Master's in Education at Manhattan College: Programs, Outcomes & More

New York State projects a need for 180,000 new teachers by 2026, but enrollment in teacher preparation programs has dropped 53%. This gap provides strong leverage for candidates who earn certification. Manhattan College’s School of Education offers a direct response: CAEP-accredited master's in education programs built for working teachers. Concentrations in special education, secondary education, and educational leadership prioritize practical experience and social justice in urban schools. In New York, where advanced degrees increase earning potential and job security, program selection is a high-stakes decision.

Master's in Education Programs at Manhattan College

Manhattan College’s School of Education equips graduate students to become effective educators, counselors, and leaders in diverse school settings. The curriculum integrates theory with hands-on practice, rooted in a commitment to social justice and urban education. Whether you are seeking initial teaching certification, adding a special education credential, or moving into school counseling, the college offers focused master’s pathways that align with New York State requirements.

Special Education and Inclusive Practices

Manhattan College's master's in special education program, the Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.), prepares teachers to support students with a range of learning needs. This 39-credit program¹ covers assessment, instructional strategies, and behavioral interventions, and includes required Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) training.² Graduates are eligible for New York State certification in special education. For undergraduates, a combined Bachelor of Science/M.S.Ed. in Childhood/Special Education offers an accelerated route: students earn both degrees in five years, completing 154 credits³ and 100 hours of clinical experience.²

School Counseling and Mental Health Pathways

Beyond classroom teaching, Manhattan College offers two counseling-focused master’s degrees. The 60-credit Master of Arts in School Counseling can be completed in two to three years and leads to provisional school counseling certification.⁴ The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, also 60 credits, requires 700 hours of supervised clinical work and typically takes 30 to 36 months.⁵ Both programs emphasize ethical practice and culturally responsive approaches.

Program Length and Credit Requirements

Most standalone master’s programs range from 39 to 60 credits. Full-time students often complete degrees within two to three years, but the college accommodates working professionals through part-time enrollment. The maximum time allowed to finish a graduate education program is 60 months for domestic students; international students must finish within 24 months.⁶ This flexibility lets educators balance coursework with teaching or other commitments.

Clinical Experiences and NYC Connections

Every program embeds field experiences in New York City schools. Student teachers and counselors-in-training work in partner public, charter, and private schools, gaining practical skills under supervision. Small class sizes foster close mentorship, while coursework delves into the challenges and opportunities of urban education. This real-world focus helps graduates enter the job market ready to make a difference.

Program Formats: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Options

Graduate education has undergone a structural shift toward flexible delivery, enabling working teachers to advance their credentials without stepping away from the classroom. Manhattan College meets this reality by offering multiple M.Ed. formats, including fully online, on-campus, and blended options, each structured around the schedules of adult learners.¹

Delivery Formats: Online, On-Campus, and Blended

Manhattan College's School of Education allows students to pursue their M.Ed. through distinct tracks. Select programs are designated as 100% Online, requiring no campus visits and combining self-paced asynchronous coursework with optional synchronous sessions.¹² These online courses are fully remote, with academic support services available virtually. Other concentrations follow a blended model, which mixes in-person instruction with online components.² For students who prefer traditional classroom interaction, on-campus courses are held at the college's Riverdale location. Importantly, not every specialization is offered in every format; applicants should confirm availability for their intended concentration.

Scheduling Designed for Working Professionals

Class meetings are strategically scheduled in the late afternoon and evening, typically from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, allowing educators to attend after the school day ends. Weekend options are also available. To accelerate progress, many courses run in 7-week terms, enabling continuous enrollment and faster degree completion.¹ Both full-time and part-time pacing are possible, making it feasible to balance teaching and grad school.

In-Person Requirements and Field Experiences

While the fully online track eliminates campus visits, blended programs require periodic in-person attendance.¹ Additionally, any M.Ed. path leading to New York State teacher certification will include required field components, such as student teaching or supervised practicums, which must be completed in person at approved school sites.¹ Manhattan College coordinates these placements to align with students' geographic locations whenever possible.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Net Cost

Graduate-level education courses at Manhattan College cost $1,330 per credit¹. Most master's in education programs require between 30 and 36 credits, so total tuition ranges from approximately $39,900 to $47,880 depending on the specific track. Several additional fees apply each term and should be factored into your budget.

Cost Per Credit and Estimated Total

The per-credit charge of $1,330 is the foundation of your cost¹. A typical M.Ed. candidate taking 12 credits per year would see annual tuition of $15,960. If spread over two years with a steady credit load, the full program falls within the $40,000 to $48,000 range before any aid or scholarships.

