Elevate your teaching career with Belmont’s College of Education
Are you considering a rewarding second career in education? Or perhaps you're currently on a teaching permit in a school? Belmont University's College of Education offers a range of flexible graduate programs designed to help career changers and returners achieve their professional goals while balancing work and life commitments. Whether you're transitioning from another field, returning to the workforce or seeking to enhance your existing educational career, Belmont has a program tailored to your unique needs.
Comprehensive Graduate Education Programs for Career Transitions
Belmont University's College of Education provides several advanced degree options ideal for those embarking on a new chapter in their professional lives:
Let's explore how each of these graduate education programs caters to different career transition scenarios.
Master of Arts in Teaching: Your Gateway to a Teaching Career
The Master of Arts in Teaching program at Belmont is designed for career changers looking to make their mark in education. This program offers multiple pathways to accommodate various life situations and prior experiences:
- Traditional Student Teaching: Ideal for those completely new to education and want to learn as a traditional student
- Residencies: Offers mentor-based classroom experience
- Internship: Balances coursework with practical application in a mentor-supported internship
- Job-Embedded: For those already working in schools but seeking licensure
Key Features for Career Changers:
Our MAT program offers multiple pathways designed for professionals transitioning to education:
- Leads to teacher certification and licensure in Tennessee
- Flexible pathways to suit different professional backgrounds
- Focuses on developing inclusive learning environments
- Emphasizes mastery of content and pedagogical skills
- Prepares educators from diverse career backgrounds
Licensure areas include:
Choose from specialized areas that match your background and interests:
- ESL PreK-12: Great for those with language skills from previous careers and experiences
- Elementary K-5: Perfect for individuals who enjoy working with young children
- Secondary 6-12: Ideal for career changers with expertise in specific subject areas
- Special Education Interventionist (K-8): Suited for those with a passion for inclusive education
Master of Education in Teacher Leadership: For Educators Ready to Expand Their Influence
While primarily designed for experienced teachers, the M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership also caters to career changers who have entered teaching and are ready to take on leadership roles. This non-licensing track prepares educators for enhanced responsibilities such as:
- Instructional coaching
- Mentoring new teachers (especially fellow career changers)
- Team leadership
- Advocacy roles
Program Highlights for Career Transitioners:
- Online courses tailored for working professionals and people returning to the workforce
- Completion possible within 18 months
- Focus on organizational and instructional leadership
- Emphasis on bringing diverse perspectives to educational leadership
- Preparation for policy and curriculum change advocacy
This program is particularly valuable for those who want to leverage their previous career experiences in educational leadership roles.
Master of Education or Education Specialist in Educational Leadership: From Industry Leader to School Administrator
For career changers with significant leadership experience in other sectors, Belmont's M.Ed. and Ed.S. options in Educational Leadership offer a path to administrative roles in education. These intensive programs provide:
- Eligibility to apply for licensure as an instructional leader in Tennessee
- Opportunities to apply previous management experience to educational settings
- Training in navigating the unique challenges of school administration
Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Leadership in Education: Shaping Educational Policy with Diverse Expertise
Belmont's Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership in Education* is ideal for career changers and experienced educators alike who aim to influence education at a systemic level. This program welcomes professionals from various backgrounds who can bring fresh perspectives to educational leadership and research.
*Must have a minimum of two years teaching experience on a teaching license to qualify.
Program Features for Career Transitioners:
- 60 credit hours, completable part-time within four years
- Hybrid format combining online learning with on-campus intensive sessions
Five concentration options to align with various career backgrounds:
- Educational Leadership
- Educational Leadership + Instructional Leader License
- Management and Entrepreneurship
- Faith and Justice Leadership
- Higher Education
The Ph.D. program is particularly valuable for those looking to apply their diverse career experiences to high-level educational leadership, research or policy-making roles.
Flexible Learning Options for Career Changers and Returning Professionals
Belmont understands the unique challenges faced by career changers and those returning to the workforce. Our graduate education programs offer flexible learning options to accommodate busy schedules:
- Hybrid courses combining online learning with on-campus sessions
- Fully online synchronous courses
- Part-time study options
- Evening and weekend classes
These flexible formats allow you to balance family responsibilities, current jobs, or career transition activities with your educational goals.
For those currently serving on teaching permits in schools, our programs offer tailored support to help you complete your licensure requirements while continuing your classroom work.
Supporting Career Transitions: From Various Professions to Education
Belmont's programs are designed to support individuals from a wide range of professional backgrounds as they transition into education:
- Business professionals can apply management skills to educational leadership roles
- Healthcare workers often excel in special education or science teaching positions
- IT specialists bring valuable tech integration skills to modern classrooms
- Military veterans find their leadership experience invaluable in school settings
- Parents returning to work bring unique perspectives on child development
Our faculty and career services team work closely with career changers to help them leverage their prior experiences in their new educational roles.
Career Advancement Opportunities for Transitioners
Graduates of Belmont's education programs often find themselves well-positioned for rapid advancement due to their diverse skill sets. This includes those currently serving on teaching permits who complete their full licensure through our programs. Career paths include:
- Innovative classroom teachers bringing real-world experience to students
- Technology integration specialists in schools
- Curriculum developers incorporating industry knowledge
- School-business partnership coordinators
- Educational consultants bridging education and other sectors
- Higher education administrators focused on career preparation
By earning an advanced degree from Belmont, you'll position yourself to make a unique impact on education, informed by your diverse professional background.
Supportive Learning Community for Adult Learners
At Belmont, you'll join a supportive community that values the experiences of career changers and returning professionals. Our programs foster networking among diverse cohorts, allowing students to learn from each other's varied backgrounds.
Admissions and Application Process for Non-Traditional Students
Belmont's College of Education offers an admissions process that recognizes the unique qualifications of career changers. Key requirements typically include:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Letters of recommendation (including professional references)
- A statement of purpose highlighting your career goals
- Resume or CV showcasing transferable skills
Our admissions team is experienced in evaluating non-traditional applicants and can provide guidance throughout the process.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Career Transitioners
Belmont University offers various financial aid options to support career changers and returning students:
- Federal student loans
- Graduate assistantships
- Scholarships specific to career changers in education
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs (for those currently employed)
- Grants for parents returning to the workforce
Our financial aid office can help you explore options tailored to your situation.
Virtual Information Sessions: Explore Your New Career in Education
Interested in learning how Belmont can support your career transition into education? Whether you're new to the field or already serving on a teaching permit, attend one of our upcoming Virtual Information Sessions on graduate education programs to:
- Understand how your current skills can translate to an educational career
- Learn about each degree program's relevance to career changers
- Meet College of Education deans and faculty, including those with diverse career backgrounds
- Receive guidance on the application process tailored to non-traditional students
- Ask questions about balancing study with work and family commitments
Sessions are held regularly, offering convenient times for working professionals and parents to attend.
Your New Educational Career Starts at Belmont
Whether you're a professional looking to transition into teaching, a parent ready to start a new career, or an educator currently serving on a permit and seeking full licensure, or an experienced educator seeking to leverage your skills in leadership roles, Belmont University's College of Education has graduate education programs to support your goals. With flexible learning options, experienced faculty and a commitment to supporting career changers, Belmont is the ideal place to launch your new career in education.
Ready to take the first step towards your new profession? Register for a Virtual Information Session, or start your application today. Join a diverse community of learners and future educator leaders who teach brilliantly, innovate boldly, advocate passionately and serve faithfully.
Take the Next Step in Your Educational Journey
Register for one of our regular Virtual Information Sessions.