Balancing Work and Study: How to Get Your Master’s Degree in Education
Enrolling in a Master of Science in Education (MSED) program at Iona not only fulfills New York State’s requirement for teachers to obtain a master’s degree within five years of initial certification but also provides the opportunity to earn additional certifications in literacy and/or special education. Designed for educators who already hold initial certification in early childhood, childhood, or adolescent education, the Iona MSED program enhances professional qualifications and expands expertise to meet diverse student needs.
What Is a Master’s in Education?
A Master’s in Education (MSEd) at Iona University is designed for initially certified educators who wish to add an additional certification area to their existing credentials. This MSEd program also fulfills the state’s master’s degree requirement for teachers to obtain professional certification within five years of their initial certification. Prospective applicants should note that MSEd candidates are expected to hold an undergraduate degree in education that led to certification or to already have initial certification.
Master's in Education Program at Iona University
At Iona University, a master’s in education program students are 30 credits or 45 credits depending on their chosen focus area of literacy, special education or both literacy and special education. Iona’s MSED programs will meet certification requirements for literacy (all grades) and special education (all grades). All our programs foster an inclusive instruction, and hands-on practicum experiences.
Formats: Online, In-Person
Because master’s students must frequently balance both work and study, it makes sense to wonder how long it takes to get a master’s degree in education. Most master's in education degree programs can be completed in one to two years, depending on the specialty area and whether the student chooses a full or part-time schedule. All MSEd program courses are completed in the evening and offer courses in fall, spring or summer semesters.
Our programs understand the need of a work-life balance, and courses are offered in online asynchronous or synchronous options, with some hybrid classes which may have minimal on-campus requirements.
Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Education
A master’s in education program requirements for admission include:
- Bachelor's degree in education with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required; New York state law permits 50% conditional admittance per program to students “with proven potential to positively contribute to the teaching profession”
- Initial teaching certification - in good standing or in process of submitting for initial certification
- Letters of recommendation from both academic and professional sources
- Iona does not require GRE scores for its MSEd applicants.
Common Courses for Education Master’s Degrees
Master's in education degree programs are for those seeking literacy (all grades) and/or special education (all grades).
Core Courses
Courses in a master’s in education program include foundational courses that help educators expand their skills. Courses include historical and legal understanding of education special education law and policy, collaborative teaching, language acquisition, reading and literacy instruction and assessment, and working with English language learners, and students with low or high incidence disabilities. MSED students are required to meet clinical experience of an in-school practicum for your program
Electives
In addition to core courses, some Master of Science in Education programs allow students to choose electives that match their interests and align with their career goals. MSEd students may opt to take courses in areas such as psychology, communication, and occupational therapy.
Master’s in Education Programs
Master’s degree programs are designed to help graduates reach specific career goals. As such, applicants should select the program that leads to they additional certification area they want to pursue and add to their initial certification. At Iona, master’s in education students can choose from the following program options:
- MSEd in Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Grade 2)
- MSEd in Literacy (All Grades)
- MSEd in Special Education (All Grades)
- MSEd Literacy and Special Education (All Grades)
Licensure Considerations
Working educators should have a teaching credential in good standing in the states where they work. An MSEd can help teachers maintain licensure, depending on state requirements and other individual factors.
Licensure Requirements
Before working unsupervised in classrooms, teachers are subject to licensing by the states where they choose to work. In New York, teacher licensing occurs via the New York State Education Department, and there are several ways to earn initial teaching certification in New York. Many aspiring teachers choose to complete a bachelor’s degree in teaching and then sit for the required exams and certification process, including a background check.
Current certified teachers in NY are required to complete a master’s degree within five years of their initial certification to earn their professional teaching certification. .
State-Specific Requirements
Each state has its own teacher licensing requirements. Anyone who plans to teach in a classroom should investigate the requirements in their specific state. Even if a teacher is licensed in one state, most states require that they meet the licensing requirements in the state where they plan to work before they can legally teach, although provisional licenses may be available in some cases. New York teaching certification is one of the few state certifications that is reciprocal with nearly all 50 states.
The following details relate to the licensing bodies and requirements for Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey:
- Connecticut: Initial teaching certification requirements for CT include completing an undergraduate or graduate-level teaching program (for those without an undergraduate degree in teaching), passing subject matter tests, and applying for a teaching certification. Teachers who want to earn the Professional Educator Certification, which is the highest level of certification in CT, must first earn a master’s degree.
- New York: Initial certification requirements include completing a state-approved undergraduate teaching program, followed by the New York State Teacher Certification Exam - Educating All Students Test, a Content Specialty Test for their chosen area of focus, the workshop Dignity for All Students, and a background fingerprint clearance.
- New Jersey: Teacher certification requirements for NJ vary based on subject matter and grade level. Most new teachers must complete the Praxis II exam as part of the licensing process after completing an undergraduate teaching degree and requisite subject-matter courses.
Preparing for a state licensing exam is important because passing this exam is required to begin work as a teacher. While a state-approved teaching program should offer a strong foundation for the test, most candidates need to study for the exam separately from their undergraduate or graduate courses.
Working professionals should be sure they allow enough time to study for their certification exam. Dedicating a specific time each day or each week to focused study time, finding a study partner or study group, and taking practice exams are all good strategies for preparing.
How Long Should My Master’s in Education Program Take?
Earning a master’s degree in education typically takes one to two years, but that timeline may differ, depending on the program and the student. Working professionals who cannot attend school full-time should expect to spend no more than two years completing their master’s program.
Learn more about the Master's in Education Program at Iona University
If you are an educator who wants to take your career to the next level, the MSEd program at Iona can help set you on the right path. This program at Iona is known for expert faculty members who are dedicated to student success and understand that being a graduate student alongside a teaching career can be demanding. The Iona MSEd program is designed with the professional in mind, making it an excellent choice for working educators.
Teachers who are ready to invest in their future careers with a graduate degree should request more information or apply today.