The HM Graduate School program is different because it’s personalized for you. You learn from challenges based on real-world scenarios. You work at your own pace. You deepen your skills and knowledge. You receive feedback tailored to you. You try stuff out again and again until you get it—all so you can be the best teacher you can be.
What does being a master’s degree candidate at the HM Graduate School actually look like?
The master’s program is competency-based, clinically intensive, and self-paced. That means you move through the program at your own pace, progressing as you demonstrate the skills and knowledge (or competencies) necessary to graduate. The program is made up of challenges—projects centered on real-world scenarios that teachers face. You work through these while teaching alongside an experienced teacher in a local school and at an afterschool program (clinical placement). Within each challenge, you learn, practice, and build your portfolio of competencies.
As a graduate, you earn a master’s in education degree (M.Ed.) and are recommended for teacher licensure in a STEM field. Learn more about the degree details.
What are the requirements for admission?
HM Graduate School applicants include graduating college seniors, recent college graduates, career changers, and current teachers (without a master’s in education) who have majored in, or have earned 30 or more college-level credits in, one or more of the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, math). There are no prerequisite classes beyond adequate subject matter expertise. Learn more about the admissions process.
How much does it cost?
Tuition is $27,000 for the program with generous financial aid available. This set price represents a flat fee for completion of the program—the HM Graduate School doesn’t charge tuition by semester or academic year. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Where is the HM Graduate School located?
The HM Graduate School has a dedicated space in Cambridge, MA, that is available to teacher candidates at all times. Situated near all that MIT and Kendall Square has to offer and a short walk from the Lechmere T stop, the HM Graduate School will be your intellectual home away from home while completing the program.
In developing the HM Graduate School approach, we looked at the realities of today’s classrooms, considered how rapidly technology is changing the way we see the world, consulted MIT and other partners for research into how people learn, and crafted a program that could be personalized to each candidate. It isn’t for everyone. It doesn’t look like traditional programs. Here’s what’s different:
The HM Graduate School
Learning: Work on thematic units based on real issues while integrating multiple teaching skills.
Faculty: Faculty who coach challenges also work with the teachers in clinical placement.
Demonstrating Progress: Submit portfolios that demonstrate mastery of learning objectives.
Completing a M.Ed.: Demonstrate the skills and knowledge to be an effective teacher.
Cost: Pay a single fee ($27,000) for the program regardless of how long it takes you to earn your degree.
Traditional Ed Schools
Learning: Take courses that deal with specific elements of teaching practice.
Faculty: Faculty who oversee school placements have little contact with faculty who provide instruction about how to teach.
Demonstrating Progress: Get grades in courses by writing papers and taking tests.
Completing a Master’s in Education: Complete required courses and accumulate credit hours.
Cost: Pay by the semester with required credit hours. You continue paying until you complete graduation requirements.
Challenge-Based Curriculum
At the HM Graduate School, each week offers a variety of interactions and opportunities to try things out, learn what works—and what doesn’t—and try again. As you do, you discover how to realize your full potential as a teacher by constantly improving. We call this “try-learn-try,” and you’ll do it with these five building blocks:
Practice space
Mentorship
Project-based coursework
Seminars and studio time
Peer collaboration
The program is very individualized and flexible. The staff members care about teacher candidates and dedicate a lot of time to providing individualized feedback, suggestions, and learning material.
You are placed in real classrooms and out-of-school programs from the very start. This allows you to apply and try what you’re learning in the challenges while teaching alongside an experienced teacher. The HM Graduate School has partnered with Boston-area public schools and organizations. Learn more about our partners.
Mentoring and support
The HM Graduate School will give you every tool you need to thrive in your career. You are mentored and supported throughout the program as well as during your first two years after graduation. Learn more about the mentoring and support available.
Stories from candidates, clinical, alumni, and faculty
Practice space
Mentorship
Project-based coursework
Seminars and studio time
Peer collaboration
