Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction (Master of Science in Education)

Recognizing the need teachers have for obtaining a master’s degree that includes advanced training, The College of Saint Rose has developed a 30-credit master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction that offers academic flexibility and options.

Program Overview

The master’s in Curriculum and Instruction enables those with an initial teaching certification in early childhood, childhood or adolescence education to earn the master’s degree they need for NYS professional certification. The program encourages the development of education professionals who are reflective practitioners, able to link content, theory, and practice, and able to create effective learning environments for children with the full range of abilities and backgrounds.
 

The program requires completion of course work in the Research Core (a minimum of 6 credits) and the Pedagogy Core (12 credits). For the remaining 12 credits, we offer seven, 12-credit Content Cores that give teachers the freedom to tailor the degree to their own career goals and aspirations.
 

Seven, 12-credit Content Core Options

1. Second initial certification in early childhood education (birth-grade 2) for those with childhood certification
2. Second initial certification in childhood (elementary) education (grades 1-6) for those with early childhood certification
3. Grade 5-6 content area extension to current certification
4. Grade 7-9 content area extension to current certification
5. Bilingual education extension (Spanish)
6. Preparation for National Board Certification
7. In-depth study within one’s current area of certification through a wide choice of electives

 

Practical and Personal Approach

Saint Rose’s Thelma P. Lally School of Education graduates more certified teachers than nearly any college in New York, so our faculty is in touch with the needs of teachers and their school districts seeking talented educators with a variety of skills and certifications. Students benefit from highly experienced faculty, individual advisement, small seminar-style classes and a collaborative environment that encourages the development of reflective practitioners who are passionate about creating effective learning environments for children with a full range of abilities.
 

Flexible Scheduling

This 30-credit degree can be completed on a full-time intensive basis in 12 months, or part-time at a student’s own pace.
 

Admissions Requirements

At a minimum, an applicant must possess:
•a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
•initial teaching certification in early childhood, childhood, or adolescent education
•an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
Applications also require:
•a 300-word Statement of Purpose
•copy of valid teaching certification(s)
•current resume
•all official academic transcripts
•two letters of recommendation

 

Coursework

Research Core (6-9 credits)

•EPY 500 Educational Research (must be completed within first 12 credits) (3)
AND
•EDU 590 Research Seminar (3)
•EDU 999 Comprehensive Exam in Teacher Education (3)

OR

•EPY 500 Educational Research (must be completed within first 12 credits) 3 credits
AND
•EDU 599 Thesis (as an alternative to EDU 590 and EDU 999) (3-6)

 

Pedagogy Core (12 credits)

•EDU 503 Curriculum Theory and Design (3)
•EDU 550 Advanced Instructional Design Pre-K-12 (3)
•EDU 540 Informal Student Based Assessment (3)

In addition, choose one of the following courses related to School and Society:
•EDU 515 Sociology of Education (3)
•EDU 512 History of American Education (3)
•EDU 508 Multicultural Education (3)

 

Content Core: Choose one of the following seven, 12-credit options

1. Second Initial Certification in Childhood (Elementary) Education: Grades 1-6

•LRC 520 Advanced Development Literacy (Birth-Grade 6)
•ELE 585 Methods of Teaching Language Arts and Social Studies 1-6
•ELE 586 Methods of Teaching Math and Science 1-6
•ELE 587 Advanced Field Placement

 

2. Second Initial Certification in Early Childhood Education: Birth-Grade 2

•LRC 520 Advanced Development Literacy (Birth-Grade 6)
•ECE 530 Foundations of Early Childhood Education
•ECE 531 Infant, Toddler and Preschool Education and Guidance
•ECE 587 Advanced Field Experience

 

3. Extension in Bilingual Education

•BLE 500 Foundations of Bilingual Education
•BLE 508 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics
•BLE 580 Methods of Teaching Native Language Arts and Content Areas to Bilingual Learners
•BLE 581 Methods of Teaching English Language Arts and Content Areas to Bilingual Learners

 

4. Extension in a content area in Grades 5-6

•EDU 530 Middle Level Education
•EPY 522 Child Psychology and Development
•ELE 516 Literacy in the Intermediate Grades

In addition, choose one relevant 3-credit elementary methods course:
•ELE 585 Methods of Teaching Language Arts and Social Studies 1-6
•ELE 586 Methods of Teaching Math and Science 1-6
•ELE 588 Methods of Teaching Foreign Language in the Elementary School

 

5. Extension in a content area Grades 7-9

•EDU 530 Middle Level Education
•EPY 523 Adolescent Psychology and Development
•SEC 518 Literacy Improvement in the Secondary School

In addition, choose one relevant 3-credit secondary methods course:
•SEC 520 Methods of Teaching English in the Secondary School
•SEC 521 Methods of Teaching Foreign Language in the Secondary School
•SEC 522 Methods of Teaching Math in the Secondary School
•SEC 523 Methods of Teaching Science in the Secondary School
•SEC 524 Methods of Teaching Social Studies in the Secondary School

6. Coursework for National Board Certification

•EDU 614 Action Research
•EDU 615 Data Driven Teaching and Learning
•EDU 616 Reflective Practitioner as Change Agent
AND
•One 3-credit elective (as approved by academic advisor)

7. Elective in-depth coursework

Students who choose this track of the program select, with the pre-approval of the academic advisor, twelve credits of coursework in a content area or in advanced pedagogy. This track allows candidates to pursue in-depth study within their current area of certification.
*For all tracks, depending on students' previous coursework a 3 credit special education class may be required for graduation.