Your Complete Guide to Master's in Education at College of Staten Island CUNY

The College of Staten Island (CSI) offers the only public graduate education programs on Staten Island, giving borough educators a local, affordable path to advanced certification. For teachers in New York State, a master’s degree is required for the Professional Certificate, which follows the initial five-year license.

CSI’s MSEd and advanced certificate programs align with hiring needs in NYC public schools. Specializations in Childhood Education, Special Education, TESOL, and School Leadership emphasize hands-on experience in local classrooms, so graduates build professional networks and a deep understanding of the Region 7 school community.

Because the curriculum meets state certification standards, a CSI degree acts as more than a credential; it signals to hiring committees that you have been vetted for the demands of Staten Island’s schools. This makes the degree a direct investment in career stability and salary growth.

Master's in Education at CSI: Programs, Specializations, and Faculty

The School of Education at the College of Staten Island CUNY prepares educators to meet the needs of New York City’s diverse classrooms, with a special focus on the communities of Staten Island and Region 7.¹ The school’s mission is to develop reflective, equity-minded teachers who can thrive in urban settings, and many graduates go on to serve in schools across Staten Island, Brooklyn, and even New Jersey.¹ Through a blend of rigorous coursework and hands-on classroom experience, CSI’s graduate programs in education are built to help you become a licensed, confident educator ready for today’s challenges.

Master’s Degree Options

CSI offers a range of Master of Science in Education (MSEd) programs designed for different career stages and teaching goals.² Whether you’re just starting your journey or adding a new certification area, you’ll find a pathway that fits.

• Early Childhood Education MSEd: This program prepares teachers to work with children from birth through grade 2. It is offered entirely online, making it accessible for working professionals.⁴
• Childhood Education MSEd (Sequence Two): Designed for those who already hold initial certification in childhood education, this program deepens your expertise in child development and instructional practice. A concentration in Learning and Development is available.⁵
• Adolescence Education MSEd: For educators focusing on grades 7-12, this program offers concentrations in content areas such as Biology. Depending on your prior certification, the program sequence requires 33 to 38 credits.²
• Special Education All Grades MSEd: This 33-credit program equips teachers to support students with disabilities across all grade levels. It leads to full certification in special education.²
• TESOL MSEd: Tailored for those who want to teach English to speakers of other languages, this program addresses language acquisition and culturally responsive teaching methods.²

Credit requirements for CSI’s education graduate programs vary by specialization and your entry point, generally ranging from 15 to 48 credits.² Each program integrates fieldwork so you can apply your learning in real classrooms right away.

Faculty Expertise

CSI’s education faculty bring deep experience and research focus to their teaching. Program coordinators include:

• Diane Brescia, who oversees the School of Education and contributes expertise in curriculum design and program development.³
• Deborah DeSimone, coordinator for Adolescence Education, with a background in secondary pedagogy and content-area literacy.³
• Stephanie Schmier, who leads the Childhood Education MSEd and specializes in culturally sustaining literacy practices.³

Other faculty like Fumio Someki (Special Education) and Rocio Rana Risso (TESOL) bring internationally recognized research in autism intervention and bilingual education, respectively.³ These scholars often partner with local schools on grant-funded projects, ensuring CSI’s programs remain connected to the evolving needs of New York City educators.

Learning in the Field

A hallmark of CSI’s teacher preparation is the emphasis on clinical practice. The School of Education maintains robust partnerships with public and private schools across Staten Island, giving you access to diverse student teaching placements. Faculty work closely with mentor teachers to ensure your fieldwork aligns with coursework, helping you build a strong professional network before you graduate.

Online, Hybrid, and Evening Options for Working Teachers

Some educators need the freedom of fully online coursework, while others prefer the structure of on-campus evening sessions. The College of Staten Island offers graduate education programs across all three formats, allowing current teachers to advance their credentials while balancing teaching and grad school.

Fully Online Programs

Two Master's programs at CSI can be completed entirely online. The Early Childhood Education MSEd and the TESOL MSEd (Non-Certification) are delivered through synchronous online sessions, typically held in the evenings to accommodate work schedules.¹ Both follow a part-time-friendly pace, though full-time enrollment is possible. Online students complete the same curriculum as their on-campus peers, including any required field experiences arranged near their home communities.³

Hybrid Formats

Hybrid programs blend online coursework with periodic in-person meetings. The Childhood Education MSEd combines remote learning with on-campus sessions, and it includes a planned Teacher Residency Program as an accelerated master's in education option (starting semester to be announced).¹ The Leadership in Education Advanced Certificate is likewise hybrid: the majority of classes meet online via remote evening sessions, with in-person classes held on Saturdays.² This compressed schedule suits working professionals seeking a 30-credit certificate.²

On-Campus Evening and Saturday Classes

For those who learn best in face-to-face settings, the Adolescence Education MSEd and Special Education MSEd are offered on campus. Most classes meet in the late afternoon or evening, and some may be scheduled on weekends. While these programs require a regular commute to Staten Island, they provide direct access to faculty and campus resources.

