Master of Arts (34 Points)
This Master’s program is designed for current English teachers who hold an initial certification and are looking to upgrade to a professional certification. Students in this program take coursework at night and teach in their own classrooms during the day. As such, this program of study is designed to support practicing teachers to gain a deeper understanding of critical issues in the field of English Education and how these issues affect the contexts in which they live and work. Through the 34 points of coursework, students will explore critical pedagogical and theoretical stances in English Education, build upon their knowledge of curriculum design and methods, and engage in deep self-reflection to better understand their positionality as a teacher.
Experiences and Exposures:
- World-class faculty will guide you through the theoretical and pedagogical stances that underpin English Education.
- Coursework prioritizes bridging the theory-practice gap to help students understand critical issues in the field, and consider what reflective practitioners might do in response to them.
- You’ll join a collaborative group of students from around the world who bring with them unique perspectives and life experiences.
Admissions Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 34
- Entry Terms: Spring/Summer/Fall
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Professional: English Language Arts 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: November 15
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
* For details about rolling deadlines, visit our admission deadlines page.
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Must hold Initial Certification
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.
Master of Arts (M.A., 34 credits)
Required courses include:
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A&HE 4057 English Methods (3)
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A&HE 4058 Teaching of Reading (3)
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A&HE 4151 Teaching of Writing (3)*
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A&HE 5518 Teaching English in Diverse Social and Cultural Contexts (2-3)**
*Taken as a 6 credit block with A&HE 4156, Writing: Nonfiction (3)
**A&HE 5518 meets both the College-wide and the New York State diversity requirements.
In addition, students must choose at least one topic-specific methods course, such as:
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A&HE 4050 Literature and Teaching (3)
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A&HE 4152 Literacies and Technologies in the Secondary English Classroom (3)
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A&HE 4550 Teaching of Poetry (3)
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A&HE 4551 Teaching of Shakespeare (3)
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A&HE 4100 Teaching of Drama and Theater (3)
As a part of the M.A. program, students also must fulfill a Content requirement. Content coursework consists of one course in writing and one course in literature. Courses may include the following:
Writing:
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A&HE 4156 Writing: Nonfiction (3)
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A&HE 4561 Teaching Narrative and Story (3)
Literature:
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A&HE 4050 Literature and Teaching (3)
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A&HE 4053 Cultural Perspectives and Literature (3)
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A&HE 4052 Adolescents and Literature (3)
Foundations/Breadth Requirement
Foundations courses are intended to broaden students’ knowledge of the history of education, philosophies of education, and educational issues and practices beyond their particular area of concentration. All students must take at least 6 points of such courses (courses in Teachers College not designated “A&HE”) in close consultation with their advisors and with the TC Office of Teacher Education (for those students enrolled in programs leading to certification). For those seeking Professional Teacher Certification (34-credit program), foundations credits must be used to meet the New York State requirements for classes in History/Philosophy of Education, Disabilities/Special Education, and Human Development/Psychology if these have not been taken in previous college-level coursework. These courses may be taken as pass/fail.
NYSED requires 3 years full-time classroom teaching, US citizenship, and NYS initial teacher certification to qualify for professional certification.
Electives
Electives provide students the opportunity to explore particular interests as they design their own programs in consultation with an academic faculty advisor.
Students whose program permits room for electives may take any graduate-level courses at Teachers College or Columbia University.
Master’s Seminar
All M.A. students are required to enroll in the A&HE 5590, Master’s Seminar: Reflective Practice. Students in the 38-credit program enroll in A&HE 5590 the same semester they enroll in Phase 2 of A&HE 4750, Supervised teaching of English. Students in the 34-credit program enroll in A&HE 5590 during their final semester. Within the context of this course, all students work with an instructor to design and complete their master’s projects.