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 ELTL 625.  Students in this degree program must receive a B or better in the final course ELTL 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 ELTL 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 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 (https://www.albany.edu/education/pathways-education-center). This program is approved for licensure or certification in New York State and the institution has not made a determination regarding the educational requirements for any other state.

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.