A teacher speaking with a group of students in a science class.

Master of Science  in
General Education Studies

Program of Study

Course in Educational and Social Thought (3 credits)

Choose one of the following: 

  • Macrosociology of Education and Educational Leadership
  • Microsociology of Education and Educational Leadership


Content Area Courses (12 credits)

Choose four graduate courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences in your initial teacher certification content area. For example, if you received initial certification to teach mathematics in secondary schools, you might select graduate classes such as Vector Analysis, Partial Differential Equations, Advanced Linear Algebra, and Transformation Geometry.


Concentration Courses (12 credits)

Create your own concentration by taking four graduate courses offered by the School of Education in topics related to your professional interests. 

Research Seminar (3 credits)

Choose one of the following research seminars:


Critical Introduction to Educational Research Paradigms

Study educational research models and paradigms and how they inform teaching practice. In this seminar, you complete critical readings, analyze educational data sets, and apply your findings.


Research in Practice

Explore action research theory and learn how it's used to improve educational outcomes. In this seminar, you're required to design and implement a small action research project in a learning environment.

 

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Jason Vickers at [email protected].

NYS Professional Teacher Certification

This degree may satisfy the graduate degree prerequisite for professional certification in NYS as a middle childhood or secondary education content specialist. 

Please contact the Pathways Into Education Center at [email protected] for information on correct course selection. 

When you complete the degree and apply for professional certification, you submit your UAlbany transcript to the NYS Education Department (NYSED) for individual review.

Teacher helping two young students
certification

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines
  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: Rolling
  • Summer: Rolling

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Credentials & Deadlines

Required Application Materials:

  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation (At least two letters of academic recommendation from Professors)
  • Statement of Goals
  • Copy of teaching certificate if applicable
Special Notes

Degree can be used for NY State Professional Certification for some secondary content areas. Please call 518-442-3529 for eligibility. Completed applications that meet all admission criteria are typically reviewed within two weeks of receipt.

Please note: This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. 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 applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • The ability to integrate educational theory in the service of guiding effective instructional decision making
  • Use technology effectively to support collaboration and engagement in the process of knowledge construction
  • Promote meaningful, engaged learning for diverse students, regardless of their race, gender, ethnic heritage or cultural background
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Careers and Advisement

The Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center is the central office on campus serving undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students interested in pursuing careers in education and programs leading to teacher certification.

Please call or email to schedule an appointment.

Graduate Advisement:
Email Graduate Advisement
518-442-3529