Childhood/Early Childhood Education Department
Elizabeth Klein, interim chair and graduate coordinator
Barbara Conrad, M.S.Ed. program secretary
Education Building, Room 1241
(607) 753-5682
Fax: (607) 753-5976

Overview

Enhance your passion for teaching upcoming generations of young learners. Immerse yourself in key instructional specialty areas — social studies, mathematics, science and technology — that also help augment your professional knowledge. Build on the solid foundation of your bachelor’s degree in elementary or childhood education when you study for the M.S.Ed. in childhood education at SUNY Cortland.

Program Highlights

With the guidance of our expert childhood education faculty, you’ll gain a solid foundation in mathematics, science and social studies education. In addition, you’ll master techniques for educational research and curriculum analysis and explore e-learning as well as reading and writing across the curriculum.

You’ll also choose one of three specialty strands, taking courses in that strand in addition to one arts and sciences elective at the 500-600 level approved by the strand coordinator.

Social Studies Strand 
You’ll learn methods of teaching social issues to diverse populations of elementary school students and how to be an informed consumer of social studies resources on the Internet.

Mathematics and Science Strand 
You’ll investigate advanced topics in mathematics education and participate in a seminar in elementary science education. An emphasis is placed on integrating mathematics and science with language arts, environmental education, technology and real-life experiences.

Technology Specialist Strand 
You’ll focus on new media in the classroom — how to develop new electronic tools for the creation of learning materials and environments — and digital mapping.

Culminating Experience

In addition to fulfilling the specific requirements for New York state certification, including examinations, each strand requires you to complete either a master’s project or a master’s thesis.

Career Potential

With the well-regarded M.S.Ed. in childhood education, grades 1-6, from SUNY Cortland, you’re prepared to take on the responsibilities of an elementary school teacher, a curriculum specialist or a community college/college instructor.

Graduate Admission

Evaluation Policy

At the State University of New York College at Cortland, we seek a diverse and academically strong student body. Our admission policy and practice will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or marital status.

Required Materials

1. Completed online Graduate School Application - Apply Now
2. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended to be forwarded directly to SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office indicating a major in childhood education or a functionally related area
3. A typed statement demonstrated commitment to and interest in childhood education as well as ability to write clearly and well. The statement must answer the questions below:
   
   1. What are your reasons for committing to work with students in elementary school?
   2. What are your reasons for selecting SUNY Cortland for graduate studies and specifically the M.S.Ed. in childhood education?
   3. What are your long-term goals and how do you see this program supporting you in achieving those goals?
   4. What other information do you deem relevant for reviewers to know?
4. Recommendation form completed by two individuals. Forms are available from the SUNY Cortland Admissions Office.

Admissions Criteria

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

1. An overall undergraduate GPA of 2.8 and above on a 4.0 scale
2. Documentation of an initial/provisional certificate, or a certificate of qualification for a provisional certification in childhood education/elementary education, issued by the New York State Education Department (evidence of awarded certification required for continuation in the M.S.Ed. childhood education program).

Deadlines

Fall semester applications: July 1
Spring semester applications: Dec. 1
Summer semester applications: April 1

Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered on a space availability basis.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at (607) 753-4800 to check availability.

According to College policy, no more than six graduate credit hours may be transferred from another college; only course work completed in the five years prior to completion of the graduate program may be included in the degree program.

Additional Requirements 

You must meet any additional undergraduate or graduate requirements for the award of the degree established by the Childhood/Early Childhood Education Department. Such additional requirements must be ascertained by you in consultation with a Childhood/Early Childhood Education Department advisor.

Specific information regarding requirements (state examinations, identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment, alcohol and drug abuse education, school violence prevention training, and foreign language requirements) for New York state teaching certification can be found in the Teacher Certification  information section of this catalog.

More detailed information is found in the Graduate Advisement Manual, available at the Childhood/Early Childhood Education Department or at the department website.