Licensure Programs

Portland State’s College of Education prepares educators to begin their professional careers in our K-12 school system. To become a teacher, counselor, or principal, you must complete a state-approved licensure program. We offer a variety of state-approved licensure programs with options at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.

Many of our programs have options to complete as a stand-alone license or in combination with a master’s degree. This flexibility allows you to get started faster or add value to your career with a master’s degree. Most districts pay higher salaries for educators with master’s degrees.

If you are interested in becoming a teacher, learn more about the process to become a teacher in Oregon and explore all programs for early childhood education, special education, elementary education, and secondary education.

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Elementary Education Master’s

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, this program enables you to earn your Oregon Teaching License with endorsements in elementary teaching and teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL).

A teacher stands at the front of a math class teaching the order of operations.

International Teacher Education Master’s + License

If you earned your teaching credential outside of the United States, this program provides you with an abbreviated and customized path to earn an Oregon Teaching License. The coursework is focused on classes that prepare you to work specifically with children in U.S. public schools.

Several young children sit on their classroom floor with their arms up.

Principal License + Master's

This program is for licensed teachers who have worked in a school for at least three years. Feel confident making strong decisions when it matters most, and move cutting-edge educational practices forward. Our approach integrates anti-racist teaching practices and prepares you to become a culturally-responsive leader.

A teacher in a slate blue shirt and glasses, her dark brown hair pulled back in a ponytail, leans over a desk to work with students.

School Counseling Master’s + License

School counselors work to maximize student success, promoting access and equity for all students. PSU’s school counseling master’s program prepares professional school counselors to work in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade public and private schools.

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Special Education Master’s and License

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, this program enables you to earn a Special Educator Teaching License. You’ll develop the specialized skills needed to teach students with a wide range of support needs, including people with complex disabilities and those with targeted support needs in academics, behavior, and social skills.

Visually Impaired Learner Master’s + License

PSU’s program equips you to serve students from birth to 21 years old with visual impairments. You’ll learn to assist students with visual impairments to fully access the general education curriculum and gain practical experience through field placements in local educational agencies or at residential schools for the blind.