Program Overview

Education Coordinator Laura Dull, (845) 257-2849, dullj@newpaltz.edu
History Coordinator Kristine Harris, (845) 257-3546, harrisk@newpaltz.edu
Program ID 040B
Credits 30
Program Length Students must complete the program within 5 years.
Modality In-person
Full-time/Part-time Either
Transfer Credits 6-9
Capstone Portfolio
Certification/Licensure NYSED Professional Adolescent Education: Social Studies

Program Description

The Master of Science in Education (MSEd.) is a 30 credit graduate program designed with flexibility in mind. It allows initially certified adolescence educators the opportunity to tailor the program to their interests. At its core, the MSEd. aims to deepen teachers' knowledge of subject content, of the theory and practice of teaching and learning, and of the diverse contexts of education. In a two-semester course, students develop skills in research-based inquiry focused on the classroom. This graduate program enables students to complete the curriculum requirement for professional certification in New York State.

Apply to a SUNY New Paltz graduate programAdmission Requirements

  1. Submit one official transcript of all college course work.  
  2. A 3.0 or better GPA in all undergraduate course work and in an appropriate undergraduate major.
    1. The undergraduate major should be comparable in breadth, depth, and rigor to the New Paltz undergraduate major in the same field. including course work that includes a broad and rigorous general education component
  3. Evidence of valid NYS Initial Teaching Certification in Adolescence Ed: Social Studies (grades 7-12)
  4. Write an admissions essay responding to the following prompt:
    1. Reflect on a time when your idea or belief was questioned or challenged.  Or, conversely, reflect on a time when your idea or belief was validated. What happened? In what way(s) could this time be considered a learning experience?
      As you reflect, please include at least one reference to the School of Education's Conceptual Framework and discuss how it speaks to your experience.
  5. Three academic or professional recommendations are required. At least two of your recommendations should be from professors with whom you have taken courses.
  6. Applicants who graduated from college more than 5 years ago should make every effort to obtain such references and/or equivalent professional references (e.g. job supervisor). We will not accept references from friends or family members. 

Application Deadlines

 
March 1 Fall
October 1 Spring
 

Late applications will be considered; however, enrollment is not guaranteed.

Curriculum Requirements

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION (6 Credits)
Consult your Advisor for an appropriate course.6
DIVERSITY EDUCATION (3 Credits)
Consult your Advisor for an appropriate diversity course.3
RESEARCH REQUIREMENT (6 Credits)
SED701Inquiry into Teaching, Learning, and School: Part I 3
SED702Inquiry into Teaching, Learning, and School: Part II Every Semester 3
DISCIPLINE-SPECIFIC ELECTIVES (15 Credits)
Consult your Advisor for appropriate elective courses.15
Total Credits30

Graduate Checklist

  • Apply for graduation via my.newpaltz.edu under “Graduation” tab according to the schedule in the academic calendar.   

  • Resolve any pending admission conditions (outlined in your acceptance letter) and/or missing documents if applicable. 

  • Review your progress report via my.newpaltz.edu to ensure that you have completed all program requirements.  

  • Remember that only two grades below a B- may be applied to your plan of study 

  • Contact your advisor if you need to amend your plan or process transfer credit. 

  • Ensure that you are in good academic standing with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 or higher. 

  • Pass your capstone or culminating assessment. 

  • Complete your degree within the specified time limit outlined in the Program Overview. 

Program Requirements

Complete prescribed course work and other requirements within five years after matriculation.

Deficiencies in the candidate’s undergraduate preparation in the subject area or major shall be remedied by early advisement with the Secondary Education advisor.

Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, with no more than two grades below B-.

Program Learning Outcomes

Adolescence Education Social Studies (MSEd) 

Candidates who successfully complete all required components of the Adolescence Social Studies program at SUNY New Paltz will: 

  • Content Knowledge: Enhance content area mastery by completing 12-15 hours of masters-level coursework in social studies. 

  • Critical Inquiry and Intellectual Development: Inquire and reflect critically on sociological, historical, and other aspects of educational practice and policy, engage in data-informed decision-making processes, demonstrate the ability to employ evidence-based practices, and continually develop disciplinary and pedagogical knowledge and skills oriented towards high-quality teaching and learning standards. 

  • Professional Skills and Disposition: Develop respectful relationships with students, families, communities and colleagues, practice an ethically informed philosophy, and participate effectively in institutional change. 

  • Culturally Responsive Practice and Social Justice: Understand and apply practices that promote respect, inclusion and equity in teaching, learning, and student development based on social identity markers including, but not limited to, race, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, language, religion, culture, national origin, epistemology, and family life. 

  • Democratic Citizenship and Student Advocacy: Respect education as a human right and a foundation to active inclusion and participation in public life, and aspire to be agents of change in response to persistent barriers to equal educational opportunity. 

  • Technology: Demonstrate knowledge and skill with using appropriate educational technology to enhance learning in adolescence education. 

  • Critical Thinking and Reasoning:  Clearly articulate an issue or problem; identify, analyze, and evaluate ideas, data, and arguments as they engage in planning, assessing, and teaching; and acknowledge limitations such as perspective and bias as they develop well-reasoned arguments to form judgements and/or draw conclusions that support pedagogical decisions. 

  • Information Literacy:  Locate appropriate resources effectively using appropriate tools; evaluate information with an awareness of authority, validity, and bias; and demonstrate an understanding of the ethical dimensions of information use, creation, and dissemination as they relate to the field of education.