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Program Details

M.A. degree program in middle childhood education (5-9) - general science teacher - generalist with a concentration in general science
HEGIS code 0804.04
NYS SED program code 26820, trans B 26819

Informed by the National Science Education Standards for the professional development of science educators, the program involves teachers in learning science content using the process of inquiry. The program is also committed to expanding the classroom to include the local environment and science-rich community resources such as zoos, parks, museums, nature centers and gardens. The program introduces future educators to scientific literature, media and technological resources that expand their science knowledge and their ability to access further knowledge.

This program does not lead to certification to teach Regents level science.

Program Heads

Name	Title	Phone	Location	Email	Office Hours
Alexakos, Konstantinos	Program Coordinator	718.951.5000 x3869	2617 James Hall	alexakosk brooklyn.cuny.edu	Email for appointments

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General matriculation requirements
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Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 in graduate courses is required to maintain matriculation.

International applicants for whom English is a second language are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 650 on the paper-based test or 280 on the computer-based test or 114 on the internet-based test to be considered for matriculation.

General matriculation and admission requirements of Graduate Studies are in the section "Admission."
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General degree requirements
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Thirty to 40 credits are required for the degree depending on applicants' qualifications. Students must complete 15 credits in courses in biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, physics, and general science.

Students who have not already completed 30 credits in the science discipline of specialization upon admission must take courses in that discipline until the 30 credit requirement has been met. Once the thirty credit requirement has been met, students may take additional coursework in a science other than the discipline of specialization.

The program of study must be approved by the Program Head of middle school science education.

All required education courses and some education electives require permission for registration as indicated in the Schedule of Classes.

Each student is evaluated individually based upon prior experiences. Based upon this evaluation and current certification requirements of the New York State Education Department, courses in education or another department may be substituted for required courses with permission of the Program Head of middle school science education.

Middle childhood education with a specialization in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science
leads to a Master of Arts in Education and a New York State Professional Certificate in Middle Childhood Education with a specialization in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science (grades 5-9). Matriculation requirements for all three options below include an undergraduate major in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth and environmental science or the equivalent.
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Option (A): 30 credits.
Matriculation requirements

Applicants must hold a New York State Initial Certificate in Middle Childhood Education (grades 5-9) or its equivalent.

Degree requirements

Thirty credits are required for the degree.
Six credits from among Secondary Education 7314X, 7324X, 7315X and 7325X; and Secondary Education 7320T and 7321T. In addition, the following courses are required: 15 credits in graduate courses in one of the following: biology and/or any course numbered general science 7030T-7039T and GSCI 7053T, or earth and environmental science, and/or any GSCI course numbered 7041T-7059T; and a 3 credit elective selected from Secondary Education; Childhood, Bilingual and Special Education, Earth and Environmental Science, or General Science.

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Option (B): 30-33 credits
Matriculation requirements

Applicants must hold a New York State Initial Certificate in Childhood Education (grades 1-6) or its equivalent or a New York State Initial Certificate in Adolescence Education (grades 7-12) or its equivalent.

Degree requirements

Thirty to thirty-three credits are required for the degree.
In addition to Secondary Education 7314X, 7324X, 7315X, 7325X, 7320T and 7321T, the following courses are required: 15 credits in graduate courses in one of the following: biology and/or any course numbered general science 7030T-7039T, or earth and environmental science and/or any course numbered 7041T-7059T.

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Option (C): 30-40 credits

This program leads to both New York State Initial and Professional Certificates in Middle Childhood Education with a specialization in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science (grades 5-9).

Degree requirements

Thirty to 40 credits are required for the degree.
Students must complete Secondary Education 7314X, 7315X, 7324X, 7380T prior to student teaching, SEED 7381T, 7383T, 7542T and 7543T. Students must obtain permission from the Program Head of middle school science education to register for these courses.

In addition to the above, the following courses are required: Secondary Education 7320T, 7671X, 15 credits in graduate courses in one of the following: biology and/or any course numbered general science 7030T-7039T, or earth and environmental science and/or any course numbered 7041T-7059T.

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Option (D): 30-36 credits

Matriculation requirements

Applicants must hold a New York State Transitional B Certificate in Middle Childhood Education: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics (grades 5-9). Requirements for the Transitional B Certificate are determined by the New York State Education Department.

This program leads to both New York State Initial and Professional Certificates in Middle Childhood Education with a specialization in biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science (grades 5-9).

Degree requirements

Thirty to 36 credits are required for the degree.

Students must complete Secondary Education 7314X, 7315X, 7324X, 7325X, 7320T, 7671X and 7321T. Students must obtain permission from the Program Head of middle school science education to register for these courses.

In addition to the above, 15 credits in graduate courses in one of the following: biology and/or any course numbered general science 7030T-7039T, or earth and environmental science, and/ or any course numbered 7041T-7059T.

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