Program Overview
| Program Coordinator | Robyn Sheridan, (845) 257-2827, sheridar@newpaltz.edu |
| Program ID | 073 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Program Length | This program can be completed in two semesters, but students must complete program within 5 years |
| Modality | In-person or Hybrid |
| Full-time/Part-time | Part-time |
| Transfer Credits | 0 |
| Capstone | Capstone Course |
Program Description
This 15-credit program is for childhood, adolescence, and special subject teachers, school guidance counselors and administrators, and informal educators who want to enhance their skills and knowledge of social justice education. Designed for professionals who already have their master’s degree, this certificate program enables educators to understand ways in which race, gender, social class, language, sexual orientation, religion, and ability influence them as professionals, their students, and the educational process. It provides educators with the knowledge and skills needed for fostering socially just, culturally sustaining teaching, leadership, and educational settings.
Admission Requirements 
Applicants must submit:
- Evidence of interest in multicultural/social justice education.
- An official copy of all graduate transcripts indicating evidence of a master’s degree in education from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
- Contact information for two school district officials, administrators, or colleagues who have agreed to provide a letter of recommendation.
- A 2-3 page personal essay describing your current educational initiatives in multicultural/diversity education and/or your goals for future endeavors for fostering greater appreciation of diversity in your classroom and school.
Online applications must be completed by:
| November 1st | Spring admission |
| April 1st | Fall admission |
Upon receipt of a completed application, the applicant will be contacted to schedule an interview with Dr. Shannon McManimon and Robyn Sheridan to complete the application process.
Curriculum Requirements / 15 credits
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Course (3 Credits) | ||
| EDS581 | Race and Gender in Education | 3 |
| Social Justice Education Electives (9 Credits) | ||
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Issues in Multicultural Education | ||
| Conflict Resolution in Education | ||
| Education of Self for Professionals | ||
| Issues in Literacy for Diverse Learners | ||
| Expressive Arts and Social Change | ||
| Restorative and Transformative Justice and Practice | ||
| Antioppressive Pedagogies and Practices | ||
| Group Dynamics | ||
| Social-Emotional Learning for Social Justice | ||
| Leadership in Education and Human Service Settings | ||
| Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms | ||
| Capstone Course (3 Credits) | ||
| EDS793 | Ed Studies Selected Topics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Note: Graduate courses taken prior to admission to the Certificate Program cannot be applied to students’ plans of study for this program. All graduate courses will be taken at SUNY New Paltz.
Program Requirements
Students complete 15 graduate credits of course work which include a 3-credit introductory course, 9 credits of electives, and a 3-credit capstone course, and must achieve a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. At the completion of the program, an Advanced Certificate in Social Justice Education will be granted by the State University of New York at New Paltz.
Note: Graduate courses taken prior to admission to the Advanced Certificate Program cannot be applied to students’ plans of study for this program. All graduate courses will be taken at SUNY New Paltz.
Graduate Checklist
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Apply for graduation via my.newpaltz.edu under “Graduation” tab according to the schedule in the academic calendar.
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Resolve any pending admission conditions (outlined in your acceptance letter) and/or missing documents if applicable.
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Review your progress report via my.newpaltz.edu to ensure that you have completed all program requirements.
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Remember that only two grades below a B- may be applied to your plan of study
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Contact your advisor if you need to amend your plan or process transfer credit.
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Ensure that you are in good academic standing with a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.0 or higher.
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Pass your capstone or culminating assessment.
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Complete your degree within the specified time limit outlined in the Program Overview.
Program Learning Outcomes
Social Justice Education (Advanced Certificate)
We are attempting to know, learn, and be differently. This work is and always will be unfinished. As we learn new information and ways of being, we are also cognizant that social justice work must be sustainable for self, community, and society. In our program, students work toward:
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Social Justice Content Knowledge
Understanding that systems of inequality shape our lives and institutions, they will engage social justice education to foster more sustainable, equitable, and just relationships.
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Applying Theory to Practice
Utilizing processes of self-reflection and assessment, they will engage in action and reflection (praxis) that center justice-oriented theories, beliefs, values, and relationships.
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Critical Analyses
Drawing on reflective, critical thinking, listening, and questioning practices, they will integrate critical analyses into their educational work.
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Fostering Equity
Recognizing that social inequalities reflect an inability or unwillingness to be in positive relationship with difference, they will foster educational and social equity that seeks to transform relationships and share power across differences.
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Participatory, Collaborative Approaches to Pedagogy
With an understanding of embodied, antioppressive, and experiential learning practices, they will employ creative, holistic, collaborative approaches in their pedagogical settings.
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Written and Oral Communication
Practiced in small and large group discussions, presentations, and in applying feedback to their own work, they will effectively communicate orally and in writing, including through qualitative research that reflects social justice principles.
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Socially Responsible Leadership
Understanding connections between personal, institutional, and social change, they will lead as ethically and socially responsible human beings in their workplaces and communities.
Revised March 2022
