Online Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.)

M.S.T. Track Options

The M.S.T. program offers five different tracks, so you can align your degree with the desired age and demographic of students you want to teach. Depending on your chosen M.S.T. track, you will be prepared to teach students ranging from birth through grade 6 with a range of academic, social, and emotional abilities from a variety of backgrounds.

Learn more about the different M.S.T. tracks below.

Early Childhood Education Track

The M.S.T. in Early Childhood Education prepares aspiring educators for positions teaching children from birth to grade 2.

As a student, you will explore different early childhood education models, focus on creating diverse, inclusive classrooms, and learn to incorporate play as a beneficial teaching technique. You will also learn about the effects family life has on early childhood education and how it is a key factor of student learning.

During your field experience in the early childhood education track, you will complete student teaching with both pre-K and K through grade 2 students.

This online master’s program comprises 36 credit hours and can be completed in two years.

Early Childhood Special Education Track

The M.S.T. in Early Childhood Special Education is a dual-certificate program that prepares educators to teach children in general or special education from birth to grade 2.

As a student, you will explore teaching theory and practice as it relates to contemporary issues in the classroom. You will learn to revise traditional teaching methods and develop skills in behavior management, social-emotional development, and inclusive teaching for diverse learners.

This online master’s program comprises 45 credit hours and can be completed in just over two years.

Childhood Education Track

The M.S.T. in Childhood Education is for aspiring teachers who want to pursue positions working with children in grades 1–6.

As a student, you will complete a well-rounded curriculum with classes and coursework that explore child development, instructional practices for inclusive elementary classrooms, and professional studies. During your field experience, you will apply what you learn in class to your work in schools in or near your own community.

This online master’s program comprises 36 credit hours and can be completed in two years.

Childhood Special Education Track

The M.S.T. in Childhood Special Education is a dual-certificate program that prepares educators to teach children with disabilities in grades 1–6.

As a student, you will learn to create classroom environments where all children can learn, thrive, and succeed. Classes and coursework blend instruction in child development, adaptive instructional practices for children in all settings, and professional studies.

This online master’s program comprises 45 credit hours and can be completed in just over two years.

Childhood and Early Childhood Education Track

The M.S.T. dual-certificate in Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education prepares educators for positions working with children from birth to grade 6.

As a student, you will learn from coursework that covers the different stages of childhood development, explore techniques that help solve challenges affecting children at different developmental stages, and learn how to make a positive impact as their teacher.

This online master’s program comprises 45 credit hours and can be completed in just over two years.

Choose the M.S.T. Track That’s Right for You

Earn your Master of Science in Teaching online from Fordham and align your degree with your teaching career.

Licensure

• Licensure - Childhood Education
• Licensure - Early Childhood Education
• Licensure - Early Childhood Special Education
• Licensure - Childhood and Early Childhood Education
• Licensure - Childhood Special Education

Teacher Certification

Fordham University offers five online Master of Science in Teaching program tracks.

Master of Science in Teaching – Childhood Education
This program prepares students to teach grades 1-6 and leads to eligibility in New York State for Initial Teacher Certification in Childhood Education 1-6.

Master of Science in Teaching – Childhood Education, Childhood Special Education
Dual Degree. This program prepares students to teach in grades 1-6 and leads to eligibility in New York State for Initial Teacher Certification in Childhood Education 1-6 and certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities in Childhood 1-6.

Master of Science in Teaching – Early Childhood Education
This program prepares students to teach birth through grade 2 and leads to eligibility in New York State for Initial Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education Birth to Grade 2.

Master of Science in Teaching – Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education
Dual Degree. This program prepares students to teach birth through grade 2 and leads to eligibility in New York State for Initial Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education Birth to Grade 2 and certification in Teaching Early Childhood Students with Disabilities Birth to Grade 2.

Master of Science in Teaching – Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education
Dual Degree. This program prepares students to teach in birth through grade 6 and leads to eligibility in New York State for Initial Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Birth to Grade 2 and Initial Teacher Certification in Childhood Education 1-6.

The program is approved by the Association of Childhood Education International (ACEI).

Upon graduation from the M.S.T. program, you will be eligible to sit for licensure exams in New York.

Students may also be eligible for certification in other states outside of New York, however, certification requirements differ from state to state. Most state licensing boards require a degree, testing, and potentially additional post-graduate coursework requirements. We encourage students to research the requirements specific to their resident state.

View Resources for each state’s licensing board.

All Fordham GSE programs are grounded in the University’s Jesuit values of acceptance, compassion, and understanding of the whole individual. Our online master’s teaching programs are developed with these values in mind and feature a strong focus on differentiated instruction. This preparation allows graduates to be nimble educators who are able to work with students’ strengths to support varied, adaptive learning techniques.

As a student in our online teaching program, you will progress through a prescribed sequence of classes, building your knowledge of theory and practice both in your online classes and your in-person field experiences. You will emerge a reflective practitioner who can meet the needs of children in today’s classrooms.

View a Full List of Course Descriptions

Student Teaching

You will apply theory to practice through two full-time student teaching experiences during your time in the program. Spread over two terms, the two student teaching experiences will run for 14 weeks each, for four full school days per week. Student teaching occurs during the academic year.

You will begin your student teaching requirement in the fall of your second year in the program, and Fordham’s team of placement specialists will work to place you in a school in or near your community. Throughout your placements, you will be supported by an on-site cooperating teacher, a field specialist, and GSE faculty, who will monitor your progress and act as mentors as you hone your teaching practice. Please note that your student teaching experiences will take place in two different classrooms, providing you with experience across various age groups. Specific student teaching requirements depend upon your chosen M.S.T. program.

Student teaching is an opportunity to practice your skills in the classroom and prepare for your career as a teacher while making connections with local schools in your community. Through this experience, you can gain the skills and confidence you need to build a successful education career after graduation.

Online Learning

As a student, you will attend classes and complete coursework online. You will do this through our online campus, a hub that will act as your connection to all facets of the program. Through this portal, you can attend your live weekly classes, access your video coursework and case studies, and connect with professors and classmates. You can also use the online campus to track assignments and grades, as well as reach out to technical support and student advisers.

Admissions

We are seeking motivated aspiring educators who are inspired to create inclusive, differentiated classrooms where children can learn and succeed.

Learn more about our application requirements

Student Support

We focus on student support as a way to ensure your success as a student and as a future educator. To guide you throughout your program, you will have access to extensive support services—from admission to enrollment to graduation.