General Science 1-6 or 5-8 Initial Licensure Certificate

This teaching certificate prepares you to teach general science in Massachusetts public and private schools, grades 1-6 or 5-8. This program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

This program is designed for individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in science. This is a license-only pathway and does not result in a graduate degree. 

This program and coursework are all online.

General Science Initial Licensure Teaching Certificate Program Highlights

As a student in the General Science, grades 1-6 or 5-8,  Initial Licensure Certificate, you'll benefit from:

• Hands-on training: Get the experience of what it’s really like to teach a science class. This program includes a practicum in an elementary or middle school classroom guided by a licensed/certified general science teacher.
• Flexible program: Designed for working professionals, this program is offered 100% online.
• Experienced faculty: Learn from top science professors who are accomplished researchers, experienced teachers and accessible mentors dedicated to helping you succeed.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates of this teaching certificate program will be ready to teach elementary and middle school science curricula, engaging learners in scientific practices and the engineering design process. Knowledge and skills covered include how to:

• Design and conduct scientific inquiries to test scientific hypotheses
• Communicate scientific procedures and explanations
• Convey how science, technology and math inform each other and serve as mechanisms for inquiry into the nature of the universe
• Use best practices to teach inquiry-based science and develop a balanced approach to hands-on science instruction
• Create a safe and collaborative learning environment to engage all students in their learning
• Implement well-structured lessons with measurable assessments of learning and engage in ongoing reflection on practice

For consideration, applicants must submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions: 

1. A completed application - Apply Now
2. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts (the required undergraduate degree must be from a college or university whose accreditation is recognized by NEASC, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale)
3. An original essay of at least 250 words on the topic: “Why A Graduate Certificate in General Science, grades 1-6,  Initial Licensure is important to my personal and professional goals."
4. A current résumé
5. Two letters of recommendation - Download the form here
6. A copy of MTEL results (if applicable)
7. A copy of your current teaching license (if applicable)
8. Bachelor's or master's degree in a STEM field

All documentation, including recommendation forms and official transcripts, may be mailed or emailed directly to the Bay Path University Office of Graduate Admissions: