Program Overview
Lead the next generation in learning.
Ranked as one of the most effective educator preparation programs in the state and nation, The Teacher Licensure Program will start your career in education with excellent training and experience. It is specifically and uniquely designed to meet the needs of new teachers by providing a support system of veteran teachers and expert professors while you are in practice.
This degree is ideal for individuals who already hold a degree in a certain field but would like to pursue teaching their expertise. Earning your Tennessee teaching license through this program will provide the application you desire and need. Our priority is to hone your skills in a collection of effective, diverse strategies for instructional practice. This includes varied approaches to planning lessons, understanding learner needs and creating optimal learning environments.
We promise to practice what we teach. In every class, you will be put in the posture of the learner. We try to keep our lectures short and informational so that you have plenty of time for practice and discussion.
Discover your potential and sharpen your ambition to become an excellent and professional practitioner by engaging in a challenging and comprehensive initial teacher training.
Lipscomb University follows all state guidelines for initial licensure candidates. This includes maintaining a specific conditional GPA for all incoming initial licensure candidates. All initial licensure candidates must have a 2.75 on their undergraduate degree in order to be considered for the program. For more information, please review the state GPA policy at the link below. If you would like to have your transcripts reviewed, prior to applying, please complete the form below.
GPA Policy Request a Transcript Analysis
Teaching Licensure Program Outcomes
When you pursue your Tennessee teaching license through Lipscomb University, you are equipped with all of the necessary expertise and experiential learning to succeed as an educator. Important skills, such as planning, instructing and assessment, are taught by experienced teachers from a variety of backgrounds. Then, you can engage with actual students in the classroom for real-world applications of your learning.
Admissions Requirements
- Completed Online application
- $50 application fee
- Official transcripts for all degrees conferred and any other coursework post bachelors.
- Personal statement:
Explain your goals and your purpose for pursuing a graduate education degree at Lipscomb University and elaborate on how this degree would help you to make an impact on teaching and learning in your classroom or school in a concise, clear essay. (500 words) - Three Recommendations
- Recommender #1 – Current Administrator/Supervisor (non-family member)
If no direct supervisor, provide another academic reference (see Rec. #2) - Recommender #2 – Academic or Professional Colleague (non-family member)
- Recommender #3 – Personal reference of integrity and/or faith (non-family member)
- Recommender #1 – Current Administrator/Supervisor (non-family member)
- Resume
View the College of Education's graduate programs application timeline.
Courses
18 credit hours of course work:
- EG 5053 - Planning, Instruction & Assessment
- EG 5063 - Building Classroom Communities
- EG 5793 - Integrated Literacy
- EG 5303 - Teaching Diverse Learners
Students will choose ONE of the following methods courses depending on area of certification:
- EG 5143 - Methods in STEM K-5
- EG 5153 - Methods for Adolescent Learners
- EG 5163 - Early Childhood Methods
- EG 5173 - Methods in Art Education
- EG 5183 - Teaching of English Language Arts
- EG 5193 - Teaching of History/Social Sciences
- EG 5423 - Methods in STEM Content Areas
Students will choose ONE of the following courses depending on area of certification:
- EG 5023 - Principles of Learning or
- EG 5803 - Literacy Foundations and Standards
Tennessee teaching licensure requirements are described in the “Licensure Pathways” section of the program overview.
Candidates seeking a PreK-3 or a K-5 license
- EGSE 5223 Building a Supportive Learning Environment
- EG 5093 Cultural Perspectives
- EGSE 5023 Special Ed disabilities
- EGSE 5033 Special Ed Law
- EGSE 5213 Collaboration and Coteaching
- EG 5793 Integrated Literacy
- EG 5053 Planning, Instruction, Assessment
- EG 5083 Literacy Foundations
- And a blended K-5/SPED methods course. EG 5143 Teaching Methods in a K-5 classroom
Tuition & Aid
- $953* per credit hour
- 26% in-service scholarship for anyone who works full-time in an education setting. This includes licensure candidates working in a job-embedded position, as well as teaching assistants, paraprofessionals, and other support staff. Substitutes do not qualify for this scholarship because that position is not classified as full-time.
Scholarship Information
As you give back to the community, Lipscomb University wants to give back to you. The College of Education offers significant scholarships to current educators and administrators. Those pursuing career as a teacher, you're not left out either! Check out the following information to see if you qualify for scholarships.
All completed applications should be mailed to:
Lipscomb University
College of Education
One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204