Master's in Education at CUNY Brooklyn College: Explore All Programs

At roughly half the per-credit tuition of neighboring private universities, Brooklyn College’s graduate education programs reduce the cost of entry, but the deeper decision often lies in whether to pursue initial certification or an advanced specialization. Since 1930, the School of Education has prepared educators for New York City’s evolving classrooms, and current projections of 10,000 to 12,000 additional teachers needed in 2026 underscore the urgency of that work. Programs span childhood education, literacy, special education, school counseling, and leadership, each aligned with New York State certification requirements. Licensure exam outcomes, not just the degree, determine who enters a city classroom, and those numbers vary sharply by preparation pathway.

Master's in Education Specializations at Brooklyn College

Brooklyn College’s graduate education offerings, while technically awarded as M.S.Ed. or M.A. degrees rather than an M.Ed., cover a broad spectrum of specializations aligned with New York State teacher and school leader certifications.¹ Programs combine rigorous coursework with hands-on fieldwork in New York City schools, preparing candidates for the classroom, specialized support roles, and educational leadership.

Available Graduate Education Programs

• Early Childhood Education Teacher (Birth, Grade 2) M.S.Ed.: Prepares educators for early childhood classrooms, with optional pathways to bilingual, gifted, and special education extensions and an Advanced Certificate in Early Intervention and Parenting.
• Childhood Education Teacher (Grades 1, 6) , Bilingual Education M.S.Ed.: Equips teachers to lead dual-language elementary classrooms, leading to a bilingual extension on the Childhood Education (1-6) certificate.
• Childhood Education Teacher (Grades 1, 6) , Science and Environmental Education M.S.Ed.: A distinctive CUNY track integrating environmental and inquiry-based science into the elementary curriculum.
• School Counseling M.S.Ed.: Prepares school counselors for PreK, 12 settings in 60 credits; the Bilingual School Counseling specialization adds 6 credits and requires passing the NYS bilingual language proficiency test for certification.³
• Teacher of Students with Disabilities , Generalist (Grades 7, 12) M.S.Ed.: Trains secondary educators to support students with disabilities in inclusive and self-contained classrooms across multiple content areas.
• Teacher of Students with Disabilities in Early Childhood Education (Birth, Grade 2) M.S.Ed.: Focuses on special education for the youngest learners, leading to certification to teach students with disabilities from birth through grade 2.
• Educational Leadership: School Building Leader; School District Leader M.S.Ed.: Develops aspiring principals and district-level leaders with a concentration on instructional improvement and school management.
• Middle Childhood Education (Grades 5, 9) , General Science Teacher M.A.: Prepares candidates to teach multiple science disciplines at the middle school level.
• Biology Teacher (Grades 7, 12) M.A.: Combines advanced biology content with pedagogical training for secondary schools.
• Earth Science Teacher (Grades 7, 12) M.A.T.: The sole M.A.T. offering, focusing on earth science instruction for grades 7, 12.

New York State Certification Alignment

All programs are designed to meet New York State Education Department requirements for initial or professional certification. Curricula embed required fieldwork, student teaching, and performance assessments such as edTPA. For example, the early childhood program mandates student teaching with a grade of B or higher, fingerprint clearance, and passage of New York State Teacher Certification Exams.² Degree paths for school building and district leader certifications align with the state’s leadership standards and include internship hours in school settings.

Unique Concentrations and Specialized Tracks

Brooklyn College’s education programs include several focused options not widely available across CUNY. The early childhood M.S.Ed. allows candidates to add bilingual, gifted, or special education extensions, as well as an advanced certificate in early intervention and parenting. The childhood education program offers a science and environmental education track, a unique emphasis within CUNY at the elementary level. In school counseling, the bilingual specialization provides additional coursework and field experience, culminating in a certification that requires demonstrated language proficiency. These pathways let candidates tailor their graduate training to high-demand specializations and New York City’s diverse student populations, positioning Brooklyn College among the strongest master's in education programs in New York.

