Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Programs

What is the difference between the Master of Arts and the Master of Science in Education?

The Master of Arts degree in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching is for you if you already have Initial Teacher Certification in New York State. This degree program can lead to the New York State Professional Certificate.

The Master of Science in Education is for you if you did not major in education as an undergraduate and would like to work toward New York State Initial Teacher Certification.

After completing a master's degree, two years of teaching, and required New York State Teacher Certification Examinations, you would become eligible for Professional Teacher Certification. (See information within the Certification Office.)

The Certificate of Advanced Study is a post-master's course of study. Course work within the Certificate of Advanced Study may serve to fulfill the Professional Teacher Certification requirement for in-service staff development.

How long will it take to complete the degree program?

It is possible to take as little as one course each semester or to take full-time study of 9-15 s.h. Therefore, the pace at which you decide to pursue the degree program is your choice, within the 5-year limit established by Hofstra University for master's degrees. The master's degree programs may total from 35-41 s.h., depending upon your area of specialization.

Graduate classes during the fall and spring semesters are typically offered once each week during the following time frames: 4:30-6:20 p.m., 6:30-8:20 p.m., and 8:20-10:10 p.m.

In addition to the fall and spring semesters, there is a January session, Summer Session I, Summer Session II, and a brief Summer Session III.

What work will I need to do in schools?

If you are working toward Initial Teacher Certification, your program will conclude with a full semester of full-time student teaching. During most of your preparatory curriculum classes, if you are preparing for early childhood or elementary education, you will need to plan 15 hours of field work for each 3 s.h. course; for secondary education, you will need to plan 20 hours of field work for each of the relevant 3 s.h. courses.

The Field Placement Office works with you to locate exemplary classrooms within a reasonable commuting distance from your home.

What does Hofstra do to assist in the certification process?

There is a Certification Office for the School of Education and Allied Human Services that sends to the New York State Education Department the records that indicate the completion of the Hofstra state-registered program.

What does Hofstra do to assist in the employment process?

There is a Career Center in which all references can be stored and sent to employers that you designate. The Career Center sponsors job fairs on campus at which employers interview prospective employees. The Career Center also offers seminars on resume development and related issues of the employment process.

What advisement services does the Department of Curriculum and Teaching offer?

When you have completed the application process through the Office of Graduate Admissions and been notified of your acceptance as a matriculated student, you will receive the name of your program adviser. Your program adviser will help you plan your entire degree program. We recommend that you meet your adviser during each semester for advisement, more often as you see the need. Advisers also invite you to be in touch after you graduate.