accreditation

Initial Licensure programs are Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) through 2026. These programs include: Undergraduate, Graduate-Professional Teacher, and Graduate-School-Based programs in Adolescent/Young Adult Education Licensure (all content areas), Middle Childhood Education Licensure (all content areas), and Early Childhood Education Licensure.

Advanced Licensure programs are Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) through 2022. Including: MEd Educational Leadership/Principal Licensure program.

All programs are Approved by the Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education. 668.43(a)(5)(v) Disclosure Statement: We have determined that all licensure programs offered by our educator preparation program satisfy the state-specific education requirements for licensure or certification in the State of Ohio (OH). While our educator preparation program holds national accreditation, we have not made a universal determination regarding the individual licensure programs offered by our educator preparation program meeting state-specific educational requirements for licensure or certification in the States of: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VI, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. For a list of state-by-state determination disclosures for each individual licensure program offered by the educator preparation program provider, please visit this document.

Admission & Aid

Learn more about applying to the Master of Education with Initial Licensure - School-Based program at John Carroll University.

To apply to the M.Ed. with Initial Licensure at JCU, you need:

  • an undergraduate degree in education (or equivalent) from an accredited institution
  • an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

The following documents are required for a complete application: 

  • Online application
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • Resume/CV, which includes work and volunteer experience
  • Two letter(s) of recommendation 
  • Statement of Purpose - in 400-600 words, explain your career objectives and goals 
  • Personal interview with program faculty

Applicants are admitted on a rolling basis.

However, for best consideration, applications for the School-Based program beginning summer semester only should be received by this date:

  • April 1: For a summer semester start

Tuition & Financial Aid

Graduate students may be eligible for federal financial aid programs as well as JCU scholarships and graduate assistantships. Explore all options and get program tuition information at our financial aid website.

Teaching Careers: Where Our Alumni Go

JCU alumni make a difference in the lives of students of all ages in the Cleveland area, across Ohio, and around the country.

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