Flexible Learning Formats: Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid

Balancing Work and Graduate Study

Brooklyn College structures its graduate education programs to accommodate working educators. Most required courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening¹, and the typical part-time pace of one to two courses per term allows students to maintain full-time employment while progressing toward their degree¹. No master's in education program at Brooklyn College is delivered fully online as of the 2024, 2025 academic year¹, but hybrid options combine asynchronous online seminars with essential in-person fieldwork.

Hybrid and On-Campus Delivery Examples

The M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education Teacher (Birth, Grade 2) follows a hybrid model: theoretical coursework is completed online through deadline-based modules, while student teaching and field placements take place in early childhood settings across New York City.² Similarly, the childhood and bilingual teacher education pathways blend online academic work with school-based practica.¹ By contrast, the CACREP-accredited³ School Counseling M.S.Ed. operates entirely on campus, with every class meeting face-to-face.³ All teacher certification programs share a common requirement: in-person fieldwork or student teaching that cannot be fulfilled remotely.¹ For prospective students comparing CUNY campuses, Brooklyn College's approach differs from some sister institutions that have introduced fully online master's degrees. Candidates who require a completely remote option may need to examine offerings at other CUNY colleges, though Brooklyn College's hybrid formula appeals to those who want both flexibility and direct mentoring during clinical placements.

Support Structures for Busy Schedules

The School of Education recognizes that many graduate students juggle teaching jobs, family commitments, and coursework. Evening course times minimize disruption to the workday¹, and the hybrid design reduces the number of weekly trips to campus¹. Students also benefit from a predictable summer schedule and assigned faculty advisers who help map out a manageable course sequence¹. The asynchronous online components allow students to complete readings and assignments on their own timetable within weekly deadlines, further easing the pressure of a rigid class schedule¹. While Brooklyn College does not currently offer a fully online M.Ed.¹, the hybrid approach provides a middle ground: delivering content asynchronously for flexibility while preserving the hands-on clinical experiences that New York State certification demands¹.

How to Apply to Brooklyn College's School of Education

The application process for Brooklyn College's School of Education requires careful attention to program-specific requirements and deadlines. Follow these steps to prepare your application.

• Visit the official Brooklyn College website

  Start by navigating to the School of Education's graduate admissions page on the Brooklyn College website. There you'll find the most current application requirements, deadlines, and instructions for master's programs. Check back regularly, as details may be updated for each admission cycle.
• Contact the graduate admissions office

  Reach out directly to the School of Education's graduate admissions office via email or phone. Admissions staff can confirm specific prerequisites, required documents, and any program variations that may not be fully reflected online. This step helps avoid missing critical, program-specific instructions.
• Review the Graduate Bulletin

  Consult the Brooklyn College Graduate Bulletin (academic catalog) for authoritative information on program-specific prerequisites, course requirements, and application procedures. The bulletin provides the official, detailed framework for each master's program in education.
• Consult professional education resources

  For additional guidance on certification-related application steps, explore resources from professional organizations such as the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) or the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). These groups often publish helpful information about navigating teacher certification requirements that may intersect with your application.

Brooklyn College Graduate Tuition and Financial Aid

Brooklyn College offers one of the most affordable graduate tuition rates among CUNY schools, making it a compelling choice for educators seeking a high-value master’s degree. With transparent per-credit pricing and a predictable flat-rate model for full-time students, the School of Education helps you plan your investment without surprises.

Tuition Breakdown for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

Graduate tuition at Brooklyn College is charged per credit, with different rates for New York State residents and out-of-state students. For the M.S.Ed. programs, the per-credit cost is $470 for in-state residents and $855 for out-of-state residents. If you enroll full-time (9 or more credits), you can opt for a flat-rate semester charge of $5,545 for in-state students, which often reduces costs for those taking a heavier course load.¹

In addition to tuition, mandatory fees apply. A technology fee of $125 per semester (full-time) or $62.50 (part-time) supports digital resources. A consolidated services fee of $15 per semester covers administrative functions, and student activity fees range from $15 to $140. The nonrefundable application fee is $75. If you need to maintain matriculation while not actively taking classes, the fee is $225 for in-state and $370 for out-of-state students.

