Explore Master's in Education at Molloy University: Programs & Career Pathways

Graduate school is a financial and time commitment that must align with immediate career demands and long-term salary goals. Molloy University, with over six decades of educator preparation in the New York metropolitan area, answers this with affordable tuition, evening and online formats, and specializations in Special Education, Early Childhood, and Secondary Education that mirror state certification needs. Its accredited programs and deep partnerships with Long Island and NYC school districts make it a pragmatic choice for teachers seeking advancement or initial licensure.

Jump straight to the program cost breakdown.

Inside Molloy’s M.ed. Specializations: Special Education, Early Childhood, and Secondary Ed

Molloy University offers Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in education that align closely with the needs of New York’s classrooms. Each specialization is designed to prepare graduates for specific teaching roles and state certification requirements. Most programs require between 33 and 39 credits, blending theoretical foundations with extensive clinical practice.

Special Education: Preparing to Teach All Learners

The M.S. in Teaching Students with Disabilities All Grades provides preparation for working with students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Delivered fully online, the program accommodates both initial certification seekers and certified teachers pursuing professional certification.¹ Coursework emphasizes inclusive practices, behavior management, and assistive technology. Graduates are eligible for New York State certification in Students with Disabilities at all grade levels. For those interested in a dual focus, Molloy also offers a combined program in Childhood Education (1-6) and Teaching Students with Disabilities PreK-12, leading to two initial certifications.³

Early Childhood Education: From Birth to Grade 2

The dual initial certification track in Childhood Education (1-6) and Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) is ideal for educators who want to work with the youngest learners. The program covers child development, literacy, and family engagement, with field placements in both early childhood and elementary settings. This pathway often attracts career-changers and current teaching assistants seeking to expand their qualifications. The curriculum typically spans 36 to 39 credits and includes student teaching experiences that satisfy New York State requirements.²

Secondary Education: Focusing on Content Expertise

The Adolescent Education concentration (Grades 7-12) is part of Molloy’s M.S. in Education program and aligns with requirements for a master's in secondary education. Students select a content area, such as English, mathematics, social studies, or science, and complete courses in adolescent development, disciplinary literacy, and content-specific pedagogy. The program includes supervised clinical practice in middle and high schools, ensuring candidates can effectively engage secondary students. Like other tracks, this option aligns with New York State certification standards and typically requires 36 to 39 credits.

Expanding Your Credentials with Additional Certifications

Molloy encourages students to broaden their expertise through dual certifications and extension programs. For example, the M.S. in Childhood Education (1-6) can be combined with TESOL PreK-12 certification,³ creating a pathway to teach English language learners. Graduates can also pursue post-master’s advanced certificates to add credentials such as Gifted Education or literacy.⁴ These stackable options help educators meet district needs and increase their career flexibility.

Coursework and Clinical Practice Aligned with New York State

All programs are accredited by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP),² ensuring coursework and clinical hours meet standards for master's in education programs in New York. Courses frequently address literacy development, educational technology integration, and inclusive teaching strategies. Embedded fieldwork and student teaching placements allow candidates to apply learning in real classrooms, building confidence before they lead their own.

Online, On-Campus, or Hybrid: Choosing Your M.ed. Format at Molloy

Molloy University offers its Master's in Education programs in three flexible formats designed to fit your schedule and learning style. Whether you prefer the convenience of asynchronous online courses, the structure of on-campus evening classes, or a blended approach, there's an option to match your professional and personal commitments.

What You’ll Pay: Molloy M.ed. Program Costs at a Glance

Molloy’s graduate education programs charge per-credit tuition, with distinct rates for campus-based and online formats. Campus-based M.Ed. students pay $1,510 per credit, while online students pay $1,060. Both formats incur the same per-semester fees, and financial aid options include federal loans, TEACH Grants, and Molloy-specific scholarships or assistantships.

Admissions at a Glance: Getting Into Molloy’s Graduate Education Programs

A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA anchors the application for Molloy University’s Master of Education programs.¹ The admissions process is designed to be thorough yet accessible, ensuring that candidates bring both academic strength and a clear commitment to the field of education. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need to prepare, from required documents to special track conditions.

Application Checklist

Molloy’s graduate admissions office requires all applicants to submit the following materials through the online application portal:

• Online application: Complete the graduate application form available on Molloy University’s website.
• Official transcripts: Request transcripts from every college or university you have attended. These must be sent directly to the admissions office.
• Minimum GPA: A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is typically expected. Candidates with GPAs between 2.8 and 3.0 may be admitted on a probationary basis, provided other application components are strong.¹
• Letters of recommendation: Two letters are required, ideally from academic or professional references who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level study and potential as an educator.
• Résumé: A current résumé should detail your educational background, work history, and any teaching or volunteer experiences relevant to the degree.
• Personal statement: This essay gives you the chance to explain your motivation for pursuing a master’s in education, your career goals, and how Molloy’s program aligns with your aspirations.¹

Standardized Test Scores

Unlike many schools that have moved to test-optional policies, Molloy requires the GRE or MAT, placing it outside the category of no GRE master's in education programs.¹ Be sure to register for one of these exams well in advance, as test availability and score reporting timelines can affect your application. There is no published minimum score, but competitive performance on these tests can bolster your file, especially if your undergraduate GPA is near the lower end of the acceptable range.

