Sep 27, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Studies Bulletin

Science Education, MA


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

This program leads to professional certification for teachers who possess initial teacher certification in adolescent education, valid for teaching biology, chemistry, earth science, physics and/or general science in grades 7-12. It provides advanced study in the curriculum, pedagogy, and content of the sciences. Individuals may also select concentrated studies in middle level 5-6, gifted education or bilingual education certification extensions. The program conforms with the recommendations for teacher preparation by the National Science Teachers’ Association and the New York State Learning Standards in Mathematics, Science, and Technology.

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.

  1. A completed application form to the master’s program.
  2. New York state initial certification for teaching sciences, Biology 7-12, Chemistry 7-12, Physics 7-12, Earth Science 7-12, and General Science Extension. 
  3. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate coursework.
  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.

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.

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

Content/Pedagogy - Semester Hours: 12


Choose 3 courses (or alternative courses with advisement) from: Semester Hours: 9


Cognate Area - Semester Hours: 9-15


Select one concentration area from the following categories:

D. Interdisciplinary Studies - Semester Hours: 9-15


This cognate requires at least one course in each of the following subject areas:
•    Foundations of Education
•    Literacy Studies
•    Special Education
Content Area Liberal Arts or Sciences course relating to the appropriate content area can be substituted under advisement.

E. Gifted Education - Semester Hours: 12


Completion of this cognate leads to a Certification Extension in Gifted Education.
Complete each of the following:

F. Bilingual Education - Semester Hours: 15


Completion of this cognate leads to a Certification Extension in Bilingual Education.

Choose one course from the following: Semester Hours: 3

Choose one course from the following: Semester Hours: 3

Complete each of the following:

Electives - Semester Hours: 0-6


(with advisement) Graduate course work in one of the sciences, CT, ELED, FDED, LYST, MHAE, RES, SED, or SPED recommended.

Students seeking a Certification Extension in Middle Level Education (Grades 5-6) should choose both of the following courses as electives:

Capstone Activity - Semester Hours: 3


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 base teaching certificates. 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.

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