Educational Studies

Program Overview

Mercy University's MS in Education prepares individuals for non-teaching education careers through six specialized tracks. The program emphasizes advanced technological and research capabilities, culminating in a thesis course that showcases students' independent research abilities. Graduates are equipped for roles in private schools, early childhood administration, educational policy, and other education-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: To cultivate education experts with the knowledge, skills, and commitment to serve diverse populations and communities while equipping them with advanced technological and research capabilities.
• Overview: The Master of Science (MS) in Education at Mercy University is designed for individuals seeking a graduate degree in education without the need for New York teaching certification.
It offers six distinct tracks:
• Early Education
• Secondary Education
• Literacy
• STEM
• Students with Disabilities
• TESOL
• Non-Certification: Unlike traditional education master's programs, the MS in Education at Mercy University does not lead to New York State teaching certification.
This allows students to pursue education-related careers in fields other than public school teaching.
• Thesis Course: Instead of student teaching, students complete a thesis course as part of the program's curriculum.
This research-oriented component provides an opportunity for in-depth exploration of a specific educational topic.

Outline:

• Curriculum: The program consists of a 9-credit foundation core and an 18-credit concentration in one of the six available tracks.
Additionally, a 3-credit capstone thesis course is required at the end of the program.
• Course Schedule: The program is designed to provide flexibility for students with varying schedules and preferences.
Students can choose to complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis, and both in-person and online course options are available.

Assessment:

• The assessment methods and criteria used in the program align with the program's objectives and learning outcomes.
Students are evaluated through various assignments, including essays, research projects, and presentations.
• The thesis course, in particular, serves as a culminating assessment, allowing students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research, analyze educational issues, and communicate their findings effectively.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced and knowledgeable faculty members with expertise in education and related fields.
Faculty are committed to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and the application of educational principles to real-world settings.
• The program incorporates a range of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, workshops, and project-based learning, to cater to diverse learning styles and promote active engagement with the course material.

Careers:

• Career Opportunities: The MS in Education at Mercy University prepares graduates for a wide range of education-related careers, including:
• Private school teacher
• Charter school teacher
• Early childhood administration
• Children's publishing and media
• Children's library or literacy services
• Educational policy, advocacy, and government
• Preparation for doctoral study
• Children's museum directors
• Summer camps and youth sports leaders
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Charter school management or educational professional development services
• Career Outlook: The program is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in various educational settings and industries.
Graduates have gone on to leadership roles in early childhood education centers, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and education-related organizations.