Additional Fees to Budget

Beyond tuition, plan for a $75 application fee when you submit your materials¹. Once enrolled, a comprehensive fee is assessed each term: $315 for 1 to 8 credits or $630 for 9 or more credits¹. Non-matriculated students pay an additional $260 per semester¹. Official transcript requests carry a $5 fee¹. These costs are modest compared to tuition but can add several hundred dollars per semester.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Manhattan College provides an automatic scholarship equal to 10% of tuition for many M.Ed. students, which is applied directly to your bill². Federal loans, including unsubsidized Direct Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, are available through the FAFSA. The college also offers graduate assistantships and payment plans that spread charges across the semester. As a teacher preparation program, you may qualify for federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness or New York State-specific loan repayment incentives once you are employed in a qualifying school.

Net Cost After Scholarships

With the automatic 10% scholarship², tuition effectively drops to about $1,197 per credit. For a 30-credit program, that means tuition of roughly $35,910; for 36 credits, about $43,092. Adding typical fees over four semesters, most full-time M.Ed. students can expect a net cost between $37,000 and $45,000 before any need-based grants or assistantship stipends are applied.

Regional Cost Comparison

For context, private graduate education programs in the New York City area typically charge between $1,200 and $1,800 per credit. Manhattan College sits at the moderate to lower end of this spectrum, making it a competitive option compared to other private institutions in the region without sacrificing the benefits of a small, focused School of Education.

Faculty Credentials and Student Support

Manhattan College's School of Education pairs small class environments with a team of scholar-practitioners who blend academic rigor with hands-on K-12 classroom insight. The 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio¹ keeps seminar-style discussions personal, while a deep advising system guides you from enrollment through licensure.

Faculty Qualifications and Experience

Across Manhattan College, 93 percent of full-time professors hold doctorate-level degrees², and the School of Education reflects that same commitment to terminal credentials. Faculty research centers on leadership, assessment, professional development, and school improvement: areas that directly inform coursework and field projects. Most instructors also bring years of K-12 teaching and administrative experience, so assignments are grounded in the realities of today's classrooms and school systems.

Student Support Model

The program uses a dual-advisor system³, pairing you with both a faculty mentor in your specialization and a professional academic advisor who tracks degree progress, certification requirements, and course sequencing. This layered approach means you always have a clear road map and someone who understands your career goals.

• Career counseling: Available through the Center for Career Development in Thomas Hall, Suite 330¹, with services aligned to education-specific job markets.
• Mental health support: Individual and group counseling sessions are offered in Miguel Hall, Room 501¹, recognizing the pressures graduate students often balance.
• Tutoring and writing help: Discipline-specific tutoring and writing support are accessible through the college's academic resource centers, ensuring you can refine research and writing skills at any point in your program.

Admissions Requirements and How to Apply

Applying to Manhattan College's Master's in Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) programs is straightforward. The admissions committee reviews candidates holistically, but there are clear materials and deadlines to meet. Here's what you need to know.

Required Application Materials

To complete your file, gather the following: - Official transcripts: You must submit transcripts from every college or university you attended, showing completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Transcripts should be sent directly from the issuing institution or uploaded as official copies. - Minimum GPA: A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.¹ If your GPA falls below this threshold, you may still be considered, but you should address the circumstances in your personal statement. - Letters of recommendation: One to two letters are required.² These should come from academic or professional references who can speak to your potential for graduate study and teaching. - Personal statement: Write a 500-word essay explaining your interest in the education field, your career goals, and why you are a good fit for Manhattan College's program. The statement should also highlight any relevant experiences or attributes. - No GRE required: The program does not require GRE scores, making the application process more accessible for working educators.² - Teaching experience: Prior teaching experience is not a prerequisite, so applicants from all backgrounds are welcome.²

Application Deadlines and Process

Manhattan College reviews applications on a continuous, rolling basis.³ The priority deadline for fall admission is August 10. For spring and summer starts, you should apply as early as possible, as spaces may fill. The entire process is online: - Complete the online graduate application.² - Pay the non-refundable $75 application fee.² - Upload all supporting documents through the application portal. - No interview is required;³ the decision is based on your submitted materials.

To ensure full consideration, submit your materials well before the deadline, as the rolling review means offers are made throughout the year.

International Student Requirements

If you are an international applicant, you will need to meet additional criteria to demonstrate English language proficiency. The minimum TOEFL iBT score accepted is 80.¹ Equivalent scores on other tests, such as the IELTS, may also be accepted; check the Manhattan College graduate admissions requirements for specifics. You should also contact the admissions office to confirm any additional documentation needed, such as credential evaluations.

Career Outcomes for Education Graduates

Manhattan College education alumni step into rewarding careers across New York's top school districts and beyond. The numbers below reflect strong outcomes and a high return on investment.

