Earn Your M.Ed. and Teaching License in Just 14 Months
Focused on Urban Education | Paid Residency | High Job Placement

Preparing the Next Generation of Urban Secondary Teachers

The Master of Urban Secondary Teaching (MUST) residency program at Cleveland State University is a selective, accelerated graduate program that prepares teachers for high-impact roles in urban secondary schools. In just 12 months, participants earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and a teaching license in one of several high-demand content areas.

Rooted in student centered practice, rigorous content preparation, and deep partnerships with local schools, MUST blends classroom theory with hands-on teaching experience through an immersive residency. Through the Teach, Earn, and Learn (TEL) option, participants may also earn an income while completing the program.

Learn more about this program. »

Why Choose the MUST Program?

Accelerated and Affordable
Complete your degree and teaching license in just 12 months. The MUST program is one of the most affordable graduate teacher residency programs in Ohio—offering a fast, high-quality path to the classroom.

Earn While You Learn
MUST’s TEL option allows participants to earn income through paid residency opportunities while gaining licensure and a graduate degree.

Real-World Training in Urban Schools
Students complete a 9-month school-based residency and a 16-week student teaching experience, building authentic skills with expert mentor teachers.

Specialized Licensure Areas
Prepare to teach in high-demand subjects:

• English, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies (Grades 7–12)
• Spanish or Mandarin (Grades K–12)

Award-Winning Program
MUST has been nationally recognized for excellence in teacher preparation, including the Nancy Zimpher Partnership Award and the Shirley A. Schwartz Urban Impact Award.

High Career Placement
More than 93% of MUST graduates secure teaching positions soon after graduation. School districts know CSU-trained teachers are classroom-ready.

Program Experience

The MUST program emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and real-world preparation for today’s classrooms. Students are admitted into a 12-month cohort, taking courses and progressing through the program together. This cohort model enhances student support, fosters strong peer connections, and creates a learning community that continues well beyond graduation.

Program structure includes:

• Graduate coursework in pedagogy, classroom management, and content-specific methods
• Fall residency: Sixteen hours per week in a mentor teacher’s classroom, guided by faculty and school-based support
• Spring student teaching: A full-time, 16-week placement in a secondary classroom
• Ongoing seminars and coaching to promote reflection, skill development, and confident classroom leadership

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, Mandarin, or a closely related content area
  Applicants with degrees in other fields may be considered upon consultation with a program advisor.
• Strong academic record in the content field
• Demonstrated potential in leadership, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving
• Completion of any required prerequisite coursework (evaluated during application process)

Applications are accepted year-round. The program begins in the summer semester, and space is limited.

Career Outlook

MUST graduates are in high demand for teaching positions across Northeast Ohio and beyond. With licensure in one or more of the following subjects, graduates step into classrooms equipped to lead and inspire:

• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Life or Physical Sciences
• Social Studies
• World Languages (Spanish, Mandarin)

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Connect with the Levin College Student Services Center to learn more about how the MUST Program can launch your teaching career.

Email: Levinstudents@csuohio.edu
Phone: (216) 687-4625
Visit: levin.csuohio.edu