Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Licensure and Master's Program?
The Licensure and Master's Program (LAMP) is designed for someone who has an undergraduate degree and would like to become a licensed teacher. Our program offers courses that will lead to teacher licensure by the State of Ohio and a master’s degree in education.
Q: When does the program begin?
A: Students may begin courses in the fall semester only. You will be placed in a school when fall semester starts with the exception of Early Childhood Education.
Q: How and when should I apply?
A: The application deadline is May 1st.
There are several things which ensure a smooth application process:
- Create a new application using the "Graduate App" from the application type drop-down menu
- Indicate the correct program of study, Master of Education in Special Education
- Worksheet: Course Review Worksheet
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education
- One Letter of Recommendation - from people who can speak to your ability to be successful with graduate level work
- Statement of Purpose – write a few paragraphs explaining your reasons for the degree and which teaching license area you are seeking. Discuss your bachelor’s degree and how you came to change your field/career.
- Resume
Note: All required Literacy education courses must be completed successfully by the start of the fall semester (no extra coursework is needed for Secondary Education).
Q. How long does the application process take? How soon should I apply?
A: Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible keeping in mind that the application deadline is May 1st. It takes several weeks for you to collect all the application materials (letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.). The admission process to LAMP is handled completely online. Your application materials will be processed by the College of Graduate Studies. Your application file will NOT be forwarded to the Judith Herb College of Education for review until all outstanding application requirements have been completed and processed. Students are encouraged to contact the College of Graduate Studies directly for questions/issues regarding pending applications.
Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: Our LAMP programs are between 32- and 40- credit hours, and costs are based on tuition and fees which can be calculated here. These costs are subject to change.
Q. Is financial assistance available?
A: Information on Financial Aid is available from the Office of Financial Aid. In addition to government assistance, the University and College have a limited number of scholarships. Applicants should obtain scholarship applications from the Judith Herb College of Education in the spring of each year.
Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Yes, the Judith Herb College of Education does offer scholarship opportunities that typically open in October and are due by January of each year.
Q: Do I have to have any education courses to enter the program?
A: There are 9 credits of courses of Literacy education that must be completed for the degree programs in Early Childhood, Special Education and Middle Childhood Education. These reading courses must be completed prior to applying for your selected LAMP program. If you apply to LAMP without these courses your application will not move forward and may be reviewed for the next fall semester when all reading courses are completed. Note however, no extra coursework is needed ahead of time for Secondary Education.
Q: Who typically applies to the program?
A: Some of our applicants are recent graduates, mostly from Ohio colleges and universities, and some applicants are career changers.
Q: Do I have to find a placement for the year?
A: No, we will arrange school placements as part of the program. We arrange placements within a 30-mile radius from the university. We do, however, try to find placements that are within minimal driving time from your home. You should not be placed in a school where you attended or where a family member is working.
Before classroom experiences, you must complete the following:
- Pre-service teacher permit (requires a background check. Must be completed prior to field experience)
- OAE Content Assessment (minimum score- 220)
Q: Do I need to pass the Ohio Assessment Test for my subject area before the program starts?
A: Yes, the College of Education needs to have a copy of your subject area scores before you begin the classroom-based part of the program. Tests dates, sites and required test(s) can be found on the Ohio Assessments for Educators website. This test will cover the subject area in which you will be licensed. This is only for the Secondary Education program. Early Childhood must pass their content assessment prior to spring semester for their first field experience.
Q: Do my subject-matter courses need to be completed prior to starting the program?
A: No. All courses must be completed prior to starting the classroom-based part of the program. If additional content is needed, you can complete the courses before you start the program, but your acceptance will be on the condition that the courses have been completed with the required GPA of 2.7 or higher.
Q. How long will it take to finish the program?
A: The completion of the program depends on how many courses are taken each term. However, if one follows the plan of study given, a recommended number of semesters is also given. For example, secondary education and middle grades education each take three semesters.
Q. I only want to take one course at a time. Is this possible?
A: It is our recommendation that one takes the courses and field components as laid out in the plan of study.
Q: Are there evening classes?
A: Most of the coursework takes place during the day. However, there are some classes that run until 6:45pm.
Q: Is the Ohio licensure accepted in other states?
A: Yes, Ohio has a respected licensure code and over 35 states recognize this as a transferable license. If interested, please check the Ohio Department of Education for additional states and their licensure requirements.
Q. Do I follow my field placement school’s calendar or UToledo’s calendar for breaks and holidays?
A: You will be following UToledo’s schedule for courses taken on campus, but breaks will most likely not coincide with your placement school. You will need to be at the school when they are in session. During your full-time student teaching semester, you will follow the school’s schedule.
Q. Who will be my advisor?
A: When you are admitted to the program, you are assigned a faculty member to be your advisor. Your faculty advisor will assist with your plan of study.
Q. Is there a minimum GPA for admission?
A: Students applying for LAMP must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 for all undergraduate course work and a minimum GPA of 2.7 for their content area course work.
Q. I have worked for many years in schools. Can I have my field experience waived?
A: No. Field courses/experiences cannot be waived. Students will need to complete applied assignments as an outcome of their learning. These assignments are linked directly to the methods courses.
Q. If I am currently teaching, and you will not waive field courses, is there any way I can remain employed and take your program?
A: Maybe. Under certain circumstances your employer can request the College of Education to use your current teaching placement as the location of your fieldwork. This arrangement is at the discretion of your employer, the University, and other parties. You can learn more about this possibility by contacting the Field Experience Office.
Q. Can I work a part-time job and study at the same time?
A: Successful students recommend working no more than a few hours per week, or they recommend delaying enrollment until adequate financial resources have been secured. Please view additional information about practicum and student teaching expectations.
Q. How can I find out more?
A: To find out more you should:
- Research programs in teacher education to make sure our program will best suit your needs.
- Read the University of Toledo catalog.