Master’s Degree in Teaching (MST)
Virtual Info Session
Thursday, January 16, 2025, 5-6 p.m.
Join the School of Arts & Science Graduate Admissions Team for a virtual information session to explore our Education programs. Learn about scholarships, internships, and how Iona can support your journey toward a fulfilling career.
Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Teaching at Iona?
At Iona University, our master’s degree in teaching is specifically designed for career changers who have a bachelor's degree but who lack formal training in teacher education. The coursework for the MST degree prepares you for the New York State Teachers’ Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) after graduation.
As a perk for enrolling in Iona’s Education Department, each enrolling class becomes part of a close-knit cohort that supports one another. Additionally, convenient evening classes allow you to balance your job, coursework, and family life while expanding your education.
Depending on how many prerequisite courses an applicant has completed upon entering the program and the pace of study, students can complete this program in as few as 12 months.
MST Degree Program Concentrations
The Master’s in Teaching programs prepare you to teach a specific age group or subject area, including:
- Adolescent Education which offers foundational courses for teaching grades 7-12 as well as prerequisite or co-requisite courses in a chosen content area (Biology, English, Mathematics, Social Studies or Spanish).
- Childhood Education, which centers on students in grades 1-6.
- Childhood and Special Education, which offers specialized coursework addressing the needs of diverse learners and children with disabilities in grades 1-6.
- A dual program in Childhood and Early Childhood Education, which prepares teachers interested in supporting learners and students from Birth to Grade 6.
These MST program areas are designed to meet the respective requirements for teacher certification in New York.
MST Degree Program Overview
The Iona Master’s in Teaching program will help you develop the skills and experience to teach children and young adults in diverse settings and subject areas. The New York State-approved curriculum addresses topics important to the modern classroom, including multicultural education, curriculum research, multimedia, and educational philosophies.
A strong student-teaching component allows aspiring teachers to develop and practice classroom skills and gain a holistic understanding of how students learn effectively. The rigorous fieldwork experience provided by Iona is one reason that graduates boast an impressive teacher placement rate after earning their MST degrees.
Quick Facts
Tuition & Financial Aid
- $1,215 per credit (33-45 credits)
- $275 program fee for Fall and Spring semesters (2 semesters)
- $100 program fee for Summer intersession (1 intersession)
- Estimated Cost: $40,745-$55,325
- Applying for Aid
- Graduate Tuition
What to Expect
- Finish in 12 months, depending on prerequisites
- Hybrid learning format
- Fieldwork-driven program with opportunities to work in school communities
- Receive mentorship and career advising
Degree Outcomes
Iona graduates have successful careers at a variety of schools and districts including:
- Bedford Central School District
- Bronxville Union Free School District
- Hutchinson Elementary School
- New York City Department of Education
I went back to Iona to pursue my MST because of the seamless process to becoming an educator. It was a great choice that allowed me to dive head-first into the world of education.
Brendan Eckstein '21, '24MST
Read More about Brendan
Teaching Careers & Outcomes
Iona University’s Master of Science in Teaching offers the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully make a career switch to teaching. With programs in Adolescent, Childhood, and Special Education, you will be equipped to pursue New York State teacher certification and begin your path in education.
Choose from the Following Concentrations:
- Adolescent Education (Grades 7-12)
- Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
- Childhood and Special Education (Grades 1-6)
- Childhood and Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 6)
Where our Graduates Have Worked:
Graduates of our MST program have gone on to work at the following Schools and Districts
Archbishop Stepinac High School
Ardsley UFSD
Bedford Central School District
Briarcliff Manor UFSD
Bronxville Union Free School District
Chappaqua Central School District
City School District of New Rochelle
Croton Harmon UFSD
Dobbs Ferry School District
Eastchester Union Free School District
East Ramapo Central School District
Edgemont UFSD
Greenwich Public Schools
Harrison Central School District
Hastings on Hudson UFSD
Iona Preparatory School
Lakeland Central School District
Mamaroneck Union Free School District
Massapequa Public Schools
Mount Saint Michael Academy
Mount Vernon City School District
NYC Department of Education
Ossining Union Free School District
Pelham Union Free School District
Regis High School
Rye City School District
Scarsdale UFSD
Somers Central School District
The Ursuline School
White Plains Public School District
Windward School
Yonkers Public Schools
Yorktown Central School District
Iona prepared me for my career by empowering me and providing me with the tools to constantly seek out more. The assignments and curriculum were intriguing and relevant during my time at Iona, and my professors always took the time to get to know me.
Lauren Iorio, '16MST, Principal at Saint Barnabas Elementary School
Read more about Lauren
MST Program Highlights
Supportive Faculty
From providing coursework to career advice, Iona’s instructors are accessible and committed to your success as you make the career switch to teaching. Faculty use their experiences, networks, and research expertise to provide research-grounded and field-based instructional experiences. You are not simply earning a master’s degree in teaching; you receive the training to become a transformative educator.
Accreditation
Iona University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Our programs are working toward accreditation under the AAQEP standards.
Strong Networks
Iona’s faculty and alumni have developed strong partnerships with area schools, which allows us to provide a variety of student-teaching experiences to fully prepare you for the classroom. As you embark on your teaching career, you can count on a network of support as our alumni are always eager to help fellow Iona Gaels.
Master’s in Teaching Faculty
Our faculty are passionate about developing new teachers and eager to share their hard-earned lessons with each cohort.
TeachNY: A Free Resource for Future Educators
Everything you need to become a New York teacher in one place—and all for free. Sign up with TeachNY to access:
- 1-on-1 expert advice and group coaching sessions all about becoming a certified New York teacher.
- Custom tips, how-to guides, and resume templates for applying to Iona University.
- $100 fee reimbursements when it comes time to apply.
- Exclusive scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
- Unique resources for future educators of color.
Tuition and Financial Aid Opportunities
Iona’s Master of Science in Teaching degree (MST) costs $1,215 per credit with a $275 program fee in the fall, winter, and spring and a $100 program fee in the summer. Pursuing a career in education is a rewarding path. Contact Student Financial Services to learn more about financing and get answers to your questions. Additionally, we encourage you to explore Iona's graduate scholarships and to connect with an admissions counselor for advice today.
Application Requirements
People from all backgrounds are eligible to apply to the Iona MST program, as long as they have completed an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA. A transcript evaluation will be done to determine if any outstanding prerequisites need to be completed.
Iona gave me the foundation to provide the best instruction possible for my students. This foundation is rooted in a sense of service for others which always made sure I put students first. The rigor of the coursework prepared me to be ready for anything.
- Michael A. Carpentieri, ’10MST, ’13MSEd, principal at George Ross Mackenzie Elementary School in Glen Spey, N.Y.
Read More about Michael
Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You
Visit Campus
Located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, the scenic Iona campuses offer the best of both worlds — a welcoming, small-town atmosphere that is only a train ride from the greatest city in the world. Let us show you around, answer your questions, and give you a feel for our tight-knit community.
Apply Today
If you're considering applying to Iona, you're not alone! Since 2019, our new-student enrollment is up nearly 40%. Graduate students automatically qualify for consideration of merit scholarships during their graduate programs. Start your application today.
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