Program Overview

Master of Science in Childhood Education

Overview

The Master of Science in Childhood Education is designed to provide advanced instructional techniques for teaching students in grades 1-6. The program focuses on student engagement, literacy development, and instruction, as well as current education standards, technology, classroom strategies, and assessment methods.

Program of Study

The program is regularly updated to include current best practices in the field. Coursework can be completed part-time online or part-time or full-time on campus.

Core Courses

• Classroom Literacy Instruction
• Children's Literature
• Strategic Intervention to Prevent Literacy Difficulties
• Literacy in Society
• Teaching Writing, B-6
• Teaching Social Studies, B-6
• Data-Based Decision Making in Literacy Assessment, Policy, and Practice
• Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
• Science for Children

Elective Courses (choose one)

• Language Acquisition
• Integrated Literacy Instruction, B-6
• Media Literacy
• Early Literacy Development, B-2
• Literacy for English Language Learners
• Assessment in Education
• OR Approved University course as advised

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Fall: August 1
• Spring: December 15
• Summer: May 1

Required Application Materials

• A teacher certification in childhood/elementary level from any state, or NYS professional certification in any area
• Transcripts from all schools attended (with at least a 3.0 GPA)
• Three letters of recommendation (see Special Notes below)
• Program-specific application questions

Special Notes

• This program is available fully online.
• This program leads to NYS professional certification if you hold a NYS initial.
• This program does not lead to certification as a Literacy Specialist.
• This program is not available to international applicants.

Accreditation

The University at Albany is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

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.

Student Learning Objectives

• Students demonstrate an understanding of literacy knowledge, instruction, and assessment appropriate for educational and/or community settings.
• Students apply their understanding of diversity, equity, and technology to educational and/or community settings.
• Students synthesize their content knowledge and understanding of literacy practices through a reflective essay.

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.

Supplemental Programs Available

• Africana Studies CGS
• Community College Leadership CGS
• Demography CGS
• International Education Management CGS
• Teacher Leadership CGS