Part-Time Study and Time to Completion

All CSI graduate education programs permit part-time enrollment, with per-credit tuition that scales to your course load.¹ Part-time students commonly take 3 to 6 credits per semester, extending the time to degree to roughly two-and-a-half to four years, depending on total credits required (33 for TESOL,¹ 30 for the leadership certificate²). Full-time students taking 9 credits per term can finish in about two years, though some accelerate by taking summer courses when available. No accelerated tracks are currently guaranteed across the board, so planning with an advisor is essential.

Field Placement Considerations

Regardless of delivery mode, programs leading to New York State certification, such as Early Childhood Education or Special Education, require in-person student teaching or practicum hours.⁴ Even in fully online programs, you will need to complete these placements in a local school setting. The School of Education helps coordinate placements, but no program eliminates the in-person fieldwork requirement.

How CSI Compares: CUNY Education Programs Across the Boroughs

How does the College of Staten Island's M.Ed. compare to other CUNY education programs in cost and specializations? Understanding the landscape helps you find the right fit between affordability and program focus.

Tuition and Fees at a Glance

For the 2024-2025 academic year, graduate tuition per credit varies slightly across CUNY schools. Hunter College charges $520 per credit plus a $50 fee¹, making it the highest among major education programs. The College of Staten Island, Brooklyn College, Queens College, and City College each charge $470 per credit². Based on a typical 30-credit master's degree, CSI's total tuition would be approximately $14,100, compared to roughly $15,650 at Hunter.

These per-credit costs exclude additional university fees, which vary by campus but generally add a few hundred dollars per semester. All CUNY schools offer the same in-state tuition rate for New York residents, and out-of-state students may pay a surcharge.

Program Focus and Specializations

While accreditation and core teacher preparation are consistent, each CUNY education school has distinct strengths. Hunter College is widely recognized for its comprehensive education school, offering specializations in Special Education, TESOL/Multilingual Education, Elementary and Early Childhood, Educational Administration, and Counseling. Delivery is primarily on-campus with some hybrid options; fully online formats are not available.

Brooklyn College has built a strong reputation in literacy education, while Queens College is often noted for bilingual extensions and programs serving diverse multilingual communities. City College offers robust secondary STEM education pathways. The College of Staten Island provides a range of M.Ed. specializations with flexible delivery including evening and online courses designed for working teachers.

Accreditation and Certification

Every CUNY education program holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or its predecessor NCATE. This ensures that graduates meet rigorous national standards and are eligible for New York State teacher certification upon completing state requirements. Whether you choose Staten Island, Hunter, Brooklyn, Queens, or City College, your degree will prepare you for the same certification exams and licensure pathways.

The Staten Island Advantage

For Staten Island residents, CSI offers a significant cost advantage beyond tuition. Avoiding bridge tolls, ferry fares, or long subway commutes to other boroughs saves both time and money over the life of a graduate program. When total cost of attendance is calculated, including transportation, CSI often emerges as the most affordable option for those living on Staten Island. This makes CSI a practical choice for educators who want to advance their careers without the added expense and hassle of long-distance travel.

Questions to Ask Yourself

What You Can Earn: Teacher Salaries and Demand in Staten Island

Earning a Master's in Education can significantly increase your salary as a teacher in New York City, where pay scales reward advanced degrees such as master's in education programs in New York. Whether you plan to teach in Staten Island public schools or elsewhere in the metro area, a graduate degree positions you for higher earnings and opens doors to specialized roles.

Earnings for CSI Education Graduates

Program-specific salary information for College of Staten Island Master's in Education graduates is not yet reported. However, broader data shows that CSI alumni across all fields earn a median of about $53,500 ten years after starting their studies. Many of those graduates enter education, where salaries in the New York region typically surpass that figure, especially with a master's degree.

