Restricted License Program
For Career Changers
Restricted Licensure
Use your expertise in your field to help educate the next generation of students. The Restricted License Program offers you a path to earn a teaching license in Kansas as a PK-12, middle/secondary teacher, school counselor or library media specialist after completing a degree in a field other than education.
This 21 credit hour performance-based program is built upon the conceptual framework of ESU's nationally accredited teacher education program. Learn more about the courses and programs of study.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THIS LICENSURE
This program allows you to complete your teacher licensure requirements while employed as a teacher, school counselor or school librarian under a restricted license. While completing the program, you will have regular supervision from your school district as well as Emporia State University.
Meet a few recent students and find out what they were doing before and after.
Additional requirements
- Admission requirements
There are six requirements that must be met to be admitted to the restricted license program.
You must have earned a bachelor’s degree with a major in your desired teaching subject, confirmed by receipt of all official college transcripts.
You must have a part-time to full-time contract with an accredited Kansas school district for either the content area of your bachelor’s degree OR equivalent coursework with no more than 9 credit hours of course deficiencies.
You must be admitted for graduate study by the Emporia State University Graduate School.
You must have obtained a 2.75 GPA or higher on your most recent 60 hours of college coursework.
You must have 40 hours or more of supervised experience working with youth in an educational setting, confirmed by receipt of a supervised experience form.
You must have received a passing score on the content area Praxis by August 1 for fall semester admission or December 1 for spring semester admission.
- Check your eligibility
The Restricted License Program is not available if you have completed an approved teacher education program from another institution or already hold a teaching license in another state or country. For questions about licensing in these circumstances, please contact the Kansas State Department of Education at 785-296-2288 regarding how a Kansas license may be achieved with your earned degree and institution verification.
Save yourself time and see if you are eligible for a restricted license! Contact restrictedlicense@emporia.edu.

Why ESU?
As the institution best known for its teacher preparation programs, Emporia State University is a great choice to help you change careers. Throughout the program, you’ll have the support of your ESU faculty mentor and an in-school mentor teacher, so you get valuable teaching experience and guidance as you start your career in the classroom.
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Scholarships
Look through ESU's scholarship library to see what may be available to help you get into the classroom.
how to contact us
Mailing Address
Office of Field Placement & Licensure
Emporia State University
1 Kellogg Circle
Campus Box 4036
Emporia, KS 66801
Physical Address
Office of Field Placement & Licensure
1701 Morse Road
Visser Hall, 2nd Floor
Main Office, Rm 208