Master’s Degree in Teaching (MST)

Why Teaching?

A Master of Science in Teaching (MST) degree allows you to change your career path to education and have the opportunity to positively and significantly impact the lives of young learners. If you have a passion to change lives, it's never too late to make a career switch to teaching.

Why Study Teaching at Iona?

A Curriculum Designed for Career Changers

At Iona University, our master’s degree in teaching is specifically designed for career changers who have a bachelor's degree but 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.

Learn While Working in School Communities

Iona’s fieldwork-driven program offers opportunities to work in school communities early and often, equipping you with confidence and relevant experiences as you approach your first teaching position. Our master’s program boasts a highly successful EDTPA (NYS videotaped teacher portfolio exam) pass rate. Learn more about New York teacher certifications and Iona workshops here.

A Supportive Atmosphere

Iona’s Education Department has a very supportive atmosphere through a close-knit cohort and convenient evening classes that allow you to balance your job, coursework and family life. 

Mentors and Career Advisors

Throughout your MST degree program, you benefit from our dedicated faculty, who have first-hand experiences as classroom teachers. They act as your mentors and career advisors, helping you achieve success as you switch to a teaching career.

Finish in 12 Months 

Depending how many prerequisite courses have been completed upon entering the program – as well as the pace of study – students can complete this program in just 12 months. Otherwise, students can expect to finish within two years. Classes are offered on campus with the flexibility of some hybrid courses.

MST Program Options

The Master’s in Teaching programs prepare you to teach a specific age group or subject area.

• Adolescent Education offers core courses about meeting students’ needs in grades 7-12 alongside prerequisite or co-requisite courses in a content area (Biology, English, Mathematics, Social Studies or Spanish).
• Childhood Education centers on students in grades 1-6.
• Childhood and Special Education offers specialized coursework addressing the needs of diverse learners and children with disabilities in grades 1-6.
• The dual program in Childhood and Early Childhood Education prepares teachers interested in supporting learners and students from Birth to Grade 6.

These MST program areas parallel the respective requirements for teacher certification in New York.

Additionally, students in any of Iona's Special Education Master's programs are eligible for the tuition-free Interdisciplinary Advanced Certificate in Working with Young Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and Their Families (IACD).

What You'll Learn

Skills for Teaching in Diverse Settings and Subject Areas

Throughout your master’s in teaching, you will develop the skills and experience to teach children and young adults in diverse settings and subject areas. The New York State-approved curriculum addresses a variety of topics important to the modern classroom including multicultural education, curriculum research, multimedia and educational philosophies.

Gain a Holistic Understanding of Education

A strong student-teaching component fosters the practical skills of developing and presenting effective lesson plans as well as gaining a holistic understanding of how students learn effectively. Having rigorous fieldwork experiences is one reason that Iona graduates boast an impressive teacher placement rate after earning their MST degree. Additionally, students complete an immersive full-time clinical experience to prepare for certification.

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