Mount Saint Mary College

What you'll study

Curricula vary by pathway and by whether you already hold teaching certification:

• No prior certification: Childhood Education (40–49 credits) and Adolescence Education (42–48 credits) tracks include required student teaching placements and prepare graduates for Mount recommendation to New York State for initial certification; dual-certification options (for example Childhood + Early Childhood or Childhood + Special Education; Adolescence + Special Education) increase total credits (examples: 46–49 credits).
• Alternate Teacher B: A 42-credit route for candidates with a related bachelor’s or master’s degree but without prior certification; recommendation for certification is contingent on holding a teaching contract in a high-need district experiencing teacher shortages.
• Prior certification holders: Special Education (33 credits) and Literacy Education (30 credits) pathways add certification in Special Education or Literacy for candidates already certified in Childhood or Adolescence Education; Middle School Extension (33–34 credits) prepares certified teachers to teach middle grades (5–6 or 7–9).
• Courses are offered in accelerated 8-week terms and the program recommends taking 2–3 courses per semester; most students complete the degree in roughly 2–2½ years depending on transfer or prior certification credits.

Entry requirements

Admissions differ by pathway. Candidates without prior certification normally need a bachelor’s degree in a liberal arts subject and will complete practicum/student teaching placements as part of the program. Alternate and add-on certification pathways require related previous degrees or existing New York State certification; the Alternate Teacher B route requires a teaching contract in a qualifying high-need district for state recommendation. Consult the Mount’s Division of Education for specific application materials and prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates either become eligible for New York State teaching certification (after Mount recommendation and required state exams) or extend their existing certification to additional areas such as Special Education, Literacy or middle-school instruction. The program is oriented toward classroom teaching at elementary, middle and secondary levels; Mount graduates are actively recruited by local districts and the program includes practical fieldwork to prepare candidates for in-class roles and special-education or literacy specialist positions.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Mount Saint Mary College offers a 20% graduate tuition discount for alumni. The Division of Education provides courses that fulfill New York State Professional Development and CTLE requirements and offers additional certificates (e.g., Gifted Education, TESOL) that can be taken alongside or after the MSEd. The college's education programs hold CAEP accreditation and professional recognitions from relevant subject councils.