Elementary Education: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), M.A.

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Associate Professor Plonczak, Graduate Program Co-Director, (516) 463-6116.
Adjunct Assistant Professor Simons, Graduate Program Co-Director, (516) 463-6468.

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

New York state initial certificate to teach early childhood or childhood education.

An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher in all undergraduate course work.
An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher in liberal arts and sciences course work.
Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s success in the teaching profession and the capacity to undertake graduate study.
A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
An interview with the program director.

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 but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

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

ELED 234 - Critical Perspectives on Curriculum and Teaching Semester Hours: 3

STEM Specialization - Semester Hours: 12

ELED 231 - Curriculum and Instruction in Science Semester Hours: 3
CT 239 - Children’s Engineering Semester Hours: 3
ELED 232 - Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics Semester Hours: 3
ELED 235 - Intersections of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Curriculum Design 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 . Course selection MUST have prior approval of the program adviser.

Culminating Thesis Course and Field Consultation - Semester Hours: 8

ELED 250A - Techniques of Classroom Research Semester Hours: 3
ELED 250B - The Master’s Thesis Semester Hours: 4
ELED 253 - MST Field Consultation Semester Hours: 1

Graduation Requirements

Completion of all course requirements for the Master of Arts in Elementary Education — Mathematics, Science, and Technology with an overall GPA of 3.0.
Completion of the 32 s.h. course requirements in the M.A. in Elementary Education — Mathematics, Science, and Technology with no fewer than 26 s.h. in residence at Hofstra.
Successful completion of the master’s thesis.
Completion of the master’s degree 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, 129 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 July 1, 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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