Your Guide to Master's in Education at Ithaca College

For many New York educators, a graduate degree is no longer optional: it's a baseline for professional growth and advanced licensure. Ithaca College's School of Education answers with intimate, field-intensive M.A.T. and M.Ed. programs that put you in the classroom from the first semester. Options range from special education to curriculum and instruction, all delivered in-person on the Ithaca campus with a full-time schedule. Institutional aid can cut the net price significantly, though program-specific salary outcomes remain unreported.

Ithaca College Master’s in Education Programs and Specializations

Some aspiring teachers focus on a single subject area for secondary grades, while others are drawn to the interdisciplinary world of elementary classrooms. Ithaca College’s graduate education programs reflect both paths, offering Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degrees in specific content areas and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Childhood Education. All programs lead to initial New York State teaching certification and are designed to be completed in 13 months of full-time study.¹

M.A.T. Programs for Subject-Specific Teaching

The M.A.T. pathways prepare you to teach in middle and high schools, with concentrations that range from the sciences and mathematics to world languages and the humanities. Each program requires 36 credit hours and a full-time commitment over three semesters.

• Adolescence Education M.A.T.: For grades 7-12, available concentrations include Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Mathematics, Physics, English, French, Spanish, and Social Studies. This program is ideal for career changers or recent graduates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in the subject they want to teach and need pedagogical training and certification.
• Agriculture Education M.A.T.: A K-12 certification program that combines agricultural science with teaching methods, suited for those with a background in agriculture or environmental science.
• Art Education M.A.T.: Designed for artists and art history graduates, this K-12 program bridges studio practice and classroom instruction.
• Computer Science Education M.A.T.: A K-12 pathway for candidates with a strong foundation in computing who want to bring digital literacy and programming skills to diverse classrooms.

The M.S. in Childhood Education

For those who prefer the elementary setting, the Childhood Education M.S. leads to certification for grades 1-6. It also requires 36 credits and follows the same 13-month timeline. Unlike the M.A.T.’s subject-area focus, this program emphasizes developmental learning, multiple content areas, and methods that support young learners across literacy, math, science, and social studies.

Program Structure and Certification

All programs share a common framework of course work, field experiences, and student teaching. While each specialization tailors some classes to the grade band and subject, everyone completes a supervised teaching placement in a New York State school. Culminating requirements such as a thesis or capstone project are not specified in the official catalog¹; instead, the programs center on meeting certification competencies through portfolio assessments and clinical practice. The consistent 36-credit structure across degrees means you can plan your finances and schedule with clarity, whether you pursue secondary science or elementary education.

Inside the Curriculum: Course Sequences for M.ed. Specializations

Choosing a master’s program means weighing depth of specialization against breadth of practical experience. At Ithaca College, graduate education programs are designed to blend rigorous academic coursework with extensive field practice from day one³, so you move through the program with a clear link between theory and classroom reality.

Core Courses and Shared Foundations

All graduate education students at Ithaca take a set of core courses that ground them in learning theory, adolescent development, and culturally responsive teaching practices. For the M.S. in Childhood Education, required courses cover instructional methods for literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies, alongside assessment techniques and classroom management. M.A.T. candidates complete a similar sequence but with additional emphasis on content-area pedagogy tied to their subject (e.g., English, biology, or social studies). Every program includes a course in special education foundations¹, ensuring all candidates are prepared to support diverse learners.

Elective and Specialization Options

While the M.S. in Childhood Education has a fixed sequence of 12 courses¹, there is room for elective choices in areas like technology integration, working with English language learners, or advanced literacy instruction. M.A.T. students often have the option to pursue additional endorsements through targeted electives, such as gifted education or bilingual extension, depending on their career goals. Electives are typically taken in the summer or fall terms before the student teaching semester³.

Capstone and Field-Based Components

Rather than a traditional thesis, candidates complete an action research project embedded in their student teaching placement². This capstone asks you to identify a classroom challenge, design an intervention, and assess its impact, a practical research experience that strengthens both your teaching and your professional portfolio. Student teaching is a full-time, semester-long commitment worth 6 credits¹, guided by a cooperating teacher and a college supervisor. Preparation for student teaching begins early, with foundational coursework in EDUC 60500 serving as a prerequisite for the final placement².

Example Course Progression

The M.S. in Childhood Education typically starts in the summer³, when students take introductory courses in child development and foundational teaching methods. Fall semester moves into content-specific methods and assessment, along with part-time field experiences. Spring is dedicated to full-time student teaching and the action research project, culminating in the action research presentation. This one-year, three-semester sequence allows intensive, hands-on preparation for initial teacher certification in grades 1, 6¹. M.A.T. programs follow a similar arc but may extend to four semesters if additional content prerequisites are needed.

Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus: How Ithaca Delivers Its Education Programs

Are Ithaca College’s master’s in education programs available online or in a part-time format? All graduate education programs at Ithaca College are delivered fully in-person on the Ithaca, New York campus. No online or hybrid options exist: 0% of instruction is delivered online or in a hybrid format.¹ Students must be physically present for all classes, coursework, and fieldwork.

On-Campus Delivery Only

Ithaca College does not offer any portion of its education master’s programs through distance learning. Every class, seminar, and practicum takes place in a traditional classroom or at partner school sites in the region. This residential approach emphasizes face-to-face interaction but requires a significant commitment to being local.

Full-Time, 13-Month Structure

The program is an intensive, full-time, 13-month experience that aligns with the structure of many one-year M.Ed. programs.¹ There is no part-time enrollment pathway; students complete the entire sequence together as a cohort. While this accelerated timeline allows for quicker entry into the teaching profession, it is not compatible with maintaining full-time employment. Working teachers or career changers should plan for a leave of absence or a career break to meet the demanding schedule.

Implications for Working Professionals

Because all coursework is in-person and synchronous, there is no flexibility for asynchronous or self-paced study. Classes follow a fixed weekday schedule, and students participate in hands-on teaching experiences. No part-time, evening, or weekend pathways are available. This model suits those who can dedicate themselves fully to graduate study, but it may not be viable for educators already teaching full-time unless they step away from the classroom for the duration of the degree.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Admissions Requirements for Ithaca College Education Graduate Programs

Many graduate education programs still require the GRE or MAT as a gatekeeping metric, but Ithaca College takes a more holistic, no-exam admissions approach. The admissions committee evaluates each candidate based on academic readiness, professional experience, and alignment with the program's goals, without standardized test scores. Below are the key components of the application and important deadlines.

Academic Prerequisites and GPA

• Minimum GPA: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.¹ Candidates with a lower GPA may be considered if they demonstrate strong potential through other application materials.
• Prerequisite coursework: All candidates need to complete relevant undergraduate coursework in education or a related field, as determined by the program.¹ This ensures foundational knowledge for graduate study.
• Field experience: A minimum of 50 hours of documented field experience with children or youth is required.¹ This can include volunteer work, tutoring, coaching, or employment in a school setting.

Application Materials

• Standardized tests: No GRE or MAT scores are required.¹ Ithaca College has waived these exams for all education graduate applicants.
• Letters of recommendation: Two letters are required, preferably from academic or professional references who can speak to your teaching potential and readiness for graduate work.¹
• Statement of purpose: A written essay is required, allowing you to articulate your career goals, teaching philosophy, and reasons for pursuing a master's in education at Ithaca College.¹
• Resume or CV: A current professional resume detailing your education, work history, and relevant experience is part of the application.¹
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions must be submitted.¹
• Application form: Complete the online graduate application available through the Ithaca College admissions portal.

Deadlines and Rolling Admission

• Priority deadline: March 1.² Submitting by this date ensures full admission consideration and automatic scholarship review.
• Regular deadline: May 1.² Applications received by this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
• Rolling admission: After May 1, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the cohort is full.² Early submission is encouraged due to the full-time, 13-month cohort model with limited seats.¹

Tuition and Fees for Master’s in Education Programs

On-campus graduate students typically pay per credit, while some online programs may carry different rates or flat tuition. At Ithaca College, education master's programs do not publish a single unified tuition rate; costs vary by specialization and delivery format.¹ Below is what you can expect for 2026-2027, based on available estimates and past figures.

Graduate Tuition Per Credit

Ithaca College's graduate tuition per credit is estimated at $1,700 to $1,800 for the 2026-2027 academic year. This range reflects program-specific pricing and may vary for specialized coursework.

Total Estimated Program Cost

Most M.Ed. programs require 30 to 36 credits, bringing tuition before fees to roughly $51,000 to $64,800. At the mid-range, a 30-credit program costs approximately $52,920 in tuition. However, this does not include mandatory fees or additional expenses, and online students may see different pricing structures depending on the program. Contact the graduate admissions office for program-specific details.

Understanding Mandatory Fees

In addition to tuition, all graduate students pay a technology fee of $300 per year. Health insurance is charged at $4,411 annually but is fully waivable if you provide proof of comparable coverage. Other standard university fees may apply; always request a detailed breakdown from the bursar.

Additional Expenses to Plan For

Books, course materials, and living expenses are not included in tuition. Education students should also budget for background checks, fingerprinting, and professional attire during fieldwork or student teaching placements. These costs vary but typically total $500 to $1,000 over the program.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Graduate Education Students

Balancing the cost of graduate school against future earning potential is a central challenge for any educator. At Ithaca College, multiple funding pathways can reduce the financial load, but they require careful planning and timely applications.

