Program Overview

Program Overview

The M.S.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary Education program at Niagara University is designed for candidates who wish to become certified teachers in New York State. The program consists of 39 credit hours and can be completed in 12-16 months. It is offered online and provides flexibility for full-time or part-time study.

Program Details

• Completion Time: 12-16 months
• Credits: 39
• Field Hours: 150
• Practicum Hours: Two 7-week or one 14-week full-time placements
• Format: Online
• Flexibility: Full-time or part-time
• Start Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer

About Elementary and Secondary Education Online

The M.S. Ed. in Elementary and Secondary Education is designed as a three-semester program for full-time study. A summer start allows students to complete the program in one calendar year. Students who begin in the fall or spring can complete the program in 16 months. Coursework and 150 field hours are completed during the first two semesters, and the final semester includes a student teaching experience and seminar.

Flexibility

• Complete your graduate Elementary and Secondary Education program as a full-time or part-time student.
• Courses are offered 100% online with daytime and evening class times available to accommodate professional schedules.

Learn & Earn

Niagara University has exclusive agreements with local school districts, which allows candidates to be paid while completing pre-student teaching/pre-practicum field experiences. This allows students to continue working while completing real-world classroom work as part of the program.

Cohort Based Learning

The program utilizes a cohort-based model, which allows students to develop more meaningful professional relationships with one another. This adds to the peer support that candidates experience within their group while at Niagara University, in field experiences, student teaching, and later as alumni.

What You'll Study at Niagara University

Elementary and Secondary Education Program coursework includes a mix of synchronous and asynchronous offerings. Regardless of certification track, students participate in courses like Foundations of Education, Human Learning, Development and Motivation, and Introduction to Educational Research before delving into specialized topics.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Impact Placement – (75 hours) Early field experience that gives students the opportunity to experience the classroom from a teacher's perspective.
• Teaching Assistantship Experience – (75 hours) These placements involve teacher candidates working with local students.
• Student Teaching Practicum – (Two 7-week or one 14-week full-time placement) Each placement will address a different grade level to provide students with a variety of experiences.

Research Opportunities

Candidates may have the opportunity to engage in research with faculty on individual topics of interest.

Program Frequently Asked Questions

What grade levels can I obtain certification in?

• Elementary (Birth – 6) certification – also referred to as early childhood and childhood education, and primary/junior grades. Upon completion of the program, students will hold a master of science in education degree.
• Secondary (5 – 12) certification – also referred to as middle childhood and adolescence education, and intermediate/senior grades. Upon completion of the program, students will hold a master of science in education degree.

When can I start the program?

Niagara University offers three entry points: Summer (May), Spring (January), or Fall (August).

How long is the program?

The program requires at least 39 credit hours and takes 3 semesters to complete. The program can be completed in one calendar year with a summer start. Students who begin in the fall or spring can complete the program in 15 months.

Are all courses offered online?

Yes, the program is 100% online. Most courses will be synchronous with designated meeting times. Students will join a virtual meeting with their professors and classmates on the scheduled meeting dates and times.

Admission - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for applying?

Niagara University has a rolling admissions policy. Applications are considered as they are received and evaluated in a holistic fashion in keeping with the mission of the university.

What are the requirements to apply?

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required for admission.
• In addition to the online application, students must also submit the following materials:
  • Two letters of recommendation (academic, professional, or volunteer are acceptable)
  • Official transcript(s) from all previous attended colleges/universities
  • A Statement of Intent
  • Official SAT/ACT/GRE or Accuplacer exam scores within the last 6 years

Canadian / International - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be certified to teach in Ontario after completing this program?

Yes. Successful completion of this 39 credit-hour program leads to certification in New York State and Ontario.

How do US college/university credit hours equate to credits in Canada?

US college courses are semester-based and are worth 3 college/university credit hours/units and usually equal .5 credit at Canadian institutions (though some Canadian institutions are on the hour system).

Outcomes

The College of Education at Niagara University has a proven record of delivering quality programs that provide students with extensive practical field experience, state-of-the-art instructional technology, and an outstanding career placement reputation. Upon completion of the program, Ontario students are able to apply for certifications in New York State and Ontario.

Accreditations

The program is accredited by CAEP, which advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.