Grad Ed FAQ

What Graduate Education degrees are offered?
Master of Education for both initial and professional licensure and Education Specialist (Ed.S.).

Are programs offered for licensure only?
Yes, students who already have a master's degree may be eligible for a Licensure Only program (such as Reading, Math Specialist, ESL or Educational Leadership). In certain licensure/content areas, students who are new to the field of education may be eligible for an Initial license after completing 21 credits–24 credits depending on the program.

Do you offer certificates that can be earned solely, or within a degree?
Yes. We offer a 9-credit certificate in the Science of Reading, Wilson Reading System® Level 1 and Level 2 certification, which can be taken without any other coursework or as part of a degree. Additionally, Reading Specialist majors in our M.Ed., Licensure-Only, and Ed.S. degrees earn associate-level Orton-Gillingham certification.

Do you offer Professional Development Points (PDPs)?
Yes. Teachers need 150 PDPs every 5 years in order to relicense. One 3-credit graduate course is worth 67.5 PDPs. Taking a graduate course is a quicker way to pick up professional development points than attending workshops, which often only collect 10 PDPs at a time.

How do I get started on my first course?
Simply complete the Grad Ed New Student Form and then register online for your first course. It's really that simple. Feel free to call the Graduate Education Office if you have questions at 978.867.4322. Gordon allows students to take up to 3 courses prior to acceptance to the program.

How can I find out what program is right for me?
Contact the Graduate Education staff at [email protected] or (978)867-4322 for more information and to set up an advising meeting.

Can I be advised on a career path and course selection?
You are encouraged to set up a personal consultation appointment with a member of our advising staff, who will help advise you on course selection and career direction. Contact the Graduate Education office at [email protected] or (978)867-4322 for more information and to set up an advising meeting. You can also meet with our licensure officer, Dr. Kim Winsor, who is an expert in Massachusetts licensure and can help you determine what path is right for you based on your past experience, education, and previous licensure.

What is the typical length of the Grad Ed program?
Graduating with a master's degree typically takes 2½ years if attending part-time. Full-time students can finish in 1¼ or 1½  years depending on the program. An Ed.S. degree can take between 1-2 years.  You may take courses at your own pace though, so it's really up to you. Students who already have a master's degree may qualify for a licensure-only program, which typically takes 1 year.

What is the average cost of Grad Ed program?
As of Fall 2024, the cost is $390 per credit for Graduate Education classes. Most classes are 3 credits, or $1,170. A 36-credit Master’s degree is $14,040, a 30-credit Ed.S. is $11,700, and a 21-credit Licensure Only is $8,190.

Fees include:
1) $75 administrative fee for each term courses are taken in (Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer)
2) $75 one-time nonrefundable application fee
3) $200 graduation fee 
 
That’s all of the math you need to get to the bottom line.

How many credits do I need to receive my degree?
A Master's degree requires 36–39 credits. An Ed.S. requires 30–31 credits. Licensure Only programs are 21–24 credits.

How do I pay? Can I use a credit card?
Students will be billed at the beginning of each semester by Student Financial Services. Form of payment may be check, cash, or credit card. Payment plans through CASHNet are available per term (either summer/fall or winter/spring)  Student Loans are also available.

Will I be required to take religion classes?
No. Gordon is a nondenominational Christian college that welcomes to its program and graduate courses anyone who desires to study in a Christian atmosphere and is willing to respect Gordon's values and behavioral standards while at class sites. You are simply asked to comply with the behavior standards of Gordon while on its campus or at any other class site, and to respect the underlying assumptions and principles on which they are based.

Is the course schedule flexible for working adults?
Our programs are designed for working adults and all feature the convenience you need to earn your degree while still managing your work and family life. We have Friday night/Saturday courses, night courses, and a full summer program.

Do you offer online courses?
Most of our courses are online unless otherwise noted. We have a variety of synchronous (meeting at set dates and times) and asynchronous (no set meeting times) classes. Some targeting training courses, like Wilson Reading System® are fully online.

Can I transfer classes in?
We accept up to three classes (9 credits) if they are applicable to your program. Classes must meet the approval standards of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

What do I need to be concerned about with Massachusetts licensure?
Since every student has a unique case, we recommend you talk to Dr. Janet Arndt, Dean of the School of Education and advisor for graduate students. She knows the state licensure standards very well and can answer all of your questions!

Is Massachusetts' teacher licensure transferable to other states?
Massachusetts has one of the best education systems in the country and participates with every state and the District of Columbia through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement to accept candidates' state-approved educator preparation program. Other states may require applicants to take additional tests (e.g., CBEST, NTE) or fulfill additional requirements (e.g., a course in the State's history) than those required by Massachusetts. The easiest way to be sure what another State's requirements are for reciprocity is to contact its Department of Education directly.

How do I apply for acceptance?
Gordon College simplifies entry to the Graduate Education program by allowing students to take up to three courses without being formally accepted into the program. This allows students to get started right away, to take courses for professional development, and to try out the field of education without a formal commitment.

To apply for acceptance to the program, click on Apply to Grad Ed and download the application materials on the right. A list of requirements and more detailed instructions are included in each application. Please send all completed materials together in one envelope to the Graduate Education Office. Admissions are on a rolling basis, and there are no deadlines.

How do I get to the Graduate Education Office?
The Graduate Education Office is located in MacDonald Hall 201 on Gordon's main campus in Wenham, MA, shown on this map. Please note that MacDonald Hall is accessible by stairs from the back entrance by the parking lot, or by elevator from the front entrance facing the Quad.

Where can I find more information?

CONTACT INFORMATION
e: [email protected]
p: 978.867.4322
f:  978.867.4737
o: Jenks Resource Center, Room 106

Sarah Grant
Director of Graduate Education
p: 978.867.4288
e: [email protected]

Kenann McKenzie-DeFranza
Director of Academic Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
p: 978.867.4286
e: [email protected]

Michael Hildebrandt
Advising Facilitator
p: 978.867.4151
e: [email protected]

Sara Sennott
Program Coordinator
p: 978.867.4355
e: [email protected]

Mary Riso
Director of Education Administration
p: 978.867.4315
e: [email protected]

Renie Rich
Assistant Registrar
p: 978.867.4009
e: [email protected]

Linda Ramsdell
Administrative Assistant
p: 978.867.4322
e: l[email protected]

Graduate Education
Gordon College
255 Grapevine Road
Wenham, MA 01984