Nov 15, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Studies Bulletin

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


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

The Master of Arts program in elementary education with a 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 applications 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 criteria listed below 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 coursework 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. Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s success in the teaching profession and the capacity to undertake graduate study.
  4. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
  5. An interview with the program director.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 32


The graduate director will review the academic standing of all graduate students at the end of each semester.  A student must maintain a 3.0 average to be considered in good standing.  Students who do not maintain a 3.0 average will be placed on academic probation.  Students who earn more than one C-, C, or C+ per semester, accumulate more than two C-, C, or C+ grades in their graduate coursework, or receive a D or an F in any course will be dismissed from the program.  In addition to the required GPA, students must demonstrate adequate competence and professionalism throughout all coursework and fieldwork.  If the director or program faculty determines that a student has failed to demonstrate this standard, they will be dismissed from the program.  Students may petition for readmission by following the School of Education Appeal policy.

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 . 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 School of Education Dean’s Office for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. 

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