
“Ithaca College’s programs in education prepare motivated graduate students to teach in either elementary or secondary classrooms. We emphasize strong theory-practice connections and extensive field experiences in varied school and community settings. Our graduates leave the college with a solid foundation on which to build their careers in education. ”
- Linda Hanrahan
Chair, Graduate Programs in Education
Ithaca College offers two graduate programs in education, both designed to prepare academically-talented liberal arts graduates for careers as teachers.
Both programs are approved by and registered with the New York State Education Department. Graduates of our programs are fully eligible for initial teacher certification in the state of New York, which has certification reciprocity agreements with more than 30 other states and jurisdictions.
Students are admitted in cohort groups each year and participate together in rigorous coursework and extensive field experiences. Both programs are full-time, one-year programs that begin in the summer; just 12-13 months later, our graduates have earned their master’s degrees and full eligibility for certification.
The programs offer multiple opportunities for observations, tutoring, and teaching opportunities across grade levels in suburban, rural, and urban schools. A highlight for our students is the week-long fall experience in New York City schools, including our partnership school, the nationally-recognized Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem.
Our faculty and students collaborate with public school personnel to improve educational equity and excellence. Cultural awareness and culturally-responsive teaching are emphasized throughout the program in order to ensure support for the personal development and academic achievement of all learners. Our graduates gain the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to make a positive difference in the lives of the children and adolescents with whom they work.