Master's Degree: Biology

FSC Educator Licensure Information > Master's Degree > Biology

Framingham State College's M.Ed. with a concentration in Biology is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education (DOE) to advance an Initial license in Biology (grades 5-8 or 8-12) to Professional. The graduate degree is one component of the Professional licensure requirements. Candidates must also meet the DOE's employment and mentoring requirements. Upon completion of your graduate program, follow the steps listed below to obtain endorsement for your Professional license. For a printer friendly version of this page, click on the |text only| link above.

______	Complete the Endorsement Request form and return it to the address listed on the form.
______	Order your transcript from the Registrar's Office at Framingham State College. Authorize the Registrar to send it directly to the Massachusetts Department of Education at:
	Massachusetts Department of Education Office of Academic Standards and Educator Licensure 350 Main Street PO Box 9140 Malden, MA 02148-9140
______	Go to the DOE web site and establish an ELAR profile for yourself if you haven't already created one. Select the Create ELAR Profile link in the bottom left corner of the login box to get started.
______	Once your ELAR profile is established, apply for your Professional license in Biology
	1. Login to ELAR; select the option that allows you to advance a license from one level to the next. 2. Update your educational information. 3. Select the license you are advancing to Professional (Biology, 5-8 OR 8-12). 4. Complete the remaining screens and submit payment information. If you are asked to identify the route you are using, select the Approved Master's Degree option.
______	Any candidate who has a name change through marriage, divorce or other legal proceeding since obtaining the Initial license must submit a copy of valid evidence of the change (e.g. marriage license) to the Department of Education at the above address.
______	Submit directly to the DOE your proof of three years of employment under your Initial Biology license using the DOE's Verification of School Based Employment form linked below. The DOE may also ask you to submit a letter from your school administrator verifying your completion of the required mentoring activities.
	Verification of School Based Employment (Click on the icon of the format you wish to open.)

To expedite your endorsement (and licensure processing), please make sure you have applied for your Professional license at the DOE's ELAR web site and submitted your request for endorsement in a timely manner. You are encouraged to apply within a month of completing your program. (You may apply earlier, if you prefer.) The Licensure Officer will then verify that your degree has been awarded and will proceed with the endorsement process. You will receive a confirmation letter once the Licensure Officer completes your endorsement.

Framingham State College

Education Department

100 State Street PO Box 9101 Framingham, MA 01701
508.626.4569

Page maintained by Licensure Officer
Last updated July 18, 2007