Federal Student Loans and Grants

All graduate students must complete the FAFSA using school code 002739 by the March 1 priority deadline, as outlined on the graduate financial aid page. The primary federal aid comes in the form of the Unsubsidized Direct Loan, allowing up to $20,500 per academic year.¹ If additional funds are needed, the Grad PLUS loan and private alternative loans are also available. Need-based federal grants are not offered at the graduate level², so loans form the core of federal support.

Ithaca College Scholarships and Assistantships

The education department offers program-specific scholarships, awarded competitively based on merit and the candidate’s alignment with program goals. Graduate assistantships provide a more substantial offset: these positions, which may involve teaching, research, or administrative duties, carry partial or full tuition remission along with a stipend. Because remission requires advance approval¹, applicants should discuss eligibility early in the process. Note that Ithaca does not maintain a pool of institution-wide need-based grants for graduate students²; instead, aid is targeted through scholarships and assistantships.

Outside Scholarships and Next Steps

Prospective educators can also seek M.Ed. scholarships from outside sources such as state teacher associations, civic groups, and private foundations. The Office of Financial Aid can help identify these opportunities, though students are responsible for their own applications. By combining federal loans, Ithaca’s own awards, and outside funds, many candidates build a manageable path to their degree.

Career Outcomes and Salary Potential for Education Graduates

What can you expect to earn after completing a master’s in education at Ithaca College? While program-level earnings data for education graduates is not yet available through federal reporting, broader institutional data and self-reported surveys provide a rough picture of early-career outcomes for Ithaca College alumni.

Earnings Data for Education Graduates

The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard does not currently publish program-specific median earnings for Ithaca College’s master’s in education programs. However, institutional data shows that Ithaca College graduates overall earn a median annual wage of approximately $51,468¹ four years after completing their degree. This figure, drawn from a dataset that includes all majors, offers a baseline but does not isolate education graduates. For context, national median salaries for K-12 teachers with a master’s degree typically range from $50,000 to $70,000, depending on location, experience, and school district.

Typical Career Paths

Graduates of Ithaca College’s education programs commonly pursue masters in education jobs such as classroom teacher, curriculum and instruction specialist, and instructional coordinator. Many find positions in public and private K-12 schools across New York and beyond. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, for example, leads to initial teaching certification, opening doors to immediate classroom roles. Over time, alumni may advance into department leadership, literacy coaching, or even district-level curriculum development.

Alumni Insights

Online platforms like Niche and the Ithaca Journal have compiled self-reported salary and employment data. According to one survey, Ithaca College graduates have an employment rate of around 54% early in their careers, though this statistic is not specific to education majors. The median annual wage reported by some alumni aggregators aligns with the institutional figure of about $51,000¹. For a more tailored view, prospective students are encouraged to contact Ithaca College’s career services or alumni network to learn about placement rates and salary trends specifically for education graduates.

Keep in mind that individual earnings depend on geographic location, level of teaching experience, and the specific school district. Education professionals in high-need urban or specialized fields may command higher starting salaries.

Fieldwork, Practicum, and Student Teaching Requirements

Fieldwork is woven into every stage of Ithaca College’s education programs, giving you hands-on classroom experience long before you lead your own instruction. The sequence is deliberately scaffolded, starting with short-term observations and building to a full semester of student teaching, so you develop confidence and skill under guided supervision.

Clinical Hours and Sequencing

Fieldwork hours vary by course and program. Introductory courses may require as few as 15 hours of observation¹, while later methods courses embed 50-hour clinical placements¹. In the M.S. in Childhood Education, you’ll progress through a summer program placement, fall observations, and a spring student teaching experience that spans an entire semester². The M.A.T. in Adolescence Education follows a similar arc: summer tutoring, fall observations, and spring student teaching³. During the full-time student teaching semester, you cannot take additional coursework⁴, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in the classroom.

Placement grade bands align with your certification area. M.S. Childhood Education candidates work in grades 1-3 and 4-6², while M.A.T. Adolescence Education candidates are placed in grades 7-9 and 10-12³.

Placement Settings and Partnerships

Ithaca College maintains partnerships with schools across urban, suburban, and rural districts³. You may complete fieldwork in local-area public schools or in New York City, where specific partner schools include Washington Heights Academy, Frederick Douglass Academy, and John Bowne High School⁴. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from placements⁴.

Supervision and Support

Every fieldwork experience is mentored. Ithaca uses a dual supervision model: a cooperating teacher at the school site and a faculty supervisor from the college observe and provide feedback¹. The ACTEC Unit Assessment System tracks your progress through key checkpoints: admission, pre-student teaching, student teaching, and program completion, evaluating not only your teaching skills but also professional dispositions⁵. Graduate student teachers also complete an inquiry project as part of their culminating experience⁴. Advancement through the program depends on meeting benchmarks in GPA, coursework, fieldwork performance, and dispositional assessments⁵.

