Program Overview
Master of Science in Secondary Education
Overview
The Master of Science in Secondary Education (MSSE) program prepares students to teach a specific subject to students in grades 7-12. Our graduates are eligible for initial certification to teach in New York State (NYS) public schools.
Program of Study
This program is typically completed in about 18 months. Some students are able to complete it more quickly, while others might take more time.
- Foundations of Education
- Teachers in Context
- Adolescent Development
- Assessment in Education
- Characteristics of and Methods for Teaching Exceptional Secondary Students in Inclusive Settings
- Teaching Methods and Field Experiences in Your Content Area
- Teaching Middle School: Methods and Field Experience (6 credits)
- Teaching High School: Methods and Field Experience (9 credits)
- Teaching in the Secondary School (3 credits)
- Technology, Media & Literacy
- Media Literacy
- Reading and Writing across the Curriculum (for concentrations in Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, or World Languages) OR
- Teaching Composition in the Secondary School (for concentration in English)
- Advanced Study in Content Area
- Two graduate courses in your academic content area (500-level or above)
- NYS Training Requirements
- School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE) Training
- Child Abuse Identification and Reporting
- Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
Information for Potential Applicants
General admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, statement of goals, three letters of recommendation (two academic), and an interview (by invitation only).
- Biology
- To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in BIOLOGY equivalent to a major. In addition, the following science distribution must be met: 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in earth science, 3 credits in physics. These can be included as part of the major or in addition to.
- Chemistry
- To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in CHEMISTRY equivalent to a major. In addition, the following science distribution must be met: 3 credits in biology, 3 credits in earth science, 3 credits in physics. These can be included as part of the major or in addition to.
- Earth Science
- To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in EARTH SCIENCE or GEOLOGY equivalent to a major. In addition, the following science distribution must be met: 3 credits in biology, 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in physics. These can be included as part of the major or in addition to.
- English Language Arts
- To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in ENGLISH equivalent to a major.
- French
- To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in FRENCH (equivalent to a major).
- Mathematics
- To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in MATHEMATICS equivalent to a major.
- Physics
- To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in PHYSICS equivalent to a major. In addition, the following science distribution must be met: 3 credits in biology, 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in earth science. These can be included as part of the major or in addition to.
- Social Studies
- To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in HISTORY or another SOCIAL SCIENCE (anthropology, economics, geography, political science or sociology) equivalent to a major, provided that the content core in social studies shall include study in economics, government, and at least a total of 21 semester hours of study in the history and geography of the United States and the world.
- Spanish
- To be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in SPANISH equivalent to a major.
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.
Admissions Requirements
- Deadlines
- Summer or Fall start: December 31, March 3, April 11
- Spring start: Not Available
- Required Application Materials
- Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
- Three letters of recommendation (at least two letters from professors)
- Statement of goals
Student Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the major concepts within your chosen subject of instruction (e.g., English, history, chemistry) as evidenced by your grades in content courses and performance on New York State content examination.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of New York State content learning standards for your subject areas through planning and delivery of standards-based classroom instruction.
- Plan lessons that demonstrate knowledge of how 5–12 students learn and engage with core ideas and cross-cutting concepts in your subject area.
- Engage in reflective inquiry on your practice both independently and with others to foster continual personal growth and learning progression toward more sophisticated understandings.
- Design assessments that recognize and consider student preconceptions and understandings developed during instruction.
- Design and facilitate authentic learning experiences, which facilitate relevant and meaningful content learning for 5–12 students.
- Provide learners with multiple points of access to instruction (e.g., visual, verbal, written, gesture, etc.).
- Demonstrate knowledge of how theories and research about social justice, diversity and equity can enhance students’ opportunities to learn.
- Understand and adapt to diverse learning styles in instructional settings.
- Demonstrate understanding of an interconnected and interdependent global context.
- Demonstrate how media and technology can enhance classroom practice to meaningfully support learning.
- Pursue scholarship to enhance and engage professionally in both the content area and teaching field (e.g., attend conferences, read new literature, write, etc.).
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Name: Master of Science in Secondary Education (MSSE)
- Focus: Prepares students to become certified secondary school teachers in New York State.
- Duration: Typically completed in about 18 months, with flexibility for individual pace.
- Structure: Typically involves starting with two summer courses, followed by graduate classes and field experiences in fall/spring semesters and culminating in full-time student teaching in the final fall semester.
- Content Areas: Social Studies, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, French, Spanish.
Objectives:
- Learn to teach in ways that help students develop intellectually and socially.
- Become a reflective practitioner and prepare students to thrive in school and beyond.
- Develop expertise in relevant pedagogical theory and research.
- Gain experience with curriculum development, classroom management, educational technology, and working effectively with diverse students.
Outline:
- Foundations of Education: Courses covering teacher development in context, adolescent development, assessment methods, and working with exceptional students in inclusive settings.
- Teaching Methods & Field Experiences: Courses focused on specific content area methods and aligned field experience, totaling 6-9 credits depending on concentration.
- Technology, Media & Literacy: Coursework focusing on Media Literacy or Teaching Composition depending on content area concentration.
- Advanced Content Area Study: Two graduate-level courses in the chosen academic content area.
- NYS Training Requirements: Completion of mandatory training in School Violence Prevention & Intervention, Child Abuse Identification & Reporting, and Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).
Assessment:
- Program completion involves fulfilling all coursework requirements.
- Certification as a teacher in New York State requires passing the Education for All Students (EAS) exam and the NYS Content Specialty Test (CST) for the chosen area.
Teaching:
- Focuses on developing reflective practitioners through theoretical and research-based coursework.
- Field experiences provide hands-on practice in applying pedagogical knowledge and skills.
- Students work with experienced and dedicated professors and mentors who provide support and guidance.
Careers:
- Graduates are prepared to work as certified teachers in grades 7-12 in NYS public schools.
- Opportunities for teaching careers in diverse educational settings.
Other:
- The program is NYS-approved for teacher preparation and licensure.
- Combined Bachelor's/Master's option available to accelerate completion of both degrees.
- The program is currently engaged in the process of AAQEP accreditation.
- Students have six years to complete the program after initial enrollment.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Entry Requirements:
General Admission Requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Statement of goals
- Three letters of recommendation (two academic)
- Interview (by invitation only)
Additional Pre-Requisites for Specific Certification Areas:
| Subject | Pre-Requisites |
|---|---| | Biology | 36 credit hours in Biology equivalent to a major + 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in earth science, and 3 credits in physics. | | Chemistry | 36 credit hours in Chemistry equivalent to a major + 3 credits in biology, 3 credits in earth science, and 3 credits in physics. | | Earth Science | 36 credit hours in Earth Science or Geology equivalent to a major + 3 credits in biology, 3 credits in chemistry, and 3 credits in physics. | | English Language Arts | 36 credit hours in English equivalent to a major + students may consider adding supplemental certificate degrees in English Studies CGS and Teaching Composition CGS. | | French | 36 credit hours in French equivalent to a major. | | Mathematics | 36 credit hours in Mathematics equivalent to a major. | | Physics | 36 credit hours in Physics equivalent to a major + 3 credits in biology, 3 credits in chemistry, and 3 credits in earth science. | | Social Studies | 36 credit hours in History or another Social Science (anthropology, economics, geography, political science or sociology) equivalent to a major, with a content core that includes study in economics, government, and at least a total of 21 semester hours of study in the history and geography of the United States and the world. | | Spanish | 36 credit hours in Spanish equivalent to a major. |
Note:
- Applicants may be admitted to the program with up to nine missing credits of undergraduate prerequisites.
- This program requires an internship, field experience, or study abroad component.