Graduate Study in Education

Ithaca College offers two graduate programs in education, both designed to prepare academically-talented liberal arts graduates for careers as teachers. 

Master’s Degrees Offered:

• Adolescence Education (M.A.T.)
  Initial certification for middle school and high school teaching, grades 7-12
• Childhood Education (M.S.)
  Initial certification for elementary school teaching, grades 1-6

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. 

An Intensive Experience

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. 

School Partnerships

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. 

Educational Equity and Excellence

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.