This program leads to the M.S. degree needed for New York professional teacher certification in the area of early childhood (B-2) or childhood (1-6) (NY certification option), or for a Master's degree in any state (non-NY certification option). For both degree options, the required 30 credit coursework is the same.
Graduate students of our MS in Early Childhood/Childhood Education degree have a culminating project in ELTL 677. Students in this degree program must receive a B or better in the final course ELTL 677. In addition, students must receive a passing grade in the final project in this course - the final project required for our NYSED program registration. Students receiving a B- or lower in ELTL 677 have the following options: a) retake the course for a better grade; b) request admission to a non-certification degree in the department.
Teaching is a profession. Master’s students have professional responsibilities to their students, their peers, their classmates and instructors, and to society at large. Students in the master’s program will be working with children and other professionals in educational contexts, including, schools, community centers, and other sites of learning. Their professional responsibilities include following through on commitments made to children and schools, being appropriately prepared and on time for all interactions/lessons, maintaining confidentiality and respect, and interacting with all stakeholders/participants in a professional manner. Professional interactions include everything from dressing appropriately for the situation to maintaining appropriate language both in talking with and talking about others. Failure to meet professional responsibilities can result in a student’s academic dismissal from the program.
MS Early Childhood Education – 30 Credits
- Required Courses – 27 Credits
- E Ltl 500 Classroom Literacy Instruction (3)
- E Ltl 526 Language Acquisition, B-2 (3)
- E Ltl 600 Strategic Intervention to Prevent Literacy Difficulties (3)
- E Ltl 610 Literacy in Society (3)
- E Ltl 617 Teaching Social Studies, B-6 (3)
- E Ltl 655 Early Literacy Development, B-2 (3)
- E Ltl 677 Data-Based Decision Making in Literacy Assessment, Policy, and Practice (3)
- E Tap 612 Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School (3)
- E Tap 614 Science for Children (3)
- Elective Courses – Choose One for 3 Credits
- E Ltl 504 Children's Literature (3)
- E Ltl 615 Teaching Writing, B-6 (3)
- E Ltl 625 Integrated Literacy Instruction, B-6 (3)
- E Ltl 638 Media Literacy (3)
- E Ltl 657 Reading in a Second Language (3)
- E Psy 540 Assessment in Education (3)
- OR Approved University course as advised (3)
- Final Culminating Project - successful completion of the final culminating project milestone
MS Childhood Education – 30 Credits
- Required Courses – 27 Credits
- E Ltl 500 Classroom Literacy Instruction (3)
- E Ltl 504 Children's Literature (3)
- E Ltl 600 Strategic Intervention to Prevent Literacy Difficulties (3)
- E Ltl 610 Literacy in Society (3)
- E Ltl 615 Teaching Writing, B-6 (3)
- E Ltl 617 Teaching Social Studies, B-6 (3)
- E Ltl 677 Data-Based Decision Making in Literacy Assessment, Policy, and Practice (3)
- E Tap 612 Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School (3)
- E Tap 614 Science for Children (3)
- Elective Courses – Choose One for 3 Credits
- E Ltl 526 Language Acquisition (3)
- E Ltl 625 Integrated Literacy Instruction, B-6 (3)
- E Ltl 638 Media Literacy (3)
- E Ltl 655 Early Literacy Development, B-2 (3)
- E Ltl 657 Reading in a Second Language (3)
- E Psy 540 Assessment in Education (3)
- OR Approved University course as advised (3)
- Final Culminating Project - successful completion of the final culminating project milestone
Please note: This program is licensure qualifying. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.
The certification option for this degree is an approved teacher preparation program with the New York State Education Department. Upon completion of the degree, graduates may request the University at Albany to submit a professional certification recommendation directly to NYSED. There may be additional certification requirements applicable. These requirements may include, but are not limited to additional workshops. Certification procedures and requirements are outlined on the School of Education’s Teacher Certification website.
The non-certification option is available to teachers in any state, including NY students who are teaching in military locations and international schools. The University at Albany does not provide an institutional recommendation to NYSED for professional certification for those enrolled in the "non-certification" option for this degree.
Federal Licensure/Certification Disclosure
Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulation requires institutions of higher education to make a determination whether a Title IV eligible academic program that leads to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the U.S. State where the institution is located and the U.S. States where “distance education” students are located at the time of initial enrollment in the program, as well as U.S. States where the program is advertised as meeting such requirements, and if applicable, the U.S. State where students attest they intend to be licensed/certified.
The Childhood Education MS and Early Childhood Education MS programs at the University at Albany are registered by the New York State Education Department and thus meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification for New York State. Through a good faith effort, and for the purpose of complying with the federal regulation, we have determined that the Childhood Education MS and Early Childhood Education MS programs at the University at Albany meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the additional following U.S. States: none.
It is important to note that the University at Albany is not the licensure/certification authority in other U.S. States and cannot assess whether an individual candidate will be issued a license/certificate in other U.S. States and instead it is incumbent on each individual candidate to contact the licensure/certification authority in the applicable U.S. State for any further guidance on the requirements for licensure/certification requirements and application processes.