Licensure and Certification Pathways

New York State recently reshaped its teacher certification process by eliminating the edTPA requirement and shifting responsibility for performance assessment to individual preparation programs.⁴ This change affects all aspiring educators, including those completing Manhattan College’s Master’s in Education programs and preparing for various teacher certification exams.

Certification Pathways

Manhattan College’s M.Ed. programs are NYSED-approved and lead directly to New York State Initial Teacher Certification, the credential required for public school teaching.¹ Graduate students complete coursework in pedagogy, content methodology, and clinical experiences. Required exams include the Educating All Students (EAS) test, measuring readiness to teach diverse student populations.¹ Because New York no longer requires the edTPA, Manhattan College has integrated its own program-level performance assessments, such as capstone projects and classroom-based demonstrations, to verify candidate readiness.¹

From Initial to Professional Certification

Initial Certification is the first step. Manhattan College’s M.Ed. automatically satisfies the master’s degree requirement for the Professional Certificate, New York’s advanced lifelong teaching credential. After three years of full-time teaching and a mentored induction program, graduates can apply for Professional Certification, maintained through ongoing professional development.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

Manhattan College’s educator preparation programs are nationally accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), awarded in 2022 for a seven-year term.² AAQEP accreditation confirms high standards in curriculum, faculty, and candidate outcomes. While not CAEP-accredited, AAQEP is a recognized accrediting body, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for licensure and the classroom.

Out-of-State Reciprocity

Graduates seeking licensure outside New York benefit from the portability of the state’s certification.³ Through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, teacher license reciprocity allows New York certification to be accepted in many other states. Some states may require additional coursework, exams, or background checks; the School of Education provides guidance to help graduates navigate these specific requirements.

Exam pass rates and detailed performance data are not currently reported at the program level. Prospective students should contact the education department directly for the most recent candidate performance information.

How Manhattan College Compares to Fordham University's Education Program

When choosing between two prominent New York City-area graduate education programs, prospective teachers often compare Manhattan College in Riverdale with Fordham University, a fellow Jesuit institution with a strong presence in the Bronx and Manhattan. Both schools share a commitment to service and teaching, but their master's in education offerings differ in cost, delivery, and specialization. A thorough side-by-side comparison requires consulting each school's official resources, as program details can shift between academic years. The guidance below outlines where to find reliable, current information to make an informed decision.

Comparing Tuition and Program Costs

Cost is typically the first comparison point. For the 2025-2026 academic year, Manhattan College's graduate per-credit rate ranges from $1,130 to $1,540, with total program costs reported between $47,880 and $55,440 depending on the number of credits.¹ However, these figures may not include all fees, and Fordham's tuition structure differs. For detailed fee information, visit Manhattan College's official bursar page Manhattan College official bursar page or Fordham's graduate tuition page. These pages typically include comprehensive fee breakdowns and current cohort information. When comparing, note whether the program charges per credit or a flat annual rate, as this affects total expense, especially for part-time students.

Evaluating Career Outcomes and Employment Data

To assess return on investment, examine graduate earnings and employment rates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) offers median salaries for education occupations nationally, but these are not program-specific. For institution-level outcomes, seek each school's own "career outcomes" reports or institutional research pages. Manhattan College and Fordham University each publish data on their graduates, though availability may vary. Program-level earnings data for education master's recipients are often compiled in fact sheets or accreditation reports. Keep in mind that outcomes can differ markedly by specialization: special education and secondary education may show different employment trajectories, so focus on the specific track you intend to pursue.

Specializations, Faculty Ratios, and Academic Fit

The variety of master's specializations is another key differentiator. Manhattan College's education graduate programs are housed within Arts and Sciences and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, offering a relatively focused set of options. Fordham's Graduate School of Education provides a broader array of concentrations. To compare, consult each institution's academic catalog or program fact sheets. Student-faculty ratio, a proxy for mentorship, is often listed in these documents or on sites like U.S. News. A quick search for "Manhattan College education program ranking" or "Fordham University education ranking" on such aggregators can yield side-by-side metrics, but always verify against official university sources, as ranking methodologies vary.

Distinguishing Features: Jesuit Tradition and Urban Setting

Both institutions share a Jesuit identity centered on cura personalis, intellectual rigor, and service learning. To understand how this is woven into their education programs, explore each university's mission page or the Jesuits.org portal. Manhattan College highlights its close-knit campus along the Riverdale waterfront and a strong network within New York City schools. Fordham, with its Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses, offers immersive urban teaching experiences. These distinguishing features, often detailed in "About Us" or "Values" sections, can help you decide which environment best supports your professional goals and personal commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manhattan College's M.ed. Programs

Below are answers to common questions about Manhattan College's graduate education programs, including formats, costs, and admissions. Use these to help determine if the school is a fit for your career goals.

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