Prerequisites and Track-Specific Requirements

All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Beyond that, some specializations impose additional conditions. For example, advanced tracks leading to professional certification or educational leadership roles require you to already hold an initial New York State teaching certificate.¹ The program also expects proficiency with basic computer skills, as course management systems and online resources are integral to many classes. Finally, an interview is a mandatory step for all candidates who pass the initial document review.¹ This conversation with program faculty helps assess your interpersonal skills, professional readiness, and fit for the education field.

Transfer Credits

If you have previously completed graduate coursework, Molloy allows you to transfer up to 6 credits toward your M.Ed. degree. Transfer courses must have been taken within the last five years at a regionally accredited institution, and you must have earned a grade of B or better. Official transcripts and course syllabi are evaluated to determine equivalency.¹

Application Deadlines and Decisions

Molloy uses a rolling admissions model, meaning there are no fixed cut-off dates. You can apply for entry in Summer 2026, Fall 2026, or Spring 2027.² That said, submitting your materials early is recommended: priority review and program capacity operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Once your application is complete, including the interview, the admissions committee typically renders a decision within a few weeks. This rapid turnaround helps you plan your enrollment without prolonged uncertainty.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Career Earnings: What Molloy M.ed. Graduates Earn

While program-level median earnings one year after graduation are not yet published, Molloy University reports strong overall outcomes for education master's graduates. The table below presents available employment and salary data, along with average New York teacher salaries to provide career context. Career paths for Molloy M.Ed. graduates include roles such as special education teacher, early childhood center director, and secondary subject teacher, all in high demand across the New York metro area.

Graduates of Molloy's Special Education M.Ed. earn a median salary of $60,000 just one year after completion.

Accreditation and Certification: How Molloy Prepares You for a New York Teaching Career

National accreditation is a stamp of quality from an independent review body that a program meets rigorous academic and professional standards. For aspiring teachers, it is the bedrock that ensures your degree will be recognized by state licensing agencies and future employers. Molloy University carries dual layers of approval that set its education graduates up for success in New York classrooms.

Institutional and Programmatic Accreditation

Molloy holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a status it has maintained since 1967 and most recently reaffirmed in 2023.¹ Its education programs are separately accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and are continuously approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).² This means every M.Ed. track at Molloy meets the state’s requirements for teacher preparation, so you can move directly into the certification pipeline without worrying about additional coursework or gaps in your qualifications.

New York’s Two-Tiered Certification System

New York has a clear, two-step path to full professional licensure. Candidates first earn an Initial Certificate after completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, passing required exams, and meeting any workshop mandates. That initial certificate is valid for five years. During that window, you must complete a master’s degree and gain at least three years of teaching experience to be eligible for the Professional Certificate. Molloy’s M.Ed. degrees fulfill the master’s requirement and also prepare you for the initial certificate if you are entering the field for the first time. For educators who already hold an initial certificate, Molloy’s professional certification pathway helps you meet the master’s-level mandate and advance your career.³

Certifications Molloy M.Ed. Programs Lead To

The specific certificate you earn depends on the M.Ed. specialization you choose. The Childhood Education program, for example, leads to certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1, 6).³ Other paths at Molloy align with a range of New York teaching certificates, including early childhood, special education generalist, and secondary content areas with appropriate extensions. Because all programs are NYSED-approved, Molloy can recommend completers to the state for the certificate that matches their program of study.³

Support Built Into the Program

Navigating teaching licensure can feel complex, but Molloy embeds support throughout your graduate experience. You will receive certification-oriented academic advising that maps out exactly which courses, field experiences, and exams align with your target certificate.³ The school’s education faculty and staff guide you through required performance assessments like the edTPA and the Academic Literacy Skills Test (ALST), weaving preparation into your coursework. When you are ready to apply, Molloy’s certification office handles program registration and issues an institutional recommendation to NYSED, smoothing the final step.³ And because Molloy’s teacher preparation programs enjoy broad reciprocity with 47 other states, your New York certification travels farther than you might expect, a valuable safety net if your career path ever shifts beyond the Empire State.

Frequently Asked Questions About Molloy’s Education Programs

Find clear answers to common questions about Molloy University's Master's in Education programs, covering accreditation, cost, delivery formats, and certification pathways.

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