The years students spend in middle and high school are pivotal, and the influence of a caring, creative teacher can help young people successfully navigate the path from adolescence to adulthood. As a secondary school teacher, you focus on a specific subject like history, math or science, and share your passion for it with students just as they begin to consider their college and career paths.
At Hofstra, our talented faculty, wealth of resources and high-tech facilities, emphasis on technological literacy, and extensive network among Long Island and New York City public schools, will prepare you for a long, successful career in the classroom.
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers the Social Studies Education, MSEd to candidates seeking their Initial NYS certification teaching Social Studies at the Grades 7-12 level. This program is designed to blend on-campus preparation with field experiences in a variety of school settings, culminating in full-time student teaching. Literacy, multicultural education, and information technology are integrated throughout all aspects of the program.
Learn More about the Social Studies Education, MSEd
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers the Social Studies Education, MA to candidates who hold initial certification in Social Studies Grades 7-12 who are seeking advanced study in the curriculum, pedagogy, and content of Social Studies. Individuals may also select concentrated studies in middle level 5-6, gifted education or bilingual education certification extensions.
Learn More About the Social Studies Education, MA
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers the Secondary Education Advanced Certificate to master’s prepared candidates seeking their first NYS certification teaching Social Studies at the 7-12 level. Subject concentrations offered within this program include:
- Business
- English
- Foreign Language
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies
Learn More About the Secondary Education, AC
The Doctoral Program in Learning and Teaching prepares students to work as university professors, educational researchers, curriculum developers, professional-development providers, and mentor teachers in schools, universities, and other educational settings. Single subject specialization options include:
- Applied Linguistics (Languages Other than English and Teaching English as a Second Language)
- Art Education
- English Education
- Mathematics Education
- Physical Education
- Science Education
- Social Studies Education
Learn More About the Learning & Teaching, EdD
Getting Started
Applications for admission to the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technology are made to the Graduate Admission Office. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria listed below but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.
- A completed application form to the master’s program.
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, at least one indicating conferral of a baccalaureate degree with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work.
- A minimum GPA of 2.75 on course work in fine arts and art history or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
- A written personal statement describing the candidate’s goals in the teaching profession and in graduate studies.
- Completion of General Education Core prerequisites for teacher education programs
- Two letters of reference that address the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in graduate studies.
- An interview with the Program Director
For those seeking entry into the Secondary Education, AC, applicants must have a completed master’s degree. For those seeking entry into the MSEd at minimum must have completed a bachelor’s degree. Please refer to your chosen program specifically for full admissions requirements.
For candidates pursuing the doctoral program, please refer to your chosen program for full admissions requirements.
Students who do not meet the admissions requirements may be advised to complete prerequisite courses under a planned program before becoming eligible for admission. A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate course work leading toward the MSEd may be completed prior to matriculation in the program.
Student Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to complete the program?
- M.A. students can complete the program in one academic year. M.S.Ed. students can graduate in as little as one calendar year.
- How do students network to find employment post graduation?
- Social Studies Education students at Hofstra are well connected with Hofstra alumni through the use of a well-established email listserv and membership in local professional social studies organizations. It is common for student teachers to find full-time opportunities in the districts they are placed for student teaching.
- Is there a deadline for admission?
- Admission for the M.A. and M.S.Ed. programs is rolling, though applicants are encouraged to apply early.
- Are there scholarships available?
- Students are evaluated for merit-based scholarships through their graduate application. Each department has limited funds to distribute, so prospective students are encouraged to apply early. Students may also wish to consult the Office of Student Financial Services for additional resources.
