Childhood and Adolescent Education, MST

For

Career changers and college graduates who want to teach, but do not have an undergraduate degree in education. 

What You Learn 

The pedagogical knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to become a successful classroom teacher, both in general childhood (grades 1–6) or adolescent (grades 7–12) classrooms. 

You Choose One of Two Tracks 

The Childhood Education program prepares candidates to teach children in grades 1–6. The Adolescent Education program prepares candidates to teach adolescents in grades 7–12 in a selected specialty subject—biology, chemistry, earth science, English, languages other than English, mathematics, physics or social studies. 

How You Learn 

This program provides a focused exploration into the organization of schools, the different ways that students learn, and the adaptation of teaching methods to meet the needs of individual students.

There is a common 12-credit core and a 15-credit specialty track. Students conclude with a 9-credit capstone experience that includes: 

• A one-semester, full-time student-teaching experience
• A research course
• A capstone project

Career Outcomes

After completing the program and passing the New York State Teacher Certification Exams, candidates are eligible for initial teaching certification in Childhood or Adolescent Education in New York State. 

Prerequisites 

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. (Upon the recommendation of the director of Student Support Services, candidates whose GPA is less than 3.0 may be admitted on a conditional basis, provided that it is determined that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to complete the program successfully.) Adolescent-level candidates must have majored in the subject to be taught (or have enough appropriate credits in the subject). Childhood-level candidates must have majored in the liberal arts and sciences or its equivalent. All candidates must meet additional liberal arts and sciences course requirements mandated by New York State.

We require the GRE-Graduate Record Examination-General Test. Performance on the GRE will not outweigh the other required criteria in your application.