In North Carolina, most licensure-only programs are residency licensure programs. However, a few universities also offer “traditional” licensure-only pathways. These take less time than a master’s program and include a student teaching component. 

A licensure-only program may be a good fit if:

• You decide later in college or after earning a degree that you want to teach in a field closely related to your undergraduate major.
• You want a more affordable teaching program option. 

With a licensure-only program, you can:

• Practice teaching with a mentor teacher before you lead your own classroom.
• Explore full-time and part-time program options.
• Control when you enroll in your program.

An undergraduate licensure and bachelor’s program may be a good fit if:

You know what subject and grade level you want to teach. 

With an undergraduate licensure and bachelor’s program, you can:

• Complete your teaching program as part of earning your bachelor’s degree.
• Reduce the total cost and time you spend working toward your license.

Most colleges and universities with an undergraduate teaching program also have a master’s program.

A master’s degree and licensure program may be a good fit if:

You decide later in college or after earning a degree that you want to teach in a field closely related to your undergraduate major. 

With a master’s degree and licensure program, you can:

• Gain even greater knowledge of your content and practice teaching before you lead your own classroom as a “teacher of record” (a.k.a. the primary adult in the classroom).
• Explore full-time and part-time program options.
• Control when you enroll in your program.

Residency licensure programs are one-year programs for candidates who have mastered their subject matter but still need to learn how to teach. You’ll teach in your own classroom and take coursework in the evenings. 

A residency licensure program might be a good fit if: 

• You’re a career changer.
• You want a lot of hands-on practice and mentorship support.
• You need a more affordable teaching program option.

With a residency licensure program, you can…

• Teach in a school district while you meet your licensure requirements. 
• Earn a paycheck during your licensure program.

For more information about residency licensure, visit the TeachNC Alternative Licensure page.