Initial and Additional Teaching Licensure

A teacher is smiling to the camera

Minnesota teaching license programs

You want to change the world, and we're here to help. When you join Hamline's community of educators, you join nearly 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students who have become teachers for over 25 years. 

We’re leading the way for generations of educators who use our additional licensure options to continue learning throughout their careers. Don't just take our word for it: Our alumni have been recognized as some of the state’s best teachers by Education Minnesota, too.

We're here to help you navigate your next steps

Do you want to know what courses you'll need for a particular license? Our advisors will review your transcripts and work with you to help you get a clearer idea of what courses will transfer for your license area of interest.

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Become a teacher: MA in Teaching initial licensure program

Whether you're changing careers or fulfilling your dream of becoming a teacher, Hamline has a path for you. Our programs help undergraduate and graduate students earn their first teaching license in various licensure areas. 

Undergraduate students can also jump-start their careers with our accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching, where you'll earn your bachelor’s degree and master’s degree and prepare for your initial license in a single program.

Already have a teaching license? 

Additional teaching licenses

Expand your worldview to meet the demands of today's classrooms with Hamline's additional license programs. You can add to the foundation of your current specialty or broaden your range of knowledge by studying subjects like adult basic education, K-12 reading and ESL, and special education (ABS, ASD). When you enhance your teaching toolkit, you'll enhance your students' learning experience.

Master's degrees

Interested in something beyond an additional license? Explore our master's degrees in education, literacy education, natural science and environmental education, and teaching English to speakers of other languages.

Administrative licenses, educational specialist, and EdD

Looking for administrative licensure? You can pursue your administrative license in one of three areas: principal, superintendent, and director of special education. Your administrative licensure can also be applied toward an Educational Specialist degree or your Doctorate in Education


Completing any licensure program prepares you for seeking initial or additional licensure in the State of Minnesota. For more information regarding Minnesota educator licensure requirements, visit the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board website.

License areas, course requirements, and format

Licensure area License programs offered and courses Format
Adult Basic Education

MAT in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Online, starting any term
Chemistry 9–12

MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Combination of online and on campus
Communication Arts and Literature 5–8 Endorsement Additional Licensure Courses Combination of online and on campus
Communication Arts and Literature 5–12

MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Combination of online and on campus
Elementary Education K–6

MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Combination of online and on campus or fully online starting in the fall
English as a Second Language K–12

MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Combination of online and on campus or fully online starting in the fall
General Science 5–8

MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Combination of online and on campus
K–12 Reading License  Additional Licensure Courses Online, starting any term
Life Sciences 9–12

MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Combination of online and on campus
Mathematics 5–8 Endorsement Additional Licensure Courses Combination of online and on campus
Mathematics 5–12

MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Combination of online and on campus
Physics 9–12

MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Combination of online and on campus
Social Studies 5–8 Endorsement Additional Licensure Courses Combination of online and on campus
Social Studies 5–12

MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Combination of online and on campus
Special Education - Academic Behavioral Strategist

MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Combination of online and on campus or fully online starting in the fall
Special Education - Autism Spectrum Disorder

MA in Teaching/Initial Licensure Courses
Additional Licensure Courses

Combination of online and on campus or fully online starting in the fall