This dual-certification master of arts program prepares you to teach Social Studies and Special Education for grades 7–12. Learn pedagogical theories and methods that address the needs of students with disabilities and other learning challenges and build a strong foundation in social studies, history, and education. This program leads to eligibility for New York State initial teaching certification. You may also choose to pursue an additional extension to teach social studies in grades 5 and 6.
A teacher residency program and degrees offering dual certification with Educational Theatre are also available.
Official Degree Title
Master of Arts in Teaching Social Studies and Teaching Students with Disabilities, Grades 7–12, Initial Certification
Degree
MA
Application Deadline
Fall Start:
January 15
Plan Code
SOCG
Credits
41
Format
Full-time or Part-time
Contact
Program Information
teachlearn.gradadvise@nyu.eduAdmissions Requirements
You must have completed the following content core requirements for your intended teaching certification area, as regulated by the New York State Education Department, prior to enrollment:
- 15 semester hours of history and geography of the US and the world
- 3 semester hours of government, politics, or political science
- 3 semester hours of economics
- 3 additional semester hours of history, geography, government, politics, political science, economics, sociology, or anthropology
- 6 semester hours of English
- 6 semester hours of mathematics (includes statistics)
- 6 semester hours of natural or physical sciences
See more on content core requirements.
The Admissions Committee performs a full transcript review to evaluate courses appearing on all college transcripts. Advanced Placement (AP) and CLEP credits are included in the review. Therefore, it is important to provide official transcripts from all institutions attended. Failure to provide an official transcript from institutions listed on your current transcript as transfer credits will significantly delay the application process.
Any deficiencies in the teacher certification core content requirements may be fulfilled by enrolling in college-level courses at any accredited college or by completing approved CLEP exams. Courses must bear academic credit and show a grade, equivalent to "C" or better for consideration. Pass/Fail courses are not considered. See more information about CLEP exams.
Unfortunately, NYU Steinhardt cannot perform a transcript review prior to you applying to our program. Transcripts will be reviewed in detail, as part of the application process, by the Admissions Committee.
We review all applications individually and holistically, but our expectation is that successful candidates for admission to any NYU Steinhardt MA program in teacher education will have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate grade point average. Special consideration may be granted to strong candidates with a GPA below 3.0.
How to Apply
These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the special instructions for international applicants.
Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.
1. Prepare Your Application
Résumé/CV
You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
Statement of Purpose
You are required to upload a typed, double-spaced, two- to three-page statement explaining your purpose in undertaking graduate study in this particular program as part of your application. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and to inform the admissions committee about your goals, interests, and career plans as they relate to your intended academic pursuits.
Please tell us more abour your interest in Teaching Social Studies and Teaching Students with Disabilities. Discuss any experiences you've had with people with disabilites or tell us about your goals for working with students with disabilites after you complete your studies.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit two letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions on submitting letters of recommendation.
Transcripts
Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary institution (college/university) you have attended or are attending. Please note: This includes transcripts from institutions where you received transfer credits or did not complete a degree. Make sure to request an official copy of the transcript(s) in advance of the deadline.
Transfer Credits
We understand accepted transfer credits may be clearly listed on your degree awarding institution’s transcript. The Office of Graduate Admissions still requires a transcript from the initial credit-granting institution where you took the course(s). Delay in listing and uploading these transcripts can significantly delay the application review process.
Institutions Outside the US or Canada
If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE international credentials evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.
GRE or MAT
The GRE or MAT is NOT Required.
Proficiency in English
See testing requirements.
2. Apply
Application
After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application. Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.
Application Fee
You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our fee waiver policy.
Mailing Additional Items
If any application materials need to be mailed to our office, mail the materials to NYU Steinhardt, Office of Graduate Admissions, 82 Washington Square East, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003-6680. Please do not mail your materials in binders or folders. Any mailed materials must be received by, not postmarked by, the stated deadline. Only completed applications will be considered and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt of mailed materials.
Application Policies
Policies
Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.
Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application. Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted and is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.
Deferral policy: NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, by the application deadline.
3. Receive Your Admission Decision
Decision
You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late November for Spring semester enrollment and in late March or early April for Summer or Fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.