Admission—Professional License

12 Credit Professional License in Music

• Get started by registering for our applicant portal

  What can you do in the applicant portal? Much more than just start your application! You can:

  • Book an appointment with a member of our admissions team (choose from phone, virtual or in person appointments)
  • Direct message with our admissions and advising team
  • Start an application (You can save your progress and come back to finish any time)
  • Submit an application!

  Applicant Portal

  On the log-in screen, choose "Sign Up for access as a new user."

• Requirements for 12 Credit Professional License in Music program admission

  No application fee – there is no cost to apply to the program.

  All of the following requirements can be submitted electronically via the applicant portal:

  • Letter of Introduction
  • Professional resume
  • Two letters of recommendation speaking to the candidate’s success as a music educator
  • Three to four page essay on the candidate’s philosophy of music education
  • Official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended
  • 15–20 minute video recorded demonstration of teaching. Detailed instructions regarding the video submission are available in the applicant portal.

An important note regarding Massachusetts state regulations and the 12 credit option

Massachusetts state regulations distinguish the 12 Credit Option with two approaches to meeting the requirements for the Professional license in music:

• Approved 12-Credit Program: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has reviewed and approved an institution's proposed 12 credit paradigm, all subject matter knowledge requirements are satisfied with an appropriate combination of content and pedagogy.

Gordon College's 12 Credit Option Program was approved as part an official DESE site re-approval and re-accreditation visit in April 2011.

In the case of an Approved 12 Credit Option Program, candidates must formally complete all admissions requirements and the program of study as listed by Gordon College.

Upon completion of all requirements, Gordon College will handle each candidate's professional licensure application paperwork with DESE through the college's designated Graduate Education Licensure Officer.

• Individual 12-Credit Option for Professional License: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education lists an individual option for those who already hold a Master's degree to complete 12 credits of graduate coursework in the subject matter of the initial license.
  
  Candidates may take graduate level content courses in their discipline offered through one or more college or university departments or programs which don't necessarily offer a master's degree in that content area.

In this case, no formal application to the Gordon College 12-Credit Approved Program would be necessary. Candidates would be welcome to enroll in graduate level music courses, and would be individually responsible for licensure application and documentation paperwork with the Department of Ed, without the assistance of the College's designated Licensure Officer as a conduit.

Questions?
We are here to help. Please contact Kristen Harrington, Program Coordinator
978-867-4429