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EDUCATION EXPLORATORY TRACK

The University of Massachusetts Amherst recognizes that many of our incoming students would benefit from learning more about the many majors offered on campus that may be a good fit for their academic interests and aspirations.  Starting Fall 2015, the University is implementing an Exploratory Track Program for all students who have been accepted for admission to the University as an Undeclared major.  The Exploratory Track program will assist students with their consideration and ultimate declaration of a major based on their interest, eligibility, and academic proficiency.

As an Undeclared major, Exploratory Track students will benefit from working closely with their academic advisors to explore potential majors within the collegiate unit and across campus.

The Education Track is for students interested in education as a career path in a variety of settings (e.g., formal, informal or international). Students who are thinking of pursuing a career in teaching at the Early Childhood, English as a Second Language, Elementary, Special Education or Secondary Education levels (i.e., Mathematics, Science, English and History), or an advanced school professional career such as Reading Specialist, School Counseling and School Psychology will benefit as well from the Exploratory Track in Education. Students will be exposed to potential careers in education, learn about licensure requirements, and explore secondary majors that align with their career interests.

Choosing a Major

The College of Education will work closely with Education Exploratory Track students to explore any University-offered major that attracts their interest. Students will be advised to select a major that is interesting and challenging, while ideally allowing them to pursue a variety of different careers, as well as aligning with pre-licensure requirements, if pursuing a licensure pathway.

The Education Major

The College of Education offers an Early Childhood Education (B.A.) major for undergraduates. This major, which leads to a Pre-k through 2nd grade Initial Teaching License in Massachusetts, is the only major that the College of Education currently offers  to undergraduates. For further information regarding the Education Major, see www.umass.edu/education/academics/undergraduate/education-major.

Career Paths in Education

Exploratory Track students who are interested in teaching at the Elementary (Pre-k- 8th grade) or Secondary (5th-12th grade English, History, Math, Science, Foreign Language, Music, Art) levels, or pursuing an advanced school professional career in fields such as Special Education, School Counseling, and School Psychology, will work closely with their College of Education advisor to explore these paths and choose a major that will provide optimal opportunities for their undergraduate and  post-graduate experience.

Contact Information

For more information on the Education Exploratory Track, please contact:

Kim Drake
Chief Undergraduate Advisor & Educator Licensure Officer
UMass Amherst College of Education
kdrake@educ.umass.edu
413-545-2701