Admission
Two options are available for students seeking a Master’s Degree in Education in the Childhood Education Program (Grades 1-6):
- A Master’s Degree leading to initial New York State certification, for students with no prior New York State teaching certification (39 credits).
- A Master’s Degree leading to professional New York State certification for students who hold initial New York State teaching certification (36 credits).
General admission requirements for the Childhood Education Program
are the same
as those for The Graduate School. Two professional references are
required, one of
which must be from the principal or director of the school in which
the applicant is or
was employed, as well as a copy of the applicant’s New York
State teaching certificate
or its equivalent for those applying to the master’s program
leading to professional New
York State teaching certification. Applicants without prior teaching
experience should
provide two letters of reference. When the College has received
all application materials,
an appointment for the student to provide a writing sample will
be arranged. This
sample will identify those who might benefit from assistance from
The College of New
Rochelle Learning Support Services, available at no cost to students
admitted to the programs.
All applicants must arrange an interview with the Assistant Dean before final acceptance. Applicants who believe that all necessary documents have been submitted for matriculation in a master’s program should contact the program office to verify that all required documents have been received.
Admission to Candidacy
Degree-seeking students in the Childhood Education Program must apply for admission to candidacy during the semester in which they expect to complete their 12th credit toward the master’s degree. Candidacy status will be granted to those who have maintained a minimum cumulative index of B (3.0) and who have been judged suitable for the program. Students not admitted to candidacy will be asked to withdraw from the program. Students will need to have passed the LAST examination before being admitted to candidacy. A student who does not apply for candidacy will not be considered a degree candidate.
Degree Requirements
Performance expectations for candidates are based on the New York State Teacher Education Standards and on the New York State Learning Standards. In addition, course objectives reflect the standards established by the professional organization for each educational discipline. Acquisition of knowledge, skills, and dispositions are assessed through exams, demonstrations, papers, products, self and peer reflections, and through observations of field-based experiences.
Performance benchmarks assure that candidates maintain high academic and professional standards. After the completion of 12 credits, a favorable review of student performance results in admission to candidacy. The final benchmarks include satisfactory completion of all coursework, field experiences, student teaching (if required), and/or practicum. An oral presentation of the master’s project fulfills the final requirement for graduation.