Overview
The new online M.S.T. in Adolescence Education, Grades 7-12, is designed to equip graduate students with the pedagogical skills needed to earn initial New York State certification in one of the following fields:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth science
- English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Social studies.
The program is designed for candidates with an undergraduate degree in one of the content areas listed above and who are interested in becoming a teacher so they can share their knowledge with middle school and high school students and inspire the next generation.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply their knowledge of adolescent development, adolescent learning, and school learning environments to support every student’s development and learning
- Use their content knowledge and their knowledge of discipline-specific methods to develop subject-specific lesson and unit plans that support every student’s learning.
- Apply their knowledge of diverse adolescent learners to design meaningful, developmentally appropriate, engaging, and culturally responsive curriculum and learning environments that support every student’s learning.
- Implement authentic assessment practices that measure student performance and foster improvement in every student’s learning.
- Develop and demonstrate professionalism as a secondary educator by making decisions based on ethical standards, interacting knowledgeably with students and their families, collaborating with colleagues, and engaging with their field as a lifelong learner.
Program Highlights
As you study for the M.S.T., you will immerse yourself in learning about successful classroom teaching. You'll explore the nature of the adolescent learner in your introduction to adolescence education and advanced adolescent psychology classes. Courses in teaching methodology, literacy, educational technology, inclusive classrooms, and foundations of education help you develop teaching strategies that work best with a wide range of students. Through field experiences and student teaching, you'll work in public school classrooms with veteran teachers who support your integration of educational theory with the best teaching practices.
Flexible Completion Options
The M.S.T includes 27 credit hours of required coursework, along with a 13-credit full-semester student teaching experience, for a total of 40 credits. All coursework is offered fully online, and you will be able to complete your field experiences and student teaching in a New York State school district within driving distance of your home.
As a full-time student taking 12 or more credit hours per semester, you would be able to complete the program in eighteen months or less. Our flexible scheduling also offers the option of pursuing the M.S.T. on a part-time basis over multiple years.
Career Potential
When you earn the M.S.T. in adolescence education, you will have fulfilled the New York State Education Department's requirements for initial certification in your content area. By earning your master’s degree, you will have also fulfilled one of the requirements for professional certification.