Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to a Master of Arts (MA) 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, including the following:

1. A completed application form to the MA program.
2. New York State initial certification in English language arts in grades 7-12. 
3. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, or it’s 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.
4. A minimum GPA of 2.75 on coursework in the content area in which certification is being sought.
5. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
6. Two letters of reference that address the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in graduate coursework.
7. An interview with the program director.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in the program. Candidates may wish to apply even if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 24 s.h. of the MA program in residence at Hofstra. No more than 9 s.h. may be transferred into the program. A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate course work leading toward the MA degree may be completed prior to matriculation in the program.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 33

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.

To be eligible for the Certification Extension in Gifted Education and Bilingual Education students are required to have passing scores on the appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). Please contact the Office of Certification and Educational Support Services for specific certification requirements.

The major in English Education consists of a minimum of 33 semester hours of course work, including each of the following:

Footnote*

*A minimum of 50 clock-hours of college supervised field experience is required in this cognate area. Students are placed in the settings specific to the foci of their teaching certificate. All field experiences are incorporated into the course curricula. Placements are arranged by the Office of Field Placement. Department policy is to place students in districts other than those in which they currently reside or in schools that they attended.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of the 33 s.h. course requirement in the MA program with no fewer than 24 s.h. in-residence.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.
3. Satisfactory completion of a departmental-approved curriculum project.
4. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
5. All course work taken 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. 

To be eligible for the certification extension in gifted education or bilingual education, students are required to have passing scores on the appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). Please contact the School of Education Dean’s Office for specific certification requirements.