Adolescent Education Programs
If you’re a teacher in grades 7–12 who wants to pursue a master’s degree—or a professional in another field who wants to teach math, science, social studies, English, or Spanish to adolescent students—Molloy University has a program to help you meet your goals. Earning a master’s in education can help you develop your expertise and qualify for New York State initial or professional teacher certification.
We meet state, national, and institutional teaching and learning standards with our education, and we have the numbers to prove our efficacy. The overall pass rate on New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) for program completers in 2023–24 was 90 percent.
About the Master’s Degree in Adolescent Education
Molloy offers a stimulating environment where academic freedom, a spirit of inquiry, and respect for the individual’s worth and dignity are core values. Our mission is to transform communities, one student at a time. We will inspire you to expand your knowledge and heighten your skills so you can impact the next generation of students.
Our graduate education programs qualify you to pursue New York State initial teacher certification or professional NYS teacher certification:
- The New York State initial teacher certification is the entry-level credential for those who complete a New York teacher preparation program, like ours, or equivalent coursework and experience. The Initial Certificate is valid for five years.
- A master’s degree, along with three years of teaching experience, qualifies you to apply for the professional teaching certificate.
You can become a content expert in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- English
- Math
- Physics
- Social Studies
- Spanish
Initial teacher certification programs are also offered as dual-certification programs with TESOL or Teaching Students with Disabilities (All Grades).
Because many of our students work during the day, we offer flexible hybrid, online, and face-to-face evening course offerings.
Benefits of Molloy’s Graduate Education Program, Grades 7–12
Experienced Adolescent Education Faculty
Our faculty includes internationally recognized presenters and best-selling authors at the forefront of innovative projects and cutting-edge research in grades 7–12 education.
Small classes offer opportunities to build meaningful relationships with faculty members, many of whom continue to advise and mentor students well after graduation. You may even have the chance to collaborate with your professors on research publications and presentations, enhancing your academic and professional credentials.
Master’s in Education Advising
When you enroll in our graduate education program, you will be paired with one or more dedicated advisors who will guide you through your program.
You also have access to our career center and field placement office, which provide valuable guidance and regularly share job opportunities with students. Our teacher certification office can also support you through the certification application process. Because NYS certifications and policies change often, we will advise you even after you have completed your program.
Partnerships With Local School Districts
Our proximity to New York City offers unique opportunities to gain practical experience in city schools. NYSED requires all candidates to have experience in a “high-needs” school setting. We have district partners who meet this designation and actively seek to hire our adolescent education students for classroom roles.
Authentic learning experiences are also provided through:
- Molloy’s Mother Cabrini Grant, which offers graduate education students opportunities to gain teaching and research experience in an intensive, intimate setting. The grant also defrays tuition costs through scholarship money.
- Enrichment programs with schools like the Baldwin Union Free School District and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School.
“Not only did I receive my B.A. in Adolescent English Education from Molloy University in 2018, I also received my M.S. in TESOL in 2022, and now I serve as an adjunct instructor in Molloy’s Professional Studies Department. Without the unwavering and seemingly infinite support of Molloy’s faculty and staff, I would not be the professional, or the person, I am today, and I am so grateful that I get to call Molloy my alma mater! My continued presence at the University is a true testimony to the genuine care with which everyone at the institution approaches their students, both during and after their time on campus.”
Laurie Bocca, English Language Arts Teacher in Garden City, NY; B.A. in Adolescent English Education, 2018; M.S. TESOL, 2022
Graduate Adolescent Education Career Outcomes
At Molloy, we prepare effective educators who can teach and lead diverse students. In New York, middle and high school math and science teachers are always in high demand, and as more teachers retire, positions will continue to become available in all disciplines.
We have an excellent track record with career placement due to our faculty’s strong connections to the field and our advisory boards, consisting of teachers and administrators, who help develop our program and hire many of our students.
Graduate Education Field Experiences
For those seeking initial teacher certification, you are required to complete at least 100 hours of supervised field experience (observation/participation) prior to student teaching. In your final semester, you will engage in a full-time student-teaching assignment. This immersive experience allows you to apply your knowledge while being observed and mentored by both your Molloy University field supervisor and your cooperating teacher.
For those seeking a master’s degree in education to take the steps toward their professional teaching certificate, you will take a practicum as your field experience.
Our graduates consistently report that these opportunities are highly valuable for their professional growth and development.
You can find specific field experience and course information in our online catalog.
Related Programs
Not sure our graduate adolescent education program is right for you? You may want to consider some of our other options:
Ready to enroll at a welcoming university where you will learn to be a leading professional in your field? Learn more or apply today.
Vicky Giouroukakis
Director of Graduate and Postgraduate Education Programs
Kellenberg Hall - Room K326
