Do I have to have teaching experience to begin the Masters program?

No.  You are not required to have any teaching experience in order to begin the program.  Our initial certification programs in either Childhood Education or Childhood Special Education prepare career-changers to work towards both their initial and professional certifications for New York State.  However, we do need to verify that you have completed the necessary undergraduate prerequisite courses in Liberal Arts and Sciences.  Email admissions.mse@nyack.edu or call (845) 675-4466 for more information.

What are the requirements for admission to the program?

We would like to see prospective students with a strong background in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate coursework.  Additionally, we ask that students achieve a passing score on the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), which is a 220 out of 300. 

For specific information about the admissions process, see http://www.nyack.edu/files/MSEd_Admissions_Checklist.pdf.

What programs are offered?

Our programs fall into 2 general categories: initial certification pathways and additional certification pathways.

Those students who do not already have certification for New York State can choose between 2 initial certification programs: Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education.  Both programs are for grades 1 through 6.

Those students who are already certified with New York state (possessing either initial or professional certification) can choose between 3 programs: Childhood Education, Childhood Special Education and Inclusive Education.  Again, both Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education are for grades 1 through 6.  The Inclusive Education program offers 3 extensions: Middle School Education (grades 7 through 9 for those already certified in Childhood Ed; grades 5 and 6 for those already certified in Adolescent Ed), Gifted Education, and Bilingual Education.

How long are the programs?

All program coursework is designed to be completed in 5 consecutive semesters totaling to roughly 20 calendar months.

In terms of credit hours, initial certification programs require either 45 (Childhood Education) or 48 (Childhood Special Education)

Additional certification programs are 39 (Childhood Education) or 36 credit hours (Childhood Special Education and Inclusive Ed, all extensions).

In addition to the course work, those seeking initial certification will be required to complete a full-time, 15 week student teaching internship, while those seeking professional certification need to complete a thesis project.

What do I have to do to apply?

It is helpful to think of the application process as 2 phases: the paper phase and the interview phase.

In the paper phase, you will need to submit the following materials:

Completed application
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
3 recommendations (2 academic, 1 professional)
Autobiography statement (2 page paper describing your background and future goals)
Liberal Arts and Science Test (LAST) scores OR
Proof of Teaching Credentials
Immunization forms
FAFSA / Financial Aid

When we receive these materials, your application moves to the interview phase, which requires the following:

Interview with the Dean of the Graduate School of Education
Writing Sample

Are any admissions tests required?

Though we do not require the GRE for admission, we ask that all prospective students take the Liberal Arts and Science Test (LAST).  This test is required as part of the certification requirements for New York State.  Since the material on the test is broad, we ask that prospective students take the test for admission.  We require a passing score of at least 220 out of 300.  For more information about registering for the test, visit http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/NY13_testdates.asp.

The School of Education is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

For help with this page contact