The Master of Science in Secondary Education (MSSE)

The Master of Science In Secondary Education (MSSE)

The MSSE offers a strong research-based preparation for prospective classroom teachers at Grades 7-12 in English, World Languages (French, Spanish), Social Studies, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science), and Mathematics. The program provides course work linked to fieldwork at school sites, and seminars that enhance students' pedagogical and content knowledge. The program emphasizes reflective practice, preparing teachers for a lifelong process of professional development and inquiry. Students have opportunities to work with diverse student groups, explore the integration of technology into teaching and curriculum, and understand the history and development of schooling within American society.

The program leads to a masters degree and initial certification to teach in grades 7-12 in New York State schools.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA overall and in a major in the prospective teaching field
• 3 letters of recommendation, with at least two from college teachers in the content area
• Evidence of
  · effective social skills for working in secondary school classrooms
  · commitment to the subject area and teaching adolescents
• A personal interview
• For MSSE in ELA: to be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in English (equivalent to a major).
• For MSSE in Social Studies: to be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in History or one of the social sciences (anthropology, economics, geography, political science or sociology [equivalent to major]), provided that the content core in social studies shall include study in economics, government, and at least a total of 21 semester hours of study in the history and geography of the United States and the world.
• For MSSE in Math: to be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in Mathematics (equivalent to a major).
• For MSSE in Biology: to be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in Biology (equivalent to a major). In addition, the following science distribution must be met: 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in earth science, 3 credits in physics. These can be included as part of the major or in addition to. 
• For MSSE in Chemistry: to be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in Chemistry (equivalent to a major). In addition, the following science distribution must be met: 3 credits in biology, 3 credits in earth science, 3 credits in physics. These can be included as part of the major or in addition to.
• For MSSE in Earth Science: to be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in Earth Science or Geology (equivalent to a major). In addition, the following science distribution must be met: 3 credits in biology, 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in physics. These can be included as part of the major or in addition to.
• For MSSE in Physics: to be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in Physics (equivalent to a major). In addition, the following science distribution must be met: 3 credits in biology, 3 credits in chemistry, 3 credits in earth science. These can be included as part of the major or in addition to.
• For MSSE in French: to be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in French (equivalent to a major).
• For MSSE in Spanish: to be eligible for this program, you must have majored in or completed 36 credit hours in Spanish (equivalent to a major).

For detailed information on specific course requirements equivalent to a major (36 credit minimum) in the appropriate content area, consult the Pathways in Education Center in the School of Education.

Program of Study (42 credits)

1. Foundations of Education
   • E Tap 512 Teachers in Context (3)
   • E Psy 522 Adolescent Development (3)
   • E Psy 540 Assessment in Education (3)
   • E Spe 562 Characteristics of and Methods for Teaching Exceptional Secondary Students in Inclusive Settings (3)
2. Methods and Field Experiences
   • E Tap 590 Teaching Middle School: Methods and Field Experience (Concentration in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, or World Languages, as appropriate) (6)
   • E Tap 690 Teaching High School: Methods and Field Experience (Concentration in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, or World Languages, as appropriate (9)
   • E Tap 652 Teaching in the Secondary School (Concentration in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, or World Languages, as appropriate) (3)
3. Technology and Media
   • E Tap 638 Media Literacy (3)
4. Literacy. One of:
   • E Tap 530 Reading and Writing across the Curriculum (for concentrations in Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, or World Languages (3)
   • E Tap 655L Teaching Composition in the Secondary School (for concentration in English) (3)
5. Advanced Study in Content Area
   • 6 graduate credits taken from the student’s academic content area

Please note: This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. 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.

Additional Program/NYSED Requirements:

• School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE) Training
• Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Training
• DASA Training

As an approved teacher preparation program with the New York State Education Department, 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.