Residency Licensure
Residency licensure teachers in the UNCW Watson College of Education may enroll in our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs to earn both a graduate degree and complete the requirements for residency licensure. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs are also offered for high school teachers seeking licensure in English, mathematics, science or social studies (grades 9-12) and teachers seeking ESL licensure in grades K-12.
MAT Programs
MAT programs are available in the following licensure areas:
- Art Education (K-12)
- Elementary Education (K-6)
- English as a Second Language (K-12)
- Middle Grades Education (6-9)
- Secondary Education (9-12)
- Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12)
- Special Education: Adapted Curriculum (K-12)
- Physical Education and Health (K-12)
- World Languages: Spanish (K-12)
The benefits of completing a MAT program at UNCW include:
- Personalized residency licensure support and advising
- Fast-track program completion options designed for residency teachers
- Financial aid and scholarships may be available
- Field experiences and the full-time internship may be completed in your classroom
- Small class sizes and all classes offered online
- edTPA support embedded within each program
- MAT programs serve residency licensure teachers located anywhere in NC
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are available in the following licensure areas:
- Middle Grades Education (6-9) - New! Jan. 2026
- Secondary Education (English, mathematics, science or social studies)
- Special Education GC/AC (K-12) - New! Jan. 2026
- English as a Second Language (K-12)
Courses in our 18-credit hour post-baccalaureate certificate programs are offered at the graduate level. Certificate programs are not degree programs, but are designed to lead to NC teacher certification in a specific field of study. All courses can be transferred into a Master of Arts in Teaching degree program.
Note to school employees: MAT and certificate programs at UNCW are available to residency licensure teachers. School employees in teacher assistant and other roles who already hold a Bachelor's degree should enroll in MAT programs. Students in all programs must reside in the state of North Carolina.
Residency licensure teachers must meet the requirements listed below in order for UNCW to sign an RL form. The RL form is required for the school district to request residency licensure.
Residency licensure eligibility requirements:
- Full-time employment as a lead teacher in a classroom in your licensure area
- Acceptance to, and continued participation in the MAT or certificate program in your licensure area
- Minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher on your undergraduate degree
- 24 hours of relevant coursework OR passing scores on the appropriate licensure exams
To check residency licensure eligibility, please email Nicole Geczi a copy of your undergraduate transcript and/or test scores. Relevant coursework will be verified by program faculty. Please note that the 24 hours of relevant coursework for elementary education includes 2 courses each in math, science, English, and social studies.
Residency licensure teachers should discuss their eligibility with the licensure specialist in their school district. Districts may choose to hire teachers for one year on a Permit to Teach and/or Emergency License to provide time to meet the residency licensure eligibility requirements. Teachers may be eligible to begin MAT or certificate programs while hired on one of these licenses.
For more information, or help finding the pathway that works best for you, please contact:
Alternative Licensure Support and Placements Coordinator
Nicole Geczi
geczin@uncw.edu
910.962.3561