Initial Licensure Preparation (Graduate Non-Degree)

The Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Initial Licensure Preparation program is a graduate-level licensure only/non-degree program for degree-holders seeking to earn their initial Ohio teaching license in Middle Childhood Education (grades 4-9).

Candidates must first specialize in two subject/content areas before applying to the Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Initial Licensure Preparation program.  An analysis of additional content-area coursework and foundational math coursework required at the post-undergraduate level will be completed before entering into the program, and a Plan of Study will be created based on transcript analysis and current licensure requirements by the Ohio Department of Education. A minimum C grade is required in each of these subject area courses. This coursework would be in addition to the graduate course requirements for the Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Initial Licensure Preparation (Non-Degree) program.

Prior to application: For a transcript analysis of content-area requirements and program eligibility, please email unofficial transcripts (KSU transcripts can be accessed internally with your written permission) to Erin Harwood, Graduate Senior Advisor/Licensure Specialist - eharwood@kent.edu

The Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Initial Licensure Preparation (Non-Degree) program includes 48-51 graduate hours of intensive pedagogy courses that prepare students to understand the unique social, physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of the young adolescent; these courses are taken as a cohort. Student teaching occurs during the final semester of the program. Those admitted can expect to complete the program in 2-3 years with full-time study (this does not include any required undergraduate content-area coursework as determined by the initial transcript analysis).

The non-degree program is for initial licensure preparation only and not a master's degree program. Students interested in obtaining the Middle Childhood Education (4-9) initial teaching license and the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Middle Childhood Education from Kent State University must also be fully admitted into the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Middle Childhood Education program and complete the prescribed coursework for the master's degree, in addition to courses that are prescribed here for licensure. Up to 15 credit hours can be shared between both programs provided the candidate applies separately for both programs simultaneously. Admission documents can be shared between both graduate applications.

Middle Childhood Licensure Combination Options

Admission Requirements

Candidates are reviewed 3 times per year for formal admission to the Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Initial Licensure Preparation (Non-Degree) program. All or most of the required prerequisite undergraduate content-area coursework and foundational math coursework MUST be completed before applying to the Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Initial Licensure Preparation (Non-Degree) program.

Applicants will be assessed holistically, considering academic credentials; academic or professional references; nonacademic dimensions; and other specific program criteria. For a full list of admission requirements, please see the Kent State Catalog page for each licensure combination (links above).

Application Deadlines

Graduate applications must be completed by the deadline and include all admission documents in order to be eligible for formal admission review for the term. Applications completed after the deadline will not be considered until the following term.

  • Fall Initial Licensure Application Deadline: July 1
  • Spring Initial Licensure Application Deadline: December 1
  • Summer Initial Licensure Application Deadline: April 1
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