Why Education?

Educator Preparation at Westfield State University has been a vital and integral part of the University since its founding in 1839 by Horace Mann as the Westfield Normal School. We have a vibrant and engaged student body and faculty, who want you to have a top-notch and rewarding undergraduate experience in your quest to become a highly qualified teacher.

Why Westfield? Westfield State University is a leading institution in teacher education. The University education program is approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

The Education Department also serves community college students who wish to transfer into one of three majors offered by the Department: Early Childhood, Elementary and Special Education. The University has several transfer agreements with area community colleges.

Learn more about:
Our Celebration of Teachers Annual Event
Our Professional Development School Network
Our Reach to Teach Program
Our Teacher-in-Residence Program
Our Five-Year Dual Licensure and M.Ed. Program

• Majors & Concentrations
  • Early Childhood Education with Licensure (PreK-2), B.S.E.


  • Elementary Education with Licensure (1-6), B.S.E.
  • Special Education: Moderate Disabilities with License (5-12), B.S.E.
  • Special Education: Moderate Disabilities with Licensure (PreK-8), B.S.E.
  • Vocational Technical Education
  • Middle (Grades 5-8) and Secondary (Grades 8-12) Specialist
• Minors
  • Reading Minor
• Graduate Degrees
  • Biology, 8-12, Initial, M.Ed.
  • Early Childhood PreK-2, Initial, M.Ed.
  • Early Childhood PreK-2, Professional, M.Ed.
  • Early Childhood, Post-licensure, M.Ed.
  • Elementary 1-6, Initial, M.Ed.
  • Elementary, Professional, Multidisciplinary Track, M.Ed.
  • Elementary, Professional, Reading Track, M.Ed.
  • Elementary, Professional, Single Academic Area Track, M.Ed.
  • Elementary, Post-licensure, M.Ed.
  • History, 5-12, Initial, M.Ed.
  • History, Non-licensure, M.Ed.
  • Mathematics, 5-8, 8-12, Initial, M.Ed.
  • Mathematics, 5-8, 8-12, Professional, M.Ed.
  • Moderate Disabilities, PreK-8, Initial, M.Ed.
  • Moderate Disabilities, 5-12, Initial, M.Ed.
  • Physical Education, 5-8, 8-12, Professional, M.Ed.
  • Reading Education program, Initial, M.Ed.
  • Secondary Education, Post-licensure, M.Ed.
  • Vocational Technical, Non-licensure, M.Ed.
• Part-Time Bachelor's
  • Early Childhood Education, B.S.E. (Part-Time)
  • Elementary Education, B.S.E. (Part-Time)
  • Special Education, B.S.E. (Part-Time)
  • Vocational Education, B.S.E. (Part-Time)
• Teaching Licensure (Post-Baccalaureate)
  • Middle & Secondary Subject Area Specialist (Biology, English, History, Mathematics)
• Accelerated Programs
  • Education Accelerated Dual Degree Program