Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12), MSED

This program provides individuals who have a baccalaureate degree in a content subject the opportunity to become initially certified to teach that subject in grades 7-12 in New York. The program provides courses and experiences in pedagogy, assessment, curriculum, and other topics that prepare individuals to be effective teachers. The program includes intensive field experience in the semester prior to student teaching, and a semester-long full-time student teaching experience. Certification is available in the following content areas: social studies, English, mathematics, French, Spanish, biology, chemistry, physics and earth science. The program is an 18-month program that usually begins in May with graduation in December of the following year.

Information About Certification

Upon completion of this program, candidates will be recommended for certification in New York State by the Office of Field Services.

Admission Requirements

The admission committee reviews the following in considering candidates for this program:

1. A bachelor’s degree or thirty credit hours in an arts or sciences majors in the subject area of teaching certification from an accredited college or university
2. Transcripts from all previous colleges showing a GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework or in a previous master’s degree
3. Successful completion of at least six credit hours of college level credit in each of the following content areas: English, math, science, social studies, and a language other than English. Sign language may be used for the language requirement
4. Interview
5. Writing sample
6. Two letters of recommendation: one letter related to your ability to do graduate work and one letter from someone who has observed you working with children or youth
7. Successful completion of the following NYS Teacher Certification Exams (ALST and Content Specialty Test). Language candidates are required to take the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
8. Test scores: GRE, MAT, SAT, ACT or another substantially equivalent test
9. Additional information, if requested by program director

Required Courses 

(Prerequisite: all coursework completed)

Field Experience Requirements

As part of the practical field experience, students are required to complete 30 hours of tutoring during their first two semesters. Students are also scheduled to spend two days per week in a 7-12 classroom during the Professional Development School (PDS) semester of their program prior to the student teaching semester. During the student teaching semester, students will be placed in two separate, 7-12 school settings full-time for the entire semester. All field experience placement arrangements are made through the Office of Field Services. 

Exit Criteria

At the completion of the coursework and field experiences in the Adolescence Education program, students will submit evidence of the following during the student teaching semester:

1. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
2. Submission of an electronic portfolio showing professional growth and providing documentation that you meet the professional standards for new teachers
3. Successful completion of the comprehensive exam
4. Successful completion of student teaching