Early Childhood/Childhood Education M.S. Degree Program

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 (admitted prior to summer 2013) have a culminating project in ERDG 625.  Students in this degree program must receive a B or better in the final course ERDG 625.  In addition, students must receive a B or better in the final project in this course - the final project required for our NYSED program registration. Students receiving a B- or lower in ERDG 625 have the following options: a) retake the course for a better grade; b) request admission to a non-certification degree in the department.

Graduate students of our MS in Early Childhood/Childhood Education degree (starting in summer 2013) have a culminating project in ERDG 677.  Students in this degree program must receive a B or better in the final course ERDG 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 ERDG 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 Rdg 500    Classroom Literacy Instruction (3)
E Rdg 526    Language Acquisition, B-2 (3)
E Rdg 600    Strategic Intervention to Prevent Literacy Difficulties (3)
E Rdg 610    Literacy in Society (3)
E Rdg 617    Teaching Social Studies, B-6 (3)
E Rdg 655    Early Literacy Development, B-2 (3)
E Rdg 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 Rdg 504    Children's Literature (3)
E Rdg 615    Teaching Writing, B-6 (3)
E Rdg 625    Integrated Literacy Instruction, B-6 (3)
E Rdg 638    Media Literacy (3)
E Rdg 657    Reading in a Second Language (3)
E Psy 540    Assessment in Education (3)
     OR          Approved University course as advised (3)

MS Childhood Education – 30 Credits

Required Courses – 27 Credits
E Rdg 500    Classroom Literacy Instruction (3)
E Rdg 504    Children's Literature (3)
E Rdg 600    Strategic Intervention to Prevent Literacy Difficulties (3)
E Rdg 610    Literacy in Society (3)
E Rdg 615    Teaching Writing, B-6 (3)
E Rdg 617    Teaching Social Studies, B-6 (3)
E Rdg 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 Rdg 526    Language Acquisition (3)
E Rdg 625    Integrated Literacy Instruction, B-6 (3)
E Rdg 638    Media Literacy (3)
E Rdg 655    Early Literacy Development, B-2 (3)
E Rdg 657    Reading in a Second Language (3)
E Psy 540    Assessment in Education (3)
      OR         Approved University course as advised (3)

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 (https://www.albany.edu/education/teacher_certification.php).

The non-certifcation 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.