Master of Science in Teaching, Childhood & Special Education
Enriching young minds through education is one of the most important contributions you can make to society and to future generations. As a teacher, you will inspire children and open doors through which they will discover their identities, gifts, and ambitions.
Ignite your teaching career in the Master of Science in Teaching (MST) program in Childhood and Special Education at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Through a rigorous curriculum and exciting field experiences, our faculty of experts will empower you with the knowledge and skills to teach children in grades 1-6. Learn to create inclusive learning environments where students from all backgrounds will flourish, and build a complete portfolio of teaching strategies to spark your students’ curiosity in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Propel your career forward by putting learning into practice in the student-teaching capstone experience.
Designed for students who earned an undergraduate degree in another field of study and for those who are changing careers, this program will prepare you to teach at the elementary school level. Students in this program will pursue dual certification in childhood education and special education.
At a glance
- Graduate Program
Only at St. Thomas Aquinas College
Only at St. Thomas Aquinas College
We have a long legacy of preparing knowledgeable, caring educators who are passionate about learning, teaching, and making a difference in the world, one student at a time. Join our close-knit academic community of experts who will support you personally in advancing to the next level of your career.
Earn your degree on your time
Designed with working professionals in mind, all classes are conveniently held in the late afternoon and evening. The master of science in teaching program can be completed in 16 months or at your own pace to balance work commitments and studies.
Keep Exploring
Featured Courses
How does learning happen? This course explores how the brain develops, functions, and changes over time. Learn research-based practices and models of instruction that bring together neuroscience, cognitive science, and educational psychology to teach students with diverse learning needs and abilities.
Every teaching and learning situation is distinct and individual. Step into the role of both teacher and student through this engaging course that emphasizes hands-on learning experiences in the instruction of science and technology.
Make the most of your student teaching experience in this concurrent seminar that will inspire you to reflect, self-evaluate, and evolve as a teacher. Embracing this process as a student will propel your professional development throughout your teaching career and make it possible to empower your students to achieve their potential.
Career Opportunities
Our childhood education students student teach and find full-time employment at many school districts and education systems throughout New York and New Jersey, including:
- Clarkstown Central School District
- Cornwall Central School District
- East Ramapo Central School District
- Goshen Central School District
- Livingston Township School District
- Mahwah Township School District
- Nanuet Union Free School District
- North Rockland Central School District
- Nyack School District
- Pearl River School District
- South Orangetown Central School District
- Suffern Central School District
- Tuckahoe Union Free School District
Program options
The MST in Childhood Education and Special Education will provide the foundations to effectively teach children in grades 1-6 with diverse learning needs and abilities.
The MST in Adolescence Education prepares students to earn their certification in English, mathematics, social studies, Spanish, earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics. Students have the option of pursuing a degree in Adolescence and Special Education and earn a second certification in Students with Disabilities.
The MST in Art Education prepares students to become certified in Art Education or Art Education and Special Education. In New York State, the Art certification encompasses all grades, K-12, while the Special Education Certification is for grades 1-6 or 7-12. Students combining Art with Special Education may choose Art, grades K-12, and Special Education, grades 1-6, or Art, grades K-12, and Special Education, grades 7-12.
Graduates of the MST programs are invited to return to St. Thomas Aquinas College to pursue post-master’s certificates in literacy or special education at alumni discounted rates to qualify for additional certifications and salary increases.