EHD Faculty

Department of Education and Human Development

Graduate Program Information & Background

In New York State, the field of teacher education has recently undergone an era of unprecedented change. Effective February 2, 2004, both the educational requirements for teaching certificates change and the certificate titles themselves changed.

First level certificates issued prior to February 2, 2004 were called provisional certificates. Current holders of a provisional certificate must complete the requirements for a permanent certificate.

As of February 2, 2004, the State Education Department issues initial certificates as the first level certificate. Individuals holding an initial certificate must complete the requirements for the professional certificate.

You will find both the old and new certificate titles used at various places on this web site because we have graduate programs available for students to whom the pre-February 2004 regulations apply, as well as for those bound by the post-February 2004 regulations.

Overview of Departmental Programs
MS Education Programs: 33-36 Credits
Alternate MS Education Programs: 54 Credits
Collaborative Internship Masters Program: CIMP

Overview of Departmental Programs

The Department of Education and Human Development currently offers MS in Education options for three groups of potential students:

those who hold a valid provisional or initial certificate, and seek permanent or professional certification in the same title area;
those who hold a valid provisional or initial certificate, and seek an additional initial certification area or extension as well as the permanent or professional certification; and
those who have no certification, and seek the initial and professional certifications.

MS in Education Programs (30-36 Credits)

Our 30, 33 and36 credit programs have been formulated for those students who already possess a provisional or initial certification, usually in the area in which the degree is being sought (see section on Admission Requirements for exceptions). These programs provide the master's degree that is required by New York State for permanent or professional certification. Please note that there are additional New York State requirements for permanent and professional certification, including teaching experience and testing requirements (permanent only).

The Department of Education and Human Development currently offers the following 30, 33 and 36-credit programs:

Adolescence English
Adolescence Mathematics
Adolescence Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science or Physics)
Adolescence Social Studies
Bilingual Education
Childhood Education Curriculum Specialist
Childhood Literacy
Childhood Special Education

Alternate MS in Education (54-credits)

Our 54-credit alternate programs lead to an MS in Education and are specifically designed for those who do not possess any certification and who have little or no professional education background. These programs lead to initial certification and also provide the master’s degree that is required in New York State for professional certification. Please note that there are additional New York state requirements for professional certification, including teaching experience. (Please contact the Office of Teacher Certification at SUNY Brockport, your local BOCES, or the New York State Department of Education for additional certification information.)

The Department of Education and Human Development currently offers the following 54-credit alternate programs. All are in the area of adolescence education and each includes an extension to middle childhood education (grades 5-9) certification: