Feb 27, 2026  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Contemporary Curriculum & Instruction (5-year Dual Degree), B.S. & M.S.Ed.


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DIRECTOR, GRADUATE MSED EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Teacher Education Department
(845) 575-3960
 

There are four graduate programs for teaching at Marist University. They are:

  1. Master of Science in Education in Contemporary Curriculum & Instruction (Online); builds upon initial certification and leads to professional certification
  2. Dual Degree Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education 1-6, with Special Education certification and Master of Science in Education in Contemporary Curriculum & Instruction; builds upon initial certification and leads to professional certification
  3. Master of Arts in Teaching (Standalone) with initial certification in content area and Master of Arts in Adolescence Education with additional certification in Special Education and eligibility for professional certification
  4. Dual Degree Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts with initial certification in content area and Master of Arts in Adolescence Education with additional certification in Special Education and eligibility for professional certification

Online M.S.Ed. in Contemporary Curriculum & Instruction Model

The Master of Science in Education in Contemporary Curriculum & Instruction Online model is a cohort-based program. Students start the Online model only in summers. This unique 36-credit program is designed to be completed in fifteen months, with twelve credits completed in each of two consecutive summers, and 6 credits in one  fall and spring semester between summers. In recognition of the busy and tightly scheduled lives of professional educators today, the program takes advantage of the superior online resources of Marist so that all courses are delivered asynchronously online. Since this is a very intensive program in an online model, students must have good self-management, time and task management, and organization skills.

Mission and Objectives

The graduate education programs offered by Marist University are integrally linked to the University’s Mission, emerging from a longstanding dedication to the preparation of teachers, and both shaped by and shaping the direction taken by the University as it has developed into an institution that is recognized as one of the leading private liberal arts colleges in the Northeast. The program reflects the particular areas of focus for which Marist University teacher education is widely noted, and is defined by our Conceptual Framework.

The Conceptual Framework of the Teacher Education programs identifies its purpose as “Preparing innovative, inclusive educators who promote success and the social good.” This purpose is defined in the Marist Education Department Goals listed below:

Marist Education Department Goals

Goal 1 Foundational Knowledge: Develop candidates’ knowledge related to content, learning, and human development essential for effective and equitable teaching

Goal 2 Pedagogical Practice: Prepare candidates with skills for constructing purposeful learning experiences

Goal 3 Assessment: Prepare candidates to collect and analyze data and use multiple assessment strategies and tools to enhance student achievement and social, emotional, physical, cultural, and cognitive growth

Goal 4 Inclusive Teaching: Prepare change agents who promote access, equity, and justice for all students while working to improve schools

Goal 5 Professional Responsibility: Equip professionals with skills to continually examine and improve their practice

Advanced Teaching Standards (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards)

The five major core standards represent what teachers should know and be able to do, and represent the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards® Policy Position:

  1. Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
  2. Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
  3. Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
  4. Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
  5. Teachers are members of learning communities.

 

Curriculum Summary


All candidates complete the core 27 credits:

Track 1 Professional Certification in Childhood Education; Grades 1-6


(for candidates possessing Initial Certification in Childhood Education)

 

Childhood candidates complete all of the following courses (9 credits):

Track 2-Professional Certification in Adolescence Education; Grades 7-12, and Middle School extension Grades 5-6


(for candidates possessing Initial Certification in an Adolescence Education area)

Relevant Policies in the Graduate Programs in Education


ACCREDITATION

The Education Department at Marist University is accredited and registered in New York State as an approved provider of teacher preparation programs.  Marist University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality and Educator Preparation (AAQEP). 

New York State Certification

A candidate must successfully complete the Dual Degree B.A./B.S.-M.A.T. program in order to be eligible for initial teaching certification in both their content field and in Students with Disabilities (grades 7- 12). In addition to successfully completing the B.A.-B.S./M.A.T. academic program, the candidate must also pass required New York State assessments and mandated workshops (Dignity for All Students Act, Violence Prevention, Child Abuse, Autism).

CERTIFICATION DISCLOSURE

Marist’s graduate education programs are designed to prepare candidates for certification in New York State and are aligned with the certification requirements in the state of New York. Marist University cannot guarantee that these programs will meet the requirements for initial or professional certification in any other state. It is the candidate’s responsibility to research and determine the certification requirements in any other state in which they plan to apply for initial or professional teaching certification. It is also the candidate’s responsibility to determine if the Marist University graduate education programs meet the requirements for certification in states other than New York. 

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Candidates from diverse groups are encouraged to apply. The following are the requirements in the application process:

  • Have a minimum overall 3.0 GPA for undergraduate studies.
  • Attach the official undergraduate transcripts from all undergraduate and any graduate studies.
  • Complete an application form.
  • Submit a résumé.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from faculty who are familiar with the academic performance and personality of applicant.
  • Write an essay outlining their reasons for applying to the program.
  • Conduct an interview with the Director of Graduate MAT Programs upon submission of all application documents. The interview process may include written tasks.

ADVISEMENT

At the time of matriculation, each student will meet with the Director of Graduate MAT Programs to design a Study Plan, which candidates are to follow. Candidates also sign an entrance contract to acknowledge the academic and dispositions requirements for good standing in the master’s program. Candidates will have regular meetings with the Director of Graduate MAT Programs for purposes of discussing academic progress and planning. The M.A.T. program is a cohort-based program that can be completed in four semesters with a start in the Fall semester; there is a summer session with hybrid/online course work. In exceptional cases M.A.T. applicants may complete the program as a part-time student with a fall semester start only due to the sequencing of the course offering, however, that will extend the program. Course offerings are by semester (fall, spring, or summer); a special study plan will be created which must be strictly followed. Any changes will jeopardize timely graduation. All students must complete the program within five years of admission.

COOPERATING TEACHERS USING WAIVER TO TAKE COURSES

Cooperating teachers who have supervised student teachers and who wish to take graduate education courses as an exchange of a teaching voucher need only to complete an application form, to provide a statement that the course they intend to take is a voucher exchange, submit the original voucher, and receive permission from the Program Director who will advise on the appropriate course. There is no limit to the number of graduate courses a cooperating teacher with a valid voucher may take; however, if the person later decides to become a degree candidate, he/she must then satisfy the requirements for matriculation. It is important to note that a maximum of nine (9) credits may be applied toward the degree using courses taken with a voucher.

PREREQUISITES FOR THE DUAL DEGREE BACHELOR OF ARTS/BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AND MASTER OF ARTS IN ADOLESCENCE EDUCATION

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

To be eligible for dual certification in the MAT Standalone program (content area and Students with Disabilities, both grades 7-12), a Transcript Analysis will be completed on the applicant’s transcript to ascertain their preparation in the following areas required for the dual certifications:

  • At least 30 credits in the content area they intend to teach (Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, English, French, History, Mathematics, or Spanish)
  • Six credit requirement for coursework related to the grade 7-12 curriculum in each of the following areas (maximum 30 credits): English; Mathematics; Science; Social Studies; and Foreign Language requirements. This coursework must be in content related to the New York Learning Standards as these represent topics normally taught in grades 7-12.
  • Coursework comparable to the following courses required of undergraduate candidates in the Marist B.A./M.A.T. program:

EDUC 101 Foundations of Education

EDUC 150 Learning through Technology

EDUC 373 Principles of Instruction for Students with Disabilities

EDUC 379 Culturally Responsive Education

PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology

PSYC 207 The Exceptional Child

PSYC 318 Psychology of the Adolescent

PSYC 372 Psychoeducational Assessment of Educational Disabilities

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

A candidate must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. If at any time the candidate’s GPA falls below 3.0, the candidate will be notified of his/her being subject to academic review. Academic review will result in assignment of restricted status or dismissal. A candidate on academic restriction is expected to take immediate steps to raise their GPA. This can be done by (1) earning enough grades of B+ or A, or (2) retaking the course(s) in which low grades were earned and achieving a B or better. NOTE: while a grade of B in any subsequent course may raise a GPA that is below 3.0, it may not by itself be sufficient to raise the GPA to 3.0 or above. A candidate is allowed up to 12 credit hours of work to raise his or her GPA above 3.0 after being placed on academic restriction. If after attempting 12 credit hours the GPA has not been raised to 3.0, the candidate will be dismissed from the program.

In addition, if a candidate earns any grades below B- in the Master of Arts in Teaching program, they will be subject to review by the teacher education faculty and placed on academic probation or dismissed from the program. One grade of C+ will be accepted by the program, on probationary status. If the candidate earns a second grade below B-, they will be permitted to re-take the course one time. Candidates who do not re-take the designated course or who do not achieve a grade of B- or better in the course(s) are subject to dismissal from the program. Candidates who earn a third grade below B- will be dismissed from the program.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate appropriate professional dispositions in coursework and fieldwork throughout their program as follows:

(1) Responsibility

(2) Integrity

(3) Enthusiasm

(4) Communication

(5) Reflection

Any behaviors that are in obvious deviation from the teacher candidate dispositions stated above may result in assignment of probationary status or dismissal. Any candidate who does not demonstrate the dispositions necessary to assume the responsibilities of a classroom teacher will be subject to review by the teacher education faculty and may be placed on probation or dismissed from the program. The candidate will be informed of any decision or recommendation by the teacher education faculty.

TRANSFER CREDITS

Acceptance of credits will be determined on an individual basis. No more than six (6) graduate credits will be accepted from another institution. A grade of B or better is required for acceptance of any transfer credits.

 

Adolescence and Special Education M.A.T. Program Faculty


QUINN AUSTERMANN Professional Lecturer of Education. Degrees: B.S., University of Connecticut, M.A., University of Connecticut, Ph.D., University of Connecticut

MICHELLE BAHN Adjunct Instructor. Degrees: B.A., California State University, M.S.Ed., Mount Saint Mary College

MICHAEL BURNS Adjunct Instructor. Degrees: B.A., SUNY Fredonia University; M.S.Ed., SUNY New Paltz; Ph.D., The State University at Albany

JAMIE CONWAY Adjunct Instructor. Degrees: B.A., Marist College; M.S., The State University at Albany

VICTORIA FERRARA Adjunct Instructor. Degrees: B.A., Eastern University; M.S., State University of New York at Albany; Ph.D. Capella University

JOELLE FINGERHUT Assistant Professor of Education. Degrees: B.A., Ithaca College, M.S.Ed., Simmons University, Ph.D., University at Albany

DANA GATHERS Assistant Professor of Education. Degrees: B.A., Temple University; M.S.Ed., CUNY Brooklyn College; Ph.D. Fordham University

JOSHUA LONG Adjunct Instructor. Degrees: B.S., Pennsylvania State University, M.S.Music Ed., Pennsylvania State University, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University

JOHN MARALLO Adjunct Instructor. Degrees: B.S., State University of New York at New Paltz; M.S., State University of New York at New Paltz

KARI MORRISON Director of Clinical Teacher Preparation. Degrees:  B.S., University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, M.S., University of Minnesota, Ed.D., Walden University.

KELLY MURRAY Adjunct Faculty. Degrees: B.A., Marist College; M.S., Marist College; Ed.D. Seton Hall University

KATHRYN NIXON Adjunct Instructor. Degrees: B.A., Marist College; M.A., Western Connecticut State University

HEATHER O’CONNOR Adjunct Instructor. Degrees: B.A., Marist College; M.A., Marist College

 

 

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