Faculty Expertise and Research in the Education Department

Graduate programs are led by co-chairs Peter Martin² and Ellie Fitts Fulmer³, with Associate Professor Sara Levy chairing graduate programs⁴. The department’s faculty bring deep expertise in equity-focused pedagogy, literacy, special education, and educational policy¹.

Faculty Leadership and Areas of Expertise

Nia Nunn, Associate Professor and Department Chair, centers her research on Black girl empowerment and anti-racist feminist pedagogy, teaching courses on classroom management and community identity¹. Peter Martin specializes in inclusion, bilingual education, and social emotional learning, focusing on differentiated instruction and teacher collaboration². Ellie Fitts Fulmer, co-graduate chair and Director of Equity-Focused Teaching & Learning, explores disciplinary literacies, antiracist pedagogies, and practitioner inquiry³. Additional scholars include Jeane Copenhaver-Johnson, whose work addresses language, literacy, and children’s inquiry about race, and Sean Eversley Bradwell, who examines educational policy and social change¹.

Mentorship and Research Opportunities

Ithaca College emphasizes close faculty-student collaboration. Graduate courses are intentionally small, allowing faculty to serve as mentors who guide students through research projects and professional development. Students often join faculty-led studies, particularly through the department’s focus on practitioner inquiry. Ellie Fitts Fulmer’s role in the Center for Faculty Excellence further connects students to campus-wide equity initiatives³. Faculty regularly publish in education journals and present at national conferences, often co-authoring with graduate students, which enriches the learning environment and builds professional networks¹.

Accreditation and New York State Teacher Licensure

Educator preparation accreditation has shifted in recent years, with newer bodies like AAQEP gaining recognition alongside longstanding CAEP, giving programs more tailored pathways to demonstrate quality. Ithaca College’s teacher education programs hold AAQEP accreditation through December 31, 2028, meeting all standards in their 2022 review.¹ The institution as a whole is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.²

Accreditation Status

Ithaca’s teacher preparation programs, at both undergraduate and graduate levels, earned AAQEP accreditation in 2022 for a seven-year term.¹ This approval replaces the previous Regents Accreditation of Teacher Education (RATE)⁵ and confirms that the curriculum, faculty, and outcomes align with nationally recognized quality benchmarks.

New York State Teacher Licensure

Programs are designed to lead directly to New York State Initial Certification.¹ The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has approved Ithaca’s offerings,³ ensuring graduates meet the academic and clinical requirements for teaching licensure.

Additional Requirements Beyond the Degree

Earning certification also requires passage of the Educating All Students (EAS) exam, a state-mandated assessment that measures readiness to teach diverse learners.⁴ Candidates should also complete required workshops on child abuse identification, school violence prevention, and other mandated topics.

Licensure in Other States

New York’s certification has reciprocal agreements with many states, and understanding teacher license reciprocity can simplify the process for Ithaca graduates seeking credentials elsewhere. While each state sets its own requirements, completing an AAQEP-accredited and NYSED-approved program typically provides a strong foundation for interstate portability.

How Ithaca College Stacks up Against Other New York Education Schools

Ithaca College’s master’s in education programs deliver a potent mix of affordability, strong student outcomes, and personalized faculty attention that helps them stand out among New York graduate schools.

Net Price and Value Comparison

With a net price of $33,926, Ithaca’s education graduate programs offer an affordable M.Ed. that undercuts many private institutions in the state, where total costs can climb past $40,000 per year. Public university options often carry lower sticker prices, but after factoring in typical financial aid packages, Ithaca’s effective cost lands in a similar range while offering the benefits of a small private college. This places Ithaca in a competitive tier for students who want a close-knit academic environment without a premium price tag.

Graduation Rates and Earnings Outlook

Ithaca’s 76.2% graduation rate signals strong student progression, a figure that often tops those of larger public institutions where class sizes swell and support services stretch thin. When you look at earnings, the return becomes clear: Ithaca alumni see median earnings of $63,548 a decade after entering the program, which translates to an earnings-to-net-price ratio of around 2.6. That means graduates recover their educational investment several times over, a metric that aligns favorably with the roi of a master's in education.

The Small-College Advantage

Beyond the numbers, Ithaca’s 10:1 student-faculty ratio and 13-month accelerated MAT format create a learning experience that feels sharply different from the lecture-hall model common at larger state schools. Small cohorts mean more individualized feedback during student-teaching placements, and the program’s field-based design embeds candidates in diverse classroom settings from the start. For career changers and liberal arts graduates aiming to earn initial certification quickly, that structure often outperforms the longer, more generalized timelines offered elsewhere in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ithaca College’s Education Programs

These answers address common questions about Ithaca College's master's in education programs, including accreditation, costs, licensure, and career outlook. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always refer to official sources.

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