Degrees & Licensure

Elementary Education (K-6)
This degree leads to North Carolina teacher licensure in grades Kindergarten through six.

Onslow Extension Program
UNCW operates an approved program in Onslow County on the Coastal Carolina Community College campus. The Onlsow County extension program began in 1995 with courses in elementary education and has expanded to include some of the courses toward licensure in all of the specialty areas. The UNCW extension program is characterized as an upper-division level curriculum with a combination of on-site, two-way interactive video, and Internet courses. To be eligible for the extension program an applicant must hold as a minimum an associate's degree or have 62 semester hours of college transfer credit. Students with four year degrees in other fields are also eligible.
Middle Grades Education (6-9)
This degree leads to North Carolina teacher licensure in grades six through nine.
Add-on Licensure
Programs leading to teacher licensure are offered in the middle grades (6-9) program. For information send all transcripts from previous institution(s) to Mr. Sam Black, Alternative Licensure Coordinator, at blacks@uncw.edu or (910) 962-3912. He will review your transcripts and help you determine your program of study. Click here for more information regarding Watson policies on Licensure.

Master's of Education in Elementary Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education, Language and Literacy Education, Middle Grades Education, Special Education. The programs in these areas address the need for conceptual and procedural foundations for decision-making and for specific alternatives within the student’s area of professional practice. The M.Ed. programs address the North Carolina Masters/Advanced Competencies requirements. Designed for individuals who have “A” level teaching licenses.

Master's of Education in Middle Grades Education
There are several special characteristics of the M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education program. Licensure in at least one area in middle grades is required for admission, so the program is designed to allow candidates to build upon their prior professional preparation and experience in completing a curriculum that emphasizes depth and breadth in the study of the theoretical bases and exemplary practices of middle level education. During their program of study, students deepen their knowledge and understanding of their specific academic discipline (language arts, math, science, or social studies).

Master's of Education in Language & Literacy
The M.Ed. in Language and Literacy Education addresses the North Carolina Masters/Advanced Competencies which include standards in Instructional Expertise, Knowledge of Learners, Research Expertise, Connecting Subject Matter and Learners, and Professional Development and Leadership. The graduate program incorporates the conceptual framework which is common to all teacher education programs at UNCW: The Watson College of Education develops highly competent professionals to serve in educational leadership roles. View the Program Sheet >

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Program (Elementary Focus) is designed for students that already hold a bachelor’s degree, but have little or no background in education. Successful completion of the program will lead to NC Elementary Education certification (K-6) and prepare educators to teach as elementary classroom teachers. For more information, please contact Dr. Carol McNulty (mcnultycp@uncw.edu) or Dr. Katie Schlichting (schlichtingk@uncw.edu). This program will be available beginning spring 2013.

The M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education addresses the North Carolina initial Professional Teaching Standards, Masters/Advanced Competencies which include standards in Instructional Expertise, Knowledge of Learners, Research Expertise, Connecting Subject Matter and Learners, and Professional Development and Leadership. In addition, the program addresses the National Middle School Association’s Standards for Master’s Level Teacher Preparation. The graduate program incorporates the conceptual framework which is common to all teacher education programs at UNCW: The Watson College of Education develops highly competent professionals to serve in educational leadership roles.