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Become a teacher of secondary education (Grades 7-12) in English, mathematics, social studies and science.
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Master of Science in Secondary Education, Grades 7–12 Course Requirements for Initial Certification Candidates
* Requires completion of 12 credits of coursework prior to course registration.
** Required in lieu of student teaching course for eligible candidates.
Candidates pursuing a degree in Secondary Education will take two courses in their respective content area as part of the degree requirements. Candidates may register for the two courses in any semester prior to culminating course and relevant clinical teaching requirement. These courses will be offered on a rotating schedule during the fall and spring semesters.
Candidates pursuing certification in English will take:
Candidates pursuing certification in Social Studies will takeone course focused on the United States and one course with a global focus. The courses with a focus on the United States are:
The courses with a global focus are:
Candidates pursuing certification in Mathematics will take:
Candidates pursuing certification in Biology will take any two of the following:
Candidates pursuing certification in Physics will take any two of the following:
Candidates pursuing certification in Chemistry will take any two of the following:
This degree leads to single certification.
Candidates in Secondary Mathematics, Biology, English, and Social Studies may pursue additional certification as follows. However, please note that the tracks listed below are for New York State certification only and are not part of the degree program.
Master of Science in Secondary Education, Grade 7–12, with an additional certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities
The M.S. leads to initial certification in Secondary Education, Grades 7–12, and teaching Student with Disabilities, Grade 7–12, requires completion of the above 12 course required for degree conferral and completion of the three courses listed below:
Master of Science in Secondary Education, Grades 7–12 Course Requirements for Advanced Program Candidates
Candidates pursuing a degree in Adolescence Education will take two courses in their respective content area as part of the degree requirements. Candidates may register for the two courses in any semester prior to registration in EDUC 537.
Candidates pursuing certification in English will take:
Candidates pursuing certification in Social Studies will take one course focused on the United States and one course with a global focus. The courses focused on the United States are:
The courses with a global focus are:
Candidates pursuing certification in Mathematics will take:
Candidates pursuing certification in Biology will take two of the following courses:
Candidates may pursue additional certification as follows. However, please note that the tracks listed below are for New York State certification only and are not part of the degree program.
Master of Science in Secondary Education, Grade 7–12, with an additional certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities
The M.S. leading to professional certification in Secondary Education, Grades 7–12, and Teaching Students with Disabilities, Grade 7–12, requires completion of the above 12 courses required for degree conferral and completion of the three courses below:
The 36-credit Master of Science in Secondary Education, Grades 7-12, leads to either initial or professional certification. Placement in one of two tracks is determined by a candidate's undergraduate preparation and teaching experience. Pre-practice candidates will pursue a course of study (Track A) leading to degree conferral and eligibility for Initial New York State certification. Candidates who are currently working and have at least one year's experience as teachers of record in classrooms in private, parochial or charter schools will participate in the Track B course of study. Track B candidates who do not yet have appropriate experience at both the lower and upper grade levels covered by their prospective certification area(s) will fulfill this requirement by completing 20 days of supervised student teaching in each area in which they do not already have such experience. Professional certification candidates must have completed three years of teaching in the area of the certificate.
Degree-seeking students in all Secondary Education programs must successfully complete the education capstone requirement specific to their degree program prior to degree conferral.
All candidates in Secondary Education are encouraged to join the national professional organization in their respective content fields.
Graduates of the Secondary Education program may pursue teaching positions in grades 7 through 12 in the areas of English, mathematics, social studies, and science.
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The programs of study in the School of Education are designed to provide professional preparation for candidates planning to teach and serve as educational leaders.
Mission Statement of the School of Education
The Mercy College educational unit is dedicated to preparing effective educators, including teachers and other school professionals, who are reflective practitioners, equipped with the knowledge base, technological skills, research tools, and professional strategies and insights to empower them to help diverse populations of students succeed in their learning and community environments. The values of competency, diversity, and ethical practice support the proficient development of candidates enabling them to become skilled professionals and lifelong learners. The unit is committed to creating innovative, flexible, and accessible programs of study for its candidates, and to developing partnerships and opportunities for collaboration and clinical experiences within Mercy College and with external communities.
All initial certification programs are nationally recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
By the end of this program, students should be able to: