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The MS in Childhood Education program leads to the M.S. degree needed for New York professional teacher certification in the area of Childhood Education 1-6 (NY certification option), or for a Master's degree in any state (non-NY certification option). For both degree options, the required 30 credit coursework is the same. This program is intended for teachers who already have initial certification. In either an online or campus-based format, the program focuses on responsive teaching and empowerment for students and teachers. Newly revised in 2013, the coursework brings together current research and policy to prepare teachers to teach children from grades 1-6. Coursework addresses the key components of literacy and content areas instruction, including literacy development, children’s literature, science, mathematics, social studies, writing instruction, literacy engagement, strategic literacy instruction, assessment, data-based decision making, critical literacy, family partnerships, and the Common Core Standards. Initial teaching certification in Childhood Education is required for admission into this program. If you are interested in obtaining your literacy certification, please consider the MS in Literacy degree. This program is available fully online.
The MS in Early Childhood Education program leads to the M.S. degree needed for New York professional teacher certification in the area of Early Childhood Education B-2 (NY certification option), or for a Master's degree in any state (non-NY certification option). For both degree options, the required 30 credit coursework is the same. The MS in Early Childhood is intended for teachers who already have initial certification. In either an online or campus-based format, the program focuses on responsive teaching and empowerment for students and teachers. Newly revised in 2013, the coursework brings together current research and policy to prepare teachers to teach children from Birth to Grade 2. Coursework addresses the key components of literacy and content areas instruction, including literacy development, children’s literature, science, mathematics, social studies, writing instruction, literacy engagement, strategic literacy instruction, assessment, data-based decision making, critical literacy, family partnerships, and the Common Core Standards. Initial teaching certification in Early Childhood is required for admission into this program. If you are interested in obtaining your literacy certification, please consider the MS in Literacy degree. This program is available fully online.
The MS in Literacy degree is intended for teachers who are seeking literacy certification in New York State (B-6, 5-12, or both). The program framework focuses on responsive teaching and empowerment for students and teachers. Newly revised in 2013, the coursework brings together current research and policy to prepare teachers to teach literacy as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, or literacy coach. Coursework addresses the key components of literacy instruction, including literacy development, children’s/young adult literature, disciplinary, digital, and multimodal texts, writing instruction, literacy engagement, strategic instruction in key literacy areas, assessment, critical literacy, family partnerships, data-based decision making and the Common Core Standards. Initial teaching certification in any certification area is required for admission into this program. The degree leads to initial certification as a Literacy Specialist (provided you pass the CST in Literacy), and the MS degree needed for professional certification in literacy and in the area of your original initial certificate (e.g., Childhood, English, Music). This program is available fully online (Birth -6th grade and 5th -12th grade tracks only) to full-time teachers pending permission for practicum experiences within your school district (contact Reisha Rieder for more information [email protected]).
The MS in Reading degree is intended for people who work in literacy settings, yet not in the traditional B-12 school settings requiring teacher certification. For example, literacy volunteers, international students, parents, private school providers, after school program coordinators, counselors in prison settings, and so forth may apply for this graduate degree. It is also open to teachers with expired certification who are interested in working in the non-school setting. The intent of the program is to help graduate students learn about teaching literacy, especially how to engage children and young adults in literacy learning. While all students will take certain required courses, there is flexibility built into the program structure to encourage individual interests. This program does NOT lead to teacher certification. This program is available fully online.
The graduate program leading to the Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Literacy prepares individuals for leadership roles in literacy education. This program is designed for: (1) students seeking advanced coursework in literacy research and pedagogy with a view toward career advancement, or entry into a PhD program in Literacy; (2) classroom teachers or literacy specialists who already have a master’s degree, seeking to deepen or broaden their professional knowledge or clinical expertise. The program requires at least two academic years of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study over a longer period. This program is available fully online on a space available basis.
The program leading to the Ph.D. in Literacy prepares individuals for research and teaching positions in universities and colleges. It also serves those who have or seek positions in K - 12 schools, government agencies, or educational foundations requiring a comprehensive understanding of literacy, the ability to conduct research, and/or the capacity to interpret or implement research findings. The program requires a minimum of three academic years of full-time study or part-time study over a longer period. This program is available fully online.
