Dec 13, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Elementary Education: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), MA


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Associate Professor Catalano, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5956

The Master of Arts program in elementary education with specialization in mathematics, science, and technology is designed for experienced elementary school teachers who seek the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to integrate the teaching of these areas. Technology is defined as information technology, the integration of skills that require the use of computer applications to enhance student learning of mathematics and science as well as design technology, which encompasses the study of the technological world that inventors, engineers and other innovators have created. Both educational technology and design technology are applied to the study of elementary science and mathematics to further the development of meaningful understanding in these areas. Integration of these areas occurs within a broader understanding of the way in which society both reflects and shapes curriculum and pedagogy in schools.

The program is designed to provide advanced study in the elementary curriculum for those currently holding New York state initial teacher certification. Graduate students who enter the program on a non-matriculated basis prior to making application for acceptance to the program are limited to a maximum of 12 semester hours of course work.

Admission Requirements


Applications for admission to this Master of Arts program in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technology  are made to the Graduate Admission Office. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

  1. New York state initial certificate to teach early childhood or childhood education.
  2. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
  3. A minimum GPA of 2.75 on course work in the liberal arts and sciences.
  4. *Submission of scores on a nationally-normed graduate admission test (GRE or Praxis). Recent SAT/ACT exams may be accepted if verifiable by the test provider.
  5. Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s success in the teaching profession and the capacity to undertake graduate study.
  6. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
  7. An interview with the program director.

*Certified teachers who hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university are exempt from standardized testing.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 32


Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to remain in the program. Grades of D or lower will not be counted toward the graduate degree, but will be included in determining the grade point average. Students may repeat courses to meet grade point average requirements, but the semester hours for a course are only awarded once, and both grades are factored into the overall grade point average.

Curriculum and Teaching Core - Semester Hours: 3


Electives - Semester Hours: 9


(Advisement Required)

Electives may be chosen from any graduate-level science, technology, engineering or mathematics course, or any course offered in the School of Education of HCLAS . Course selection MUST have prior approval of the program adviser.

Culminating Thesis Course and Field Consultation - Semester Hours: 8


Graduation Requirements


  1. Completion of all course requirements for the Master of Arts program with an overall GPA of 3.0.
  2. Completion of the 32 s.h. course requirements with no fewer than 26 s.h. in-residence at Hofstra.
  3. Successful completion of the master’s thesis.
  4. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
  5. All course work offered in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period.

Teacher Certification Requirements


Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the Office of Educational Support Services, 233 Hagedorn Hall, for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. Forms for applying for certification can be found at the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab.

*Please note, as of December 31, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html.

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