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Master of Science 

Educational Theory and Practice

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The Direct Degree Path to Professional Teacher Certification in Your Adolescent Education Subject

Advance to the next level in your teaching career with a master's degree from UAlbany's nationally ranked School of Education.

Designed for teachers with initial certification to teach certain middle and high school subjects, the graduate program in educational theory and practice is registered as a professional certification program with the NYS Department of Education.

This program is your most direct route to getting professionally certified to teach math, social studies, sciences, English language arts, or world languages to students in grades 5-9 or 7-12.

Program of Study

Foundations of Teaching: Teachers in Context

Examine sociological, cultural, and historical influences on teachers and the professional practice of teaching in different nations around the world.


Media Literacy

Expand your understanding of new media communication tools, electronic texts, and innovative reading and writing technologies in schools, communities, and workplaces.


Teaching and Learning (choose one)

  • Understanding Learning and Teaching
  • Systematic Design of Instruction


Content Knowledge and Pedagogy (12 credits)

  • Teaching [Content Area] in the Secondary School
  • Contemporary [Content Area] Education
  • Two or more graduate courses in your content area

Education Electives (6 credits)

Choose two courses in education topics that support your development as a teacher.


Capstone Course (choose one)

  • Research Seminar: Critical Introduction to Educational Research Paradigms
  • Research Seminar: Research in Practice
  • Master's Thesis

 

See graduate bulletin for details.

For more information call 518-442-5090 or email etapcpn@albany.edu.

Content

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for admission to this program, you must hold initial teaching certification in one of the following adolescent education subjects:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Chinese
  • Earth Science
  • English
  • French
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Social Studies
  • Spanish
NYS Professional Teacher Certification

This degree directly satisfies the graduate degree prerequisite for professional certification in NYS as a middle childhood or secondary education content specialist.

When you successfully complete this program, the University recommends you to the NYS Department of Education for professional certification.


Looking for a more flexible program?

If you're looking for a more adaptable master's curriculum that will still fulfill your degree requirement for professional certification, the MS in General Education Studies program may be a good choice for you.

Application Requirements

Required Credentials & Deadlines

Required Application Materials:

  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GRE test scores*
  • Statement of Goals
  • Verification of Initial NYS certificate in content area

*The test score requirement is for application Fall 2016 and forward. The department will also accept the following exams in lieu of GRE: edTPA, GMAT, Miller's Analogies, or Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. 

Please note that an Academic background in the content area equivalent to an undergraduate major or concentration and a 3.0 GPA overall and in content area. 

The deadline for application to this program is rolling, Department Assistantship Consideration is not available. 

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • Our students demonstrate the ability to integrate educational theory in the service of guiding effective instructional decision making.
  • Our students use technology effectively to support collaboration and engagement in the process of knowledge construction.
  • Our students promote meaningful, engaged learning for diverse students, regardless of their race, gender, ethnic heritage, or cultural background

Careers and Advisement

The Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center is the central office on campus serving undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students interested in pursuing careers in education and programs leading to teacher certification.

Please call or email to schedule an appointment.

Graduate Advisement:
Email Graduate Advisement
(518) 442-3529