SUNY Potsdam

Contact Persons:

For application and enrollment information, contact:
Peter Cutler, Graduate Admissions Counselor
Satterlee 117, (315) 267-2165, or 1-800-458-1142, ext. 1
(graduate@potsdam.edu)

For program information, contact:
Sandy Chadwick, Program Coordinator
Satterlee 201, (315) 267-2502 (chadwisc@potsdam.edu)

The Master of Science in Teaching Childhood Education program (Grades 1-6) has been designed to meet certification regulations of The New York State Education Department as well as the standards of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This program is nationally recognized by the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI). The program leads to Initial Childhood (grades 1–6) certification.

Requirements for Admission

1. This program is intended for candidates who do not hold a teaching certificate and seek to earn certification in Childhood Education (grades 1–6). Candidates will undergo a transcript review in order to determine the completion of prerequisites.
2. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 (A=4.0) in the most recent 60 semester hours of undergraduate study.
3. Submission of three letters of recommendation from persons who can provide information about the academic and teaching potential of the applicant (e.g., former or current professors, school administrators), using the required form.
   
4. Candidates may complete prerequisite courses prior to entering the program or simultaneously with provisional admission. Candidates must earn a grade of 2.0 (C) or better to satisfy a prerequisite requirement. All program prerequisites must be fully completed prior to the student teaching semester. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for details related to their prerequisite requirements.
   
   Childhood Education program prerequisites:

    

   • Artistic Expression (a minimum of 3 credit hours to include two of the following areas:  music, visual art, dance and drama)
   • Communications (6 credit hours)
   • Concepts in History (3 credit hours)
   • Humanities (3 credit hours in Children’s Literature)
   • Language other than English (6 credit hours)
   • Mathematical Processes (6 credit hours)
   • Pedagogy (3 credit hours in human or child development)
   • Science Processes (6 credit hours from two areas, one with a lab)
   • Social Studies (6 credit hours from two areas) 

5. Candidates may begin enrollment in the fall, spring or summer terms.

Additional Degree Information
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the Policies and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog, focusing on the specific information related to education programs.

Candidates may complete most, but not all, of their degree requirements in the Watertown area.

All degree candidates are required to successfully complete a Culminating Experience in the School of Education and Professional Studies designed to synthesize their academic experiences. GRED 669 Professional Development Performance Portfolio completed during the Student Teaching semester satisfies this requirement.

While not required for degree completion, candidates are required to complete all New York State teaching requirements to be eligible for certification. This will include completion of HLTH 230 School Health (CA, SAVE) (2 credits) and passing all applicable New York State Teacher Certification Exams.

Student progress is carefully monitored throughout the program based on demonstration of appropriate knowledge, skills and dispositions. Students are provided with information on program expectations in their first semester. Students not making satisfactory progress will be counseled by their adviser and may be dropped from the program.

Course Requirements
A minimum of 47 credit hours with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required for the granting of the Master of Science in Teaching, Childhood degree. Additionally, candidates will complete HLTH 230 (2 credits) to satisfy certification requirements for a total of 49 credit hours. The 49 credit hours are divided as follows:

Candidates considering part-time study should contact the advisor. Students may elect to complete the HLTH 230 requirement in either the first or second academic term.

For application and enrollment information, contact:
Peter Cutler, Graduate Admissions Counselor
Satterlee 117, (315) 267-2165, or 1-800-458-1142, ext. 1 (graduate@potsdam.edu)