Master of Arts in the Teaching of Social Studies (Peace Corps Fellows)
Prepare to be a social studies educator in NYC schools through this M.A. program for returning Peace Corps volunteers. This program leads to NYS Initial and Professional (7-12) Certification.
This program builds from the experiences RPCVs bring. We support teachers who are driven by inquiry, commitment to equity, and the desire to be curriculum leaders. Students are supported in finding a full-time teaching position in NYC schools. The coursework is built around the first and second-year teaching experience. The summer intensive that precedes the first year of teaching helps students to enter the first year prepared. Students are supported in their teaching by a supervisor, their student teaching seminar, and the two peer cohorts – the social studies peers and other PCFs – that support collegial relationships. Students take coursework in the teaching of social studies, pedagogical content courses, and required courses in literacy, psychology, and inclusive education.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Spring, Summer
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Transitional B: Social Studies 7-12
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | November 15, 2026 | November 15, 2026 | N/A |
| Summer | January 15, 2027 | January 15, 2027 | N/A |
| Fall | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| International applicants are not eligible to apply for this program and are encouraged to consider other program options (those living outside of the United States with a valid U.S. passport are eligible and encouraged to apply) | |
| 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 | |
| Supplemental application required (included in online application) | |
| Interview (phone, video, or in-person) required for all applicants |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact AHadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2026-2027)
View catalog information for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 terms.