New York Metro Area Teacher Salaries

The New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area offers some of the highest teacher salaries in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers earn a mean annual wage of $96,450¹, while special education teachers in the area bring in even more, with a mean of $107,900¹. At the state level, median pay for middle school teachers is $82,600², and high school teachers earn a median of $98,400². Special education salaries vary by grade: middle school special education teachers earn a median of $91,300², while those at the high school level earn $79,800². These figures underscore the financial advantage of teaching in the region.

NYC Public School Teacher Salaries

New York City Department of Education offers a starting salary of $70,711³ for a teacher with a master's degree and no prior teaching experience. Salaries increase with each year of service and can be boosted further by earning additional graduate credits beyond the master's. Teachers with a master's plus 30 credits, for example, reach higher steps on the pay scale more quickly. Long-term educators can eventually exceed $100,000, particularly in high-need subjects or leadership roles, reflecting a substantial master's in education salary.

Strong Demand for Educators

The market for teachers in the New York metro area remains robust. Over 106,000¹ elementary school teachers are employed across the region, along with thousands of special education positions¹. Demand is especially acute in Staten Island and other boroughs for special education, bilingual education, and STEM fields. This steady need means graduates from CSI's education programs can often find jobs with a masters in education without relocating.

• Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Educators who work in low-income schools, including many in NYC, may qualify for federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness of up to $17,500, reducing the financial burden of graduate school.

New York State Teacher Certification With a CSI Degree

New York State issues teaching credentials through a two-tier system: Initial Certification, the entry-level license for new educators, and Professional Certification, the advanced license for experienced teachers. The College of Staten Island's Master of Science in Education (MSEd) programs are designed to align with both tiers, so you can earn the credential that matches your career stage. The pathway you follow depends on your prior preparation: some programs build toward your first classroom license, while others deepen expertise for teachers who are already certified.

Understanding Initial and Professional Certification

Initial Certification is valid for five years and is not renewable. It marks you as ready to enter the classroom and requires completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, meeting teacher certification exam and workshop mandates, and passing a background check. Professional Certification is the permanent, advanced-level credential. To earn it, you must hold an Initial Certificate, complete a related master's degree (such as an MSEd from CSI), have three years of teaching experience including one year of mentored induction, and successfully complete any required performance assessments. CSI's graduate education programs are structured to lead directly to one or both of these milestones.

Which CSI Programs Lead to Initial Certification?

Several MSEd programs at CSI prepare candidates for their very first teaching certificate. The Early Childhood Education MSEd (Birth-Grade 2) and Childhood Education MSEd (Sequence 2) each lead to New York State Initial Certification in their respective grade bands.¹² The Adolescence Education MSEd (Sequence 2) prepares you for a career as a high school teacher in subjects like Biology, English, Mathematics, and Social Studies.³ The TESOL MSEd (Tracks 1 and 2) and the Special Education Childhood MSEd (Sequence 2) both lead to initial certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PreK-12) and Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6), respectively.⁴

Pathways to Professional Certification

If you already hold an Initial Certificate, CSI offers targeted pathways to upgrade to the Professional level. The Childhood Education MSEd (Sequence 1) is designed for practicing elementary teachers who are seeking Professional Certification in Childhood (Grades 1-6).⁵ Additionally, advanced certificate programs can expand or add credentials. The TESOL Advanced Certificate allows certified teachers to earn the TESOL PreK-12 certification⁶, while the Leadership in Education Advanced Certificate leads to the School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL) certifications⁷ for those aiming at administrative roles.

Additional Requirements Beyond Coursework

Earning any teaching certificate through CSI involves more than just completing classes. All teacher candidates must pass the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA), a portfolio-based evaluation of planning, instruction, and assessment. You will also complete a supervised student teaching placement (or a practicum if you are already teaching) and undergo fingerprinting for a criminal background check. New York State also requires completion of specific workshops: Child Abuse Identification and Reporting, School Violence Prevention and Intervention, and Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) training. The CSI School of Education guides you through each requirement as part of the program sequence.

Alternative Certification and CSI

Alternative teacher certification pathways like the New York City Teaching Fellows program allow professionals to enter the classroom while working toward certification. The College of Staten Island does not have a formal partnership with any alternative certification program.² However, graduates who complete a CSI teacher preparation program can follow the standard certification route and are well-prepared for the job market. If you are considering a non-traditional path, you can still pursue a CSI degree independently to meet the master's degree requirement for Professional Certification later.

Admission Requirements for CSI Graduate Education Programs

What are the admission requirements for CSI’s Master’s in Education programs?

