SUNY Potsdam

Note:  This program is not currently admitting new students;  applicants interested in pursuing the MST degree on a part-time basis should contact the Graduate Admissions Counselor (graduate@potsdam.edu or (315) 267-3154) to explore other options.

The Master of Science in Teaching degree in Childhood Instruction, leading to Ontario certification at the Primary/Junior Division levels, is a part-time program, with the exception of the final practicum semester, which requires full-time commitment.  The program of studies will take, at the most, 8 semesters to complete. Classes are in the Ottawa area.

The program has been approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, and it is accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers. This program was designed to be in accordance with the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and the Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession of the Ontario College of Teachers, and the Curriculum Policies  and literacy and numeracy initiatives of the Ontario Ministry of Education. 

Information Sessions

All sessions begin at 7 p.m.

Dates:  Monday, November 21, 2011

(Additional dates TBA for Winter/Spring 2012)

Ottawa Catholic School Board (Board Room)
570 West Hunt Club Road
Nepean, Ontario

Reservations are helpful but not required. 

Prerequisites for Teacher Certification

• Communications – at least six credit hours in coursework related to literature, composition, or speaking
• Concepts in history – at least three credit hours in coursework related to Canadian history, world history, and history of Ontario
• Social Studies – at least six credit hours, from two different areas, in coursework related to geography, economics, civics, citizenship, and government
• Humanities – at least three credit hours in coursework related to Children’s Literature
• Language other than English – at least six credit hours in coursework related to modern languages
• Science Processes – at least six credit hours from two different areas, including one with a lab, in coursework related to physical and life sciences
• Math Processes – at least six credit hours in coursework related to number sense and numeration, measurement, geometry and spatial sense, patterning and algebra, data management and probability

Successful completion of prerequisite academic courses is required with a grade of at least C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in each of the areas above.

Prerequisites must be completed prior to being recommended for certification.  Students should seek prerequisite course approval prior to enrolling in any such course.

Course Requirements

Class Scheduling Information
Students wishing to make continuous progress through the program will enroll in 5-6 credit hours each semester (including summers). Classes are typically scheduled to meet once a week (weekdays, beginning around 5:00) during fall and spring semesters; during the summer session, classes may also be offered in a weekend format. Students must keep in mind that although courses are pursued on a part-time evening/weekend basis for most of the program, the final semester involves a semester-long, full-time placement in Ontario schools, requiring full-time day-time availability and commitment (Monday through Friday). Students are also advised that successful completion of GRCN 664 (Field Experience in JK-6 Education) will require a minimum of 100 clock hours of time spent in a JK-6 classroom during the fall semester preceding Student Teaching (Practicum).