School of Ed. Offers 12-month Master’s Degree Options for Grade 7-12 Teachers

The School of Education will offer new and revised graduate teacher preparation programs for grades 7-12 in English, mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, Earth science or physics), or social studies in a condensed configuration, beginning in 2015. Admitted students with bachelor’s degrees and completed study in liberal arts areas, particularly the subject to be taught, will be able to complete a 35-38 credit-hour master’s degree in 12-16 months.

Students will be able to complete the new master’s degree programs for teachers in grades 7-12 in 12-16 months.

The 18 new and revised programs were developed in response to changing professional needs, and the economic realities facing applicant markets.

“We are very excited about the changes we have made,” says Joanna Masingila, interim dean of the School of Education. “Students will continue to study with our faculty members who are specialists in their content areas, but will be able to do so in a shorter time frame that aligns with the start of the public school year.”

Kelly Chandler-Olcott, professor and chair of the Reading and Language Arts Department, adds, “The new programs include more emphasis on meeting 7-12 students’ diverse needs, including those of English language learners, and they embed coursework in rich, extended field experiences, allowing students more opportunities to apply new knowledge and skills.”

Although some classes may be taken on a part-time basis, the program is designed primarily for students who will study full time.  “No education background is necessary, but the intensity of the program does mean that we are looking for students with background in their subject areas who have a strong commitment to becoming a teacher,” Masingila says.

All School of Education graduate programs, including the new and revised offerings, will be featured at the School of Education Graduate School Open House on Friday, Nov. 14, from 4-6 p.m. in the Sharon Jacquet Commons in Huntington Hall. Program requirements, the admissions process, and scholarship opportunities will also be discussed. This event is open to anybody interested in teaching, conducting research or pursuing a career in higher education.

For more information about graduate program offerings, please contact SOE graduate admissions recruiter Laurie Deyo at 443-2505 or lldeyo@syr.edu; or visit the School of Education website http://soe.syr.edu.