The College of Staten Island maintains clear admission standards for its graduate education programs, ensuring candidates are prepared for advanced study and New York State certification. Requirements vary slightly depending on the specialization, so reviewing the specific track is essential. Below is an overview of the core criteria and materials needed to submit a competitive application for 2026 enrollment.

GPA and Testing Requirements

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required for all MSEd programs at CSI.¹ Applicants who fall slightly below this threshold may still be considered if they demonstrate strong professional experience or other compensating factors. The GRE General Test is a required component²; scores must be sent directly to the college. While there is no published minimum score, competitive applicants typically perform above the 50th percentile. Note that some tracks, such as TESOL, may not mandate the GRE; always confirm current requirements with the School of Education.

Certification and Prerequisites

Eligibility for many CSI education programs hinges on New York State initial certification status.² For example, tracks in Curriculum and Instruction and certain specializations require that candidates already hold a valid NYS initial teaching certificate.² Other pathways, like the TESOL Track 2 MSEd, do not require prior certification but do expect foundational coursework in areas such as special education, learning and development, social foundations of education, and literacy or linguistics.² Prospective students without this background may need to complete prerequisite courses before beginning the master’s sequence.

Application Components

A complete application package includes the following: - Official transcripts: From all previously attended institutions, showing a completed bachelor’s degree. - Personal statement: A focused essay explaining your professional goals and reasons for pursuing graduate study at CSI. - Letters of recommendation: Typically two or three, from academic or professional references who can speak to your readiness for advanced work. - Current resume: Highlighting teaching experience, certifications, and relevant volunteer or leadership roles. - Entrance exam scores: GRE score report (if applicable), submitted through ETS.¹

Some programs may request additional materials, such as a writing sample or evidence of language proficiency for TESOL tracks.²

Deadlines

The priority application deadline for fall admission is February 1, 2026. While CSI reviews applications on a rolling basis after this date, submitting by the priority deadline ensures full consideration for financial aid and program placement. Spring admission is available for select specializations, with deadlines typically in October; contact the School of Education directly for the most current spring dates. All materials must be received by the deadline, so plan ahead for GRE registration and transcript processing times.

What You’ll Pay: Graduate Tuition and Financial Aid at CSI

Paying the full sticker price for a master’s degree is one path, but most graduate students at the College of Staten Island piece together a blend of grants, loans, and assistantships to cover the actual cost. Understanding the published rates and the aid landscape helps you build a realistic budget that rarely matches the headline number.

Graduate Tuition and Fees at a Glance

For the 2025-2026 academic year, in-state graduate tuition at CSI is $470 per credit (see CSI’s graduate tuition and fee schedule), putting a standard 30-credit master’s degree at $14,100 in tuition alone. You’ll also pay mandatory fees each semester: a $15 consolidated university fee, a $125 technology fee, and a variable student activities fee that generally runs under $100. If you enroll full time and spread the program across three semesters, those fees add roughly $420 to $560 to your total. All in, plan on about $14,500 to $15,000 for tuition and required fees, a figure that holds steady across most CUNY senior colleges, reflecting consistent CUNY graduate tuition rates, making it one of the most affordable options in the New York metro area.

Financial Aid Options for Education Students

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 per academic year, with interest accruing during enrollment.
• TEACH Grants: Eligible education majors who commit to teaching in a high-need field at a low-income school may receive up to $4,000 per year. Note that strict service requirements apply, and failure to fulfill them converts the grant to a loan.
• NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): New York residents can apply for TAP grants, which award several hundred dollars annually to qualifying graduate students.
• CSI-Specific Support: Although no dedicated education scholarships are currently listed, graduate students can compete for CSI Foundation scholarships, apply for graduate assistantships that offer tuition remission and a stipend, or explore CUNY-wide fellowships through the Graduate Center. The School of Education occasionally advertises departmental awards, so direct inquiry is worthwhile.

Estimating Your True Out-of-Pocket Cost

The $15,000 sticker price is already a fraction of what private universities charge, but typical aid packages drive it down further. A TEACH Grant recipient, for instance, could shave $8,000 off the total over two years, while TAP and a modest assistantship might cover the remainder. Because exact net price figures vary by individual, the best approach is to file the FAFSA early and speak with a CSI financial aid counselor. They can model scenarios based on your eligibility, helping you see that a CUNY master’s in education often leaves graduates with manageable debt and a strong salary outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions About CSI Education Degrees

Planning your graduate education at the College of Staten Island? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about master’s in education programs, costs, admissions, certification, and how CSI fits within the CUNY system.

Other College of Staten Island CUNY Schools

Related Articles