Keene State College offers Master’s, Post-Master’s, and Graduate Licensure only programs allowing you to become a teacher leader, special educator, or principal. In addition, KSC offers post-baccalaureate teacher licensure options.
Our licensure programs for Principal Instructional Leader, Special Education Administrator, Special Education, and post baccalaureate teacher licensure require supervised clinical experiences. Keene State faculty serve as clinical supervisors for these placements so applicants for these programs are limited to our geographic region. Applicants must live within the New England region to be considered for these licensure and non-licensure programs including the Curriculum and Teaching program. Within New England, graduate program coordinators will evaluate whether requirements can be met for the specific applicant before admitting them to the program.
Keene State College Educator Preparation Programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the National Association of Schools of Music. Additionally, all EP Programs have approval from the New Hampshire State Board of Education and the New Hampshire Council for Teacher Education (NHCTE). Completion of KSC Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) leads to recommendation for endorsement for teacher licensure with the New Hampshire Department of Education. Upon completion of an EPP, candidates may also request verification of program completion to other states. For information on reciprocity and obtaining a teaching license in a state other than NH, please contact the Educator Preparation Office for assistance, edprepoffice@keene.edu. You can also contact the Department of Education for the state in which you are interested in pursuing licensure. Reciprocity does not mean an educator license from one state is automatically exchanged for a license in another state. The educator may have to complete additional requirements, such as coursework, assessments, or classroom experience, before receiving a full professional certificate in the new state.
Special Education Master’s (M.Ed.) and Graduate Certification Programs
Currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.
Earn recommendation for endorsement for teacher licensure with the New Hampshire Department of Education as a Special Education Teacher (Grades K-12), in the Graduate Licensure only Program or go beyond with a Master’s in Special Education. The program emphasizes collaboration and hands-on application of skills using a clinical-based cohort model. The Special Education program is approved by the NH Department of Education and Nationally Recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children. Students from KSC’s undergraduate Educator Preparation Programs can extend their education by completing this program in one year. The M.Ed. combines licensure coursework with a year-long internship and culminates with a school-based research project showcasing an area of expertise and leadership capacity in special education.
Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) and Post-Masters Certification Program - School Principal or Special Education Administrator
Looking to earn an M.Ed. and license to become a Principal? Or, do you already have a Master’s and are seeking a Post-M.Ed. principal license? You can accomplish either at Keene State College. Our Educational Leadership programs meet New Hampshire licensure competencies for School Principal (grades K-12). The Educational Leadership program is approved by the NH Department of Education and Nationally Recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC), a division of the National Policy Board for Educational Administration.
The Special Education Administrator program was developed based on feedback from superintendents, principals, special education directors and other administrators who expressed the need for high quality educational leadership programs in the southwest region of New Hampshire. Also, KSC has collaborated with New Hampshire Association for Special Education Administrators (NHASEA) to add a master’s degree and a post-master’s degree in special education administration. Candidates may enroll in degree tracks or choose specific courses that meet their individual needs.
Curriculum and Teaching (M.Ed.)
The Curriculum and Teaching Specialization offers flexibility and individualization for newer as well as experienced educators to build their leadership skills through the deepening of their teaching craft. There is an emphasis on curriculum design, instructional leadership, legal and ethical issues, reflection, diversity and equity, and research. Our mission is to support the development of teachers as leaders in their own classrooms as well as in the wider school environment. The program will provide deep connections with faculty mentors and will include a mix of courses, research, and curriculum leadership projects.
Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program
The Post-Baccalaureate teacher licensure program is designed for individuals who hold a Bachelor’s degree and are seeking teacher licensure. Candidates apply for the program following the Graduate Studies process and then take courses in KSC Undergraduate Programs to meet teacher licensure requirements.
