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. The University implemented 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 major is for students interested in education as career path of Licensure (Early Childhood Education or Special Education) or Non–Licensure (Community Education and Social Change).

Licensure Programs

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. 

Non Licensure Program

Students who are thinking of pursuing a career in education administration positions and consultants, community advocates, managers or program and curriculum developers.  Students will be prepared to become educational leaders with expertise in social justice curriculum development, theories of learning and models of change.    

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 offers an undergraduate major in Education with three possible concentrations: B.A. in Early Childhood Education (licensure), B.A. in Special Education (licensure), B.A. in Community Education and Social Change (non-licensure).

The Licensure programs leads to the B.A. in Early Childhood Education or to the B.A. in Special Education. All Education majors with a concentration in Special Education or Early Childhood Education must complete a secondary major in the liberal arts or sciences. Both Early Childhood Education concentration (PreK-2^nd grade) and Special Education concentration (Moderate Disabilities in Special Education K-8 or 5-12) lead to initial licensure.

The Non-licensure program leads to the B.A. in Community Education and Social Justice.  This track will prepare students to work and provide educational leadership in community-based organizations through a social justice framework.  This track does not require an additional major or provide a pathway for licensure.

Career Paths in Education

Licensure

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.

Non-Licensure

Exploratory Track students who are interested in instructional Coordinators (who develop, coordinate, incorporate, or provide guidelines for instructional materials and educational content), Community and Social Services and Social Service Workers (which includes a variety of professions to include educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors), and Community Service Mangers (who plan, direct, or coordinate activities of social service and community programs and organizations).

Contact Information

For more information on the College of Education and the Education Major, please contact:

College of Education Advising Center
education@umass.edu