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About the English Education MA Program

This program leads to professional certification for teachers who possess certification in English 7-12 or initial certification in English language arts. It provides advanced study in the curriculum, pedagogy, and content of English language arts. Individuals may also select concentrated studies in middle level 5-6, gifted education, or bilingual education certification extensions. The program conforms with the New York State Learning Standards in English Language Arts and with the recommendations for teacher preparation of the National Council of Teachers of English.


Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to a Master of Arts (M.A.) program in the Department of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership are made to the Graduate Admissions Office. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

  1. A completed application form to the M.A. program.
  2. New York state initial certification in English language arts in grades 7-12. (Applicants who have provisional certification rather than initial certification should see the appropriate graduate director for program alternatives.)
  3. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in each of two categories:
    1. Overall undergraduate course work;
    2. Course work in the content area in which certification will be sought. Applicants with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.75 may be accepted provisionally, subject to special conditions.
  4. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
  5. Two letters of reference that address the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and in graduate course work.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in the program. Candidates may wish to apply even if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

Program Requirements

Along with the standard requirements, students complete 9 to 15 semester hours in a cognate area. These cognate areas include The Arts and Humanities, Multicultural Education, Educational Technology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Gifted Education, Middle Level Education (grades 5-6), or Bilingual Education.

For more information on this program’s requirements and course of study, please visit the Hofstra Bulletin.

Applying

If you are interested in applying for this program, please visit Hofstra’s Office of Graduate Admissions.

Contact

To learn more about Hofstra’s Master of Science in Education in English Education, please contact:
Maureen Murphy, Ph.D.
Professor
Director, Secondary English Education Programs
Phone: 516-463-6775
Email: Maureen.O.Murphy{at}hofstra.edu