Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2013-2014 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Science Education, M.A.


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Professor Brooks, Graduate Program Director, (516) 463-5777.

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 a Master of Arts program in the Department of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership are made to the Graduate Admissions Office. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

  1. A completed application form to the M.A. 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. Applicants who have provisional certification should contact the Department of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership for the correct program.
  3. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 in each of two categories:
    1. Overall undergraduate course work;
    2. Course work in the content area in which certification will be sought.
  4. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
  5. Two letters of reference that address the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in graduate course work.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in a graduate 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 M.A. 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 M.A. degree may be completed prior to matriculation in the program.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 33



Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 while 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. 

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

Introductory Courses - Semester Hours: 6-12


Choose two to four courses (or alternative courses with advisement) from the following:

Content/Pedagogy - Semester Hours: 12


Choose three 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


Graduation Requirements



  1. Completion of the 33 s.h. course requirement in the M.A. 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. All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period.

Footnotes


*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.

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 Educational Support Services for specific certification requirements.

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.

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 Educational Support Services for specific certification requirements.

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