Learning to Teach at UMass Lowell
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is also featured in our ranking of the Top 20 Best Master’s in Reading and Literacy Online.
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public research university. The College of Education at UMass Lowell offers several degree options for education majors as well as professional teachers and administrators. Undergraduate students have numerous bachelor’s programs to choose from, and students majoring in other disciplines have the option of minoring in education. Education majors planning to teach in K-12 schools after graduation can enroll in a general education program or choose a degree focus in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The STEM teaching minor is designed to prepare students for teaching positions in primary and secondary schools across the country.
The Bachelor of Arts in Education program is a four-year undergraduate program that provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of education. Graduates of the B.A. Education program can immediately begin a teacher training program or continue on to graduate school. While it’s not necessary for education majors to declare a degree minor, they can gain valuable experience in the field of teaching through the experiential learning component at UMass Lowell. The classroom experience and education training provided by the B.A. Education and teaching minor offer an ideal introduction to professional teaching.
Most of the graduate-level education degree programs available at UMass Lowell are offered solely online. With eight master’s programs, two doctoral programs and four education specialist programs, the College of Education has a diverse range of online choices for professional teachers and administrators. The most popular online education degree program is the Master of Education in Education Administration. Students enrolled in this program can choose to specialize in the Massachusetts education system or receive general training in education administration. Other popular graduate programs include the Education Specialist in Administration, Planning and Policy, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Autism Studies Option, Graduate Certificate in Evaluation and Assessment, and online Master of Education in Reading and Language.
The most popular online doctorate program in education is the Doctor of Education in Leadership and Schooling. It can be completed with or without the STEM option, which prepares students to become administrators or faculty members of university STEM departments. Doctoral students who wish to take classes on campus can enroll in the Ph.D. Education or Ed.D. programs. These six- to eight-year programs provide the experience and expertise needed to enter a career as an academic administrator or teacher educator. It’s not necessary for students to complete a Master of Education program prior to enrollment in a doctoral program, but they may be required to complete one or more introductory courses during the first two years of their graduate studies. Enrollment advisors at the College of Education are available to help students choose the degree plan that matches their goals and preferences.
About the University of Massachusetts-Lowell
UMass Lowell is a relatively new university. It was created through a merger of Lowell State College and Lowell Technological Institute in 1975, which produced the University of Lowell. The name of the college was changed to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell in 1991, and it was added to the University of Massachusetts system. Today, UMass Lowell educates approximately 18,200 students each year and employs around 2,000 faculty members. It is a major research institution located in Lowell, Mass., a town founded by the aristocratic Lowell family, which includes American poets Amy and Robert Lowell. UMass Lowell offers a total of 122 bachelor’s programs, 43 master’s programs and 36 doctoral programs across a wide range of academic disciplines.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell Accreditation Details
UMass Lowell is institutionally and programmatically accredited by multiple agencies. Regional accreditation is provided by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, a federally approved accrediting agency in the New England region. Regional accreditation covers all degree programs and academic departments at UMass Lowell. It is the highest form of accreditation, and the NEASC is valued by institutions throughout the country. Credits earned at UMass Lowell can be transferred to other universities without a problem.
Many programs at UMass Lowell are independently accredited to ensure the highest level of academic rigor. Dietetics programs are accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Physical therapy programs are accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Art and design programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell Application Requirements
By following the application guidelines, students applying to UMass Lowell can increase their chances of acceptance. The acceptance rate at UMass Lowell is 61 percent, and the graduation rate is 54 percent. UMass Lowell is a selective school, and applications are evaluated multiple times to ensure that each applicant is prepared for a rigorous education at UMass Lowell. The application requirements vary by enrollment type, but all applications must be submitted by the deadline, which is March 30 for fall enrollment and November 30 for spring enrollment. All applications must be submitted with official transcripts indicating GPA, class size and graduation ranking. Applications for undergraduate transfer students must include a transcript with at least 30 credit-hours of college coursework. Graduate school applicants are required to submit written recommendations as well as college transcripts with proof of a bachelor’s degree. The typical test scores of admitted applicants are 520 to 620 for the reading and writing section of the SAT, 550 to 640 for the math section of the SAT and 24 to 29 for the ACT.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of tuition at UMass Lowell is $14,307 per year for residents of Massachusetts. For non-residents, the cost of tuition is $30,875 per year. The cost of books, food and living expenses typically adds another $15,000 per year to the total. When financial aid is applied to the balance, Massachusetts residents end up paying around $19,000 per year while non-residents pay around $45,000 per year. Financial aid is available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website. FAFSA provides access to public loans and grants that are backed by the federal government and awarded to students with financial need. By completing the FAFSA form, students can submit an application for student aid to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell at the time of enrollment.
