2 degrees, 4 years: Earlham College and John Carroll University establish new accelerated pathway in education 

Earlham College and John Carroll University have announced a new articulation agreement that creates an accelerated pathway for Earlham students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Education with teaching licensure in just four years. 

The partnership connects Earlham’s undergraduate programs with John Carroll University’s School-Based M.Ed. program. Under the agreement, Earlham students who plan early for a career in teaching can complete three years of undergraduate study at Earlham before transitioning into John Carroll’s online graduate program during their fourth year. Because a portion of the graduate coursework counts toward both degrees simultaneously, this partnership reduces tuition costs and accelerates students’ timeline to graduation.  

“This partnership connects Earlham students with a well-established teacher-preparation model at John Carroll University and creates an exciting new pathway into the profession,” said Dr. Lori Schroeder, Earlham College provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.  
 
“Students who plan ahead can begin graduate coursework during their fourth year at Earlham, allowing them to complete a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and teaching licensure on an accelerated timeline while reducing overall tuition costs,” she said. “Combined with the flexibility to complete field placements in their home communities while finishing their degrees online, this program builds naturally on the strengths of Earlham’s liberal arts education and helps our graduates move quickly into classrooms where thoughtful, well-prepared teachers are deeply needed.” 

John Carroll’s program offers licensure pathways in primary education (Pre-K through grade 5), middle childhood education (grades 4-9), and adolescent/young adult education (grades 7-12). This flexible structure allows students to gain practical experience in schools near their home while working closely with expert faculty who model a relationship-rich Jesuit approach to education.  

“We are excited to partner with Earlham College to create a seamless pathway for students who feel called to the teaching profession,” said Dr. Angie Canda, Dean of the Graduate School at John Carroll. “By connecting Earlham’s strong undergraduate foundation with our School-Based Master of Education program, this partnership allows students to enter classrooms and earn a master’s degree sooner, all while receiving the high-quality training and mentorship they need to make an impact in their communities.”  

The agreement marks a milestone for John Carroll University as the first partnership designed to allow undergraduate students from another institution to complete an accelerated master’s program at John Carroll. 

Through this partnership, both institutions aim to expand access to high-quality preparation for future educators while helping students enter the profession more quickly and efficiently. 

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About Earlham College 

Earlham College and Earlham School of Religion foster a collaborative learning community that inspires and motivates students with transformative opportunities and experiences so they can become catalysts for good in a changing world. Located in Richmond, Indiana, Earlham is one of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 national liberal arts colleges and offers one of the top 20 classroom experiences in the nation, according to the Princeton Review.

About John Carroll University 

John Carroll University is a top-ranked, private, liberal arts institution located in University Heights, Ohio. Committed to fostering intellectual growth, leadership, and service, JCU offers a transformative education that prepares students to be more and do more for the world. Founded in 1886, JCU is one of only 27 Jesuit universities in the United States and is ranked among the top 7% of four-year universities in the nation by The Wall Street Journal. Learn more about how JCU is inspiring futures at jcu.edu.