Estimating Total Program Cost

Most M.S.Ed. specializations require 30 to 36 credits, though some programs like Early Childhood Education can range from 30 to 45 credits depending on prior coursework. Using the per-credit rate, a 30-credit program totals $14,100 for in-state students and $25,650 for out-of-state students, not including fees. Over two academic years, the annual tuition and fees for an in-state student average $11,524, while out-of-state students pay around $20,954.² These figures position Brooklyn College far below national averages for graduate education degrees, which often exceed $30,000 annually.

Financial Aid and Funding Opportunities

Brooklyn College participates in all major federal financial aid programs. You can apply for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans by completing the FAFSA. For educators committed to teaching in high-need fields and low-income schools, the federal TEACH Grant provides up to $4,000 per year, though it requires a service obligation. Unlike some research universities, M.S.Ed. students at Brooklyn College do not typically receive graduate assistantships; institutional scholarships are limited but available through the School of Education.³ It’s wise to explore external funding from organizations like the New York State Education Department or local teaching foundations.

How Brooklyn College Compares to Other CUNY Programs and National Averages

Within the CUNY system, Brooklyn College remains one of the most cost-effective options for education graduate degrees. Hunter College, for instance, charges comparable in-state per-credit rates, but Brooklyn’s flat-rate option can yield savings for full-time students. Nationally, the average net price for graduate education programs often surpasses $30,000 per year, making Brooklyn College’s in-state annual total of under $12,000 exceptionally competitive. This affordability, combined with strong loan repayment outcomes, underscores Brooklyn College’s reputation for delivering a high return on investment without compromising academic rigor.

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Teacher Certification Pass Rates and Licensure Outcomes

Teacher certification pass rates show the percentage of graduates who complete their required certification exams successfully: a direct indicator of how well a program prepares candidates for the classroom. For aspiring educators, these numbers offer a concrete way to gauge whether a school's curriculum and support systems translate into real-world readiness.

How Brooklyn College Measures Up

According to the most recent data (2025), 88% of Brooklyn College School of Education graduates passed their certification assessments,¹ matching the New York State average for institutional pass rates.² With 615 test-takers across multiple exams,¹ this figure places the college squarely within the upper tier of New York programs, which range widely from 46% to 100%.²

On the Content Specialty Test (CST), which measures knowledge in specific teaching fields, the pass rate was 83%,¹ still above the state's minimum institutional threshold of 80% but slightly below the college's overall average. Only 9 out of 33 exam types fell short of state benchmarks,¹ indicating broad consistency across subjects. Across New York, first-time test takers passed at a rate of 73%,² making Brooklyn College's overall results notably stronger by comparison.

Curriculum Aligned with State Requirements

Brooklyn College designs its curricula to align closely with New York State licensure requirements. Course sequences embed the knowledge and skills tested on the Educating All Students (EAS) exam and edTPA performance assessment. Faculty advisors guide candidates through test registration and preparation, and many courses include embedded assignments that double as preparation for certification tasks. This integrated approach means students build exam readiness throughout their program rather than cramming at the end.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

The School of Education holds accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP),¹ which confirms that its programs meet rigorous national standards for educator quality and continuous improvement. AAQEP accreditation also signals to employers and licensing bodies that graduates have been trained in programs that regularly review and refine their outcomes based on data such as pass rates and employer feedback.

Brooklyn College Vs. Hunter College: Which Education Program Fits You?

Choosing between Brooklyn College and Hunter College for your master’s in education means weighing community immersion against research intensity. Both CUNY institutions offer respected, affordable graduate programs with strong New York City school networks, but their cultures, specializations, and career outcomes differ in ways that shape your professional trajectory.

Program Specializations and Focus Areas

Brooklyn College emphasizes direct community engagement and tailored support for diverse learners. Its School of Education features highly regarded programs in communication sciences and disorders, special education, and school counseling, fields where hands-on clinical or field experiences are central. Hunter College, in contrast, is often recognized for a research-driven approach, with graduate education offerings that include a wider array of subject-specific and policy-oriented concentrations, ideal for those aiming toward doctoral study or leadership roles in curriculum design.

