The purpose of this announcement is to distinguish between graduate credits and non-degree eligible graduate credits for the purpose of renewing a professional license per 603 CMR 44.00.
The Massachusetts license renewal system is designed to enhance education through ongoing professional development for educators that meet high standards for quality. The license renewal system is carried out in the context of professional development for school improvement leading to increased student learning. The goal is for educators within a school and district to work together so that license renewal achieves educational goals for the educator, the school, and the district, in order to assist students in meeting state learning standards.
The License Renewal Guidelines for MA Educators lay out the variety of activities that educators can participate in along with the value of Professional Development Points (PDPs) for the activity. As of June 8, 2026, a non-degree eligible graduate credit is any type of graduate level credit that is offered by a college/university that the college/university does not accept toward earning a graduate degree. These are often courses that are designed for professional development and career advancement. Please note that if a college offers a graduate level course that is accepted toward a graduate degree at another accredited college or university, the Department may accept the credits as graduate credits with appropriate documentation.
Credits for courses that are non-degree eligible are now valued at 7.5 PDPs per semester hour. Courses that the institution would accept toward a graduate degree maintain their point value of 22.5 PDPs per semester hour.
US San Diego Extended Studies — EDUC 41458 — Improving Test Taking Skills — per the US San Diego transcript legend, courses in the 4000 series are for professional advancement and are not part of a formal graduate degree program.
Albion Center for Professional Development at Idaho State University — the courses offered by the Albion Center for Professional Development at Idaho State University are self-paced, non-degree courses
University of LaVerne — EDUC 711L — How Weather Works — this is a course offered specifically for professional development that cannot be transferred into any of the university's graduate degree programs.
University of LaVerne — EDUC 494D — English Pedagogy — this course is part of a graduate degree program for teacher preparation and is not part of the "professional development courses" offered by LaVerne.
UMass Boston — SPE G 630 — Building Collaborative Partnerships with Families of Students with Disabilities
Smith College — EDC 548 — Student Diversity and Classroom Teaching