If you share the motivations of the working professionals who study at Worcester State University—to perform well at work, to maintain a high-quality personal life, and to boost your career trajectory with additional education—you face a daily balancing act. We get it. We know that an advanced certificate must provide maximum value for your investment, and we understand the challenges of fulfilling these multiple objectives. That’s why we offer convenient, affordable, and well-respected certificate and licensure programs designed with all your needs in mind.
Worcester State offers 3 teacher licensure programs designed for professionals currently working in a school setting, as well as for those who are changing careers.
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program for Initial Teacher Licensure in English as a Second Language focuses on developing theoretical understanding and knowledge of best practices for providing academically challenging and responsible instruction to English Language Learners (ELLs). The program prepares you to help ELLs pursue academic content instruction in English more effectively. Your course of study will include a 32-credit curriculum and a capstone field practicum teaching ESL in classes for grades Pre-K to 6 or for grades 5 to 12.
Upon completion of the program, you will be capable of working with core grade-level curriculum with English as a Second Language in a variety of program models of current pedagogies. You also will be well versed in strategies for beginning to intermediate reading and writing skills in English.
If you plan to teach in a middle or high school, grades 5-8 or 8-12, respectively, the middle/secondary licensure program will prepare you for the 6 pedagogical or educational practice competencies. The program features 2 field experiences—a 75-hour guided school observation (pre-practicum) and a 150-hour student-teaching experience in the middle/secondary grades (practicum). It also includes a teaching practicum seminar course that you will take simultaneously with your practicum.
Whether you are a working teacher or new to the profession, you can obtain initial licensure in moderate disabilities through Worcester State’s post-baccalaureate program. This course of study includes 18 credits of study and a 3-credit practicum. Upon completion, you will receive a license for either grades Pre-K to 8 or grades 5 to 12.
Worcester State also offers 2 post-master’s certificates for licensed practicing nurses who hold a master’s degree, a doctoral degree, or are matriculated in a doctoral program.
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Public & Population Health Nursing is intended for nurses who hold a master’s degree, a doctoral degree, or are matriculated in a doctoral program. The 15-credit certification enhances students’ knowledge and experience regarding community and global health-care trends, issues, and challenges. An online option is also available.
The Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education is intended for nurses who hold a master’s degree, a doctoral degree, or are matriculated in a doctoral program and are interested in advancing quality nursing education. This 12-credit certification allows students to develop increased knowledge and skills in preparation for a faculty role in a variety of educational settings. An online option is also available.