Cost and Return on Investment

As CUNY schools, both charge similar tuition. At Brooklyn, the per-credit rate for graduate education students is $470¹, with typical total program costs ranging from $11,090 to $11,524. Median student debt upon completion is $11,000². Hunter’s tuition is comparable, making both among the most affordable master’s in education options in the metro area. When evaluating ROI, consider that Brooklyn’s educational administration graduates earn a median annual wage of $94,408 a decade after enrollment, while other tracks like teacher education and counseling fall between $57,995 and $69,050². Hunter’s earnings data, though not directly reported here, typically align with NYC teacher salary schedules and advancement into administrative roles.

Certification Success and Career Outcomes

Brooklyn College’s communication sciences and disorders program boasts a 100% first-time certification pass rate over the past three years, with an 87% completion rate and 97% employment rate³. Teacher education graduates consistently secure positions in the city’s public and charter schools. Hunter College has a long-standing reputation for rigorous preparation that yields high certification pass rates across multiple disciplines, though specific percentages are not presented in this overview.

Choosing Based on Your Career Goals

• Community-centered practice: If you want to work directly in Brooklyn’s richly diverse neighborhoods or school districts and value a program that weaves fieldwork throughout the curriculum, Brooklyn College is a natural fit.
• Research and policy leadership: If your ambition includes a future in educational research, policy analysis, or a university faculty role, Hunter’s scholarly environment may offer stronger mentorship and resources.
• Specialization availability: Check whether your desired concentration is offered at each school. Brooklyn’s strengths lie in communication disorders, special education, and counseling, while Hunter provides a broad range of subject-specific M.Ed. tracks.
• Location and network: Both are anchored in New York City, but Brooklyn’s campus and partnership schools sit within the borough’s own ecosystem, which can influence student teaching placements and job leads.

Ultimately, you cannot go wrong with either institution, both prepare educators who are immediately effective and respected in the field. Let your preferred learning environment and career specialization guide the decision.

Questions to Ask Yourself

What Can You Earn With an M.ed. From Brooklyn College?

Earnings for graduates with a masters in education vary widely based on role, experience, and district. While program-specific salary data for Brooklyn College education master's holders is not yet available in the latest federal dataset, insights from alumni surveys and NYC teacher salary schedules provide a realistic picture of what you can expect.

Earnings Data for Brooklyn College Graduates

According to an alumni outcomes survey, Brooklyn College graduates across all degree levels report a median annual salary of approximately $38,492³. This figure aggregates bachelor's, master's, and doctoral recipients, so it underrepresents what master's-level educators typically earn after a few years in the field. More focused data on education alumni is not yet published, but strong job placement rates suggest solid earning potential.

Job Placement in NYC Schools

Brooklyn College's School of Education reports that 95% of its alumni are employed in New York City schools², reflecting the program's deep ties to the NYC Department of Education and charter networks. Overall graduate employment rates are also healthy: 77% of master's recipients were employed within a year of graduation¹, aligning with the high demand for qualified teachers and school leaders across the metro area.

Salary Ranges for Educators with a Master's

In the New York City metropolitan area, a master's degree is often required for permanent certification and unlocks higher salary tiers. Here's what educators can typically earn in 2026:

• NYC public school teachers: Starting salary with a master's and no experience is about $68,000, with potential to exceed $105,000 after eight years plus additional coursework.
• Special education and bilingual teachers: Often receive incentives and can start slightly higher due to shortage area differentials.
• School counselors and psychologists: Median salaries range from $75,000 to $95,000, depending on setting and experience.
• Educational leaders (principals, assistant principals): Typically earn between $130,000 and $180,000, reflecting advanced responsibilities.

Charter school teacher salaries often mirror these ranges, though some networks offer performance bonuses. Brooklyn College's career services and extensive alumni network in NYC schools give graduates a competitive edge in securing these positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about CUNY Brooklyn College’s master’s in education programs, from enrollment options to career supports.

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