Skip to main
A young student teacher in a white shirt points to a projection on a wall.

Secondary/PK12 Initial Teaching Licensure

Take the quickest, most efficient path to teaching licensure. This post-bachelor's certificate program is ideal for anyone who dreams of being a teacher and already has a bachelor's degree. Whether you're an aspiring educator, a conditionally licensed teacher, or a career changer, McDaniel can help you reach your teaching goals.

Mortarboard
Degree Types
Post-Bachelor’s Certificates
Dollar sign
Program Cost
$575 per credit
Key
Format
Hybrid,Online
Calculator
Total credits
23

Take the quickest, most efficient path to initial teaching licensure.

McDaniel's Education programs empower future educators through research, practice, and reflection. This post-bachelor's certificate (PBC) is designed to help you get licensed and into the classroom as quickly as possible. We give our students hands-on experience in real-world classroom environments. Bridge theory and practice and engage deeply with education.

The Secondary/PK12 Initial Teaching Licensure PBC program provides the coursework and experiences needed for initial licensure in:

  • Grades 7-12 (biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, physics, or social studies)
  • Pre-K-Grade 12 (French, Spanish, art, or physical education)

McDaniel's professional licensure programs are designed to meet licensure requirements in the state of Maryland. To learn about licensure eligibility in other states, visit our Professional Licensure Disclosure page.

Ideal for recent bachelor's grads, career changers, and more.

This program is designed for aspiring teachers in different stages of pursuing their passion for education. It is ideal for:

  • Recent bachelor's graduates
  • Conditionally licensed teachers
  • Career changers

No matter which path you're on, you'll need a bachelor's degree to be eligible for this program. Your degree should be in your ideal licensure area. If your degree isn't in that area, we can analyze your transcript and help you figure out if you have the coursework you need.

McDaniel College’s Reading Specialist: Literacy Leadership master’s degree program has partnered with Wilson Language Training to offer a new dyslexia specialization.

McDaniel offers the perfect blend of theory and practical experience to prepare me to be an effective, thoughtful educator. The collaborative environment and focus on reflective practice align perfectly with my goal to continually grow and adapt in my teaching career.

Yeseniah Ortiz ’24, M.S. ’25

What you need to know about the Secondary/PK12 Initial Teaching Licensure program

Admissions Requirements

All applicants to the program must:

  • Complete an application for graduate study
  • Submit official transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0*
  • Submit a resume
  • Submit a statement of purpose
  • Complete a satisfactory interview with the program coordinator

* Please note: Students who have a 2.75-2.99 GPA may be admitted provisionally and will be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first 9-12 credit hours. Students with less than a 2.75 GPA will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis for provisional admission and may be required to provide additional documentation. Admission may also come with additional conditions.

International Students:

This program is delivered primarily (50% or more) online and as a result does not meet the SEVIS regulations for international students to study in the US. If you are a US citizen living outside of the US, you should contact gps@mcdaniel.edu to discuss your eligibility for admission to this program.

Special Opportunities

Student reading to a classroom full of elementary school children.

Credits count toward a Master of Science in Teaching degree

When you complete the Secondary/PK12 Initial Teaching Licensure PBC program, you'll be only four courses away from a master's degree. You can choose to complete those additional courses (10 credits total) to earn McDaniel's Master of Science in Teaching degree.

Certification and Reputation

This program meets professional standards and requirements for initial teacher certification established by Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

McDaniel College is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Secondary/PK12 Initial Teaching Licensure Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program has been awarded initial accreditation status by AAQEP through June 30, 2029. Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.

Official seal of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)