Advance Your Teaching Career with a Master's from St. Thomas Aquinas College

Earning a master’s degree lifts New York teacher salaries by $10,000 or more annually. St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY, offers all graduate education coursework on campus, a format reflecting the college’s commitment to reflective practice and building the face-to-face collegial network that can accelerate hiring and career advancement.

Master’s in Education Specializations at St. Thomas Aquinas College

The Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) programs at St. Thomas Aquinas College prepare graduate students for advanced roles in teaching, administration, and specialized instruction. The college structures its graduate education offerings to align with New York state certification areas, but the full list of available specializations, and the specific courses within each, is best obtained from official STAC channels. Because academic requirements can change from year to year, relying on a direct source ensures your planning reflects current expectations.

Start with the Official Graduate Catalog

The STAC website and its graduate education catalog are the primary references for specialization details. These resources outline the available M.Ed. tracks, required core and elective courses, and the total credit load for each. Reviewing the catalog early helps you compare programs and estimate your time to degree completion. Pay attention to any prerequisites or fieldwork components, as these can vary by specialization. If you are weighing online versus on-campus delivery, the program page often indicates which formats are available for each concentration.

Use Data to Guide Your Choice

Selecting the right specialization often involves understanding how it fits into the broader education job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) offers occupation profiles with employment projections and typical salary ranges for roles like special education teachers, curriculum specialists, and reading interventionists. Cross-referencing that data with your career goals can clarify which specializations are in higher demand. Additionally, the New York State Education Department’s certification website explains the degree and testing pathways for different teaching certificates, helping you link a specialization to a tangible credential.

Talk to Program Staff

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the STAC admissions office or an education program coordinator directly. A short conversation can confirm the current specialization lineup, clarify whether certain concentrations are offered entirely online, and reveal any upcoming curriculum revisions. Staff can also advise on part-time versus full-time pacing and typical start terms, ensuring you have a realistic timeline before you apply.

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

When graduate students compare program formats, the debate usually centers on online convenience versus on-campus engagement. At St. Thomas Aquinas College, the scale tips fully in favor of the traditional classroom: all master’s in education programs are delivered in person, with no fully online or hybrid tracks available.¹

A Fully On-Campus Experience

STAC’s graduate education degrees, including the Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) and Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) specializations, meet exclusively on the Sparkill campus.¹ Whether you pursue curriculum and instruction, childhood education, adolescence education, art education, or physical education, every class session requires your physical presence. The college does not offer a remote attendance option, and no coursework is completed through self-paced online modules. Instead, you learn alongside peers and faculty in real-time, benefiting from direct dialogue and immediate feedback.

Scheduling Designed for Working Professionals

Recognizing that many educators balance full-time jobs with graduate study, STAC schedules the majority of its M.Ed. classes in the late afternoon and evening.² This structure allows you to teach during the day and attend classes without career interruption. Courses are synchronous by nature: everyone gathers at the same hour in the same room, creating a predictable weekly rhythm. Multiple start terms (fall, spring, and summer)² add further flexibility, enabling you to begin your studies when it fits your personal and professional calendar. The M.S.T. in Physical Education, for instance, can be finished in as few as 16 months with a 34-credit plan³, accelerating your path to certification without sacrificing the on-campus foundation.

In-Person Clinical Requirements

All M.S.T. programs incorporate required school-based clinical placements and student teaching.⁴ These experiences immerse you in real classrooms under the supervision of mentor teachers and STAC faculty. Because New York State certification hinges on demonstrated competency in an authentic setting, these components must be completed onsite; there is no virtual alternative.⁴ The college assists with placement coordination, ensuring you satisfy both program and state requirements while building your professional network in local school districts.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Tuition and Financial Aid for STAC Graduate Education

Balancing the upfront cost of graduate school against the long-term salary gains a master’s degree brings is a central concern for working teachers. St. Thomas Aquinas College keeps that equation manageable with transparent pricing and multiple avenues for financial support.

Current Graduate Tuition Rates

For the 2026-2027 academic year, STAC’s graduate education tuition is $1,325 per credit.¹ This rate applies to all Master of Science in Education (MSEd) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs, whether taken on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Most master’s degrees require 30 to 36 credits, so annual costs scale predictably.

Estimated Total Program Cost and Fees

A 30-credit master’s program at STAC totals $39,750 in tuition.¹ Mandatory fees, such as technology and student services charges, typically add a few hundred dollars per semester but are not itemized here. Books, instructional materials, and any required workshops or certification exam fees are additional and vary by course. Students should budget roughly $1,000, $1,500 annually for these out-of-pocket costs.

Financial Aid Options for Graduate Students

Graduate students at STAC are eligible for federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which let you borrow up to $20,500 per academic year. TEACH Grants, providing up to $4,000 per year, are an option if you intend to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school; this grant converts to a loan if service requirements are not met. STAC offers a limited number of institution-funded graduate scholarships and occasional assistantships that provide partial tuition remission. Contact the financial aid office early to explore these competitive opportunities.

Payment Plans and Long-Term Value

For those who prefer to spread costs over time, STAC partners with Nelnet to offer interest-free monthly payment plans² (as of the 2024-2025 academic year; confirm current terms with the bursar). From a return-on-investment perspective, federal College Scorecard data shows STAC alumni earn a median of $62,909 a decade after entry, well above the typical teacher salary without a master’s. This earnings boost helps justify the initial spend, especially in New York where a graduate degree often leads to a permanent professional certification and a mandated salary differential.

STAC Education Graduates Earn a Strong Start

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Career Paths With a Master’s in Education From STAC

Deciding whether a master’s degree is worth the investment requires weighing upfront costs against long-term career mobility, and for educators, the payoff often shows up in expanded role options and salary growth that compound over a decades-long career. Graduates of St. Thomas Aquinas College’s M.Ed. programs step into a variety of specialized roles that not only deepen their impact in the classroom but also open doors to leadership and curriculum development positions. Typical career paths include special education teacher, reading specialist, curriculum coordinator, and instructional coach, each leveraging the advanced pedagogical and assessment skills built during the program.

Support That Lasts Beyond Graduation

STAC’s Career Center works closely with education students to bridge the gap between coursework and employment. Services include:

• One-on-one career counseling that helps you clarify professional goals and navigate New York’s certification requirements.
• Resume and interview preparation tailored for teaching portfolios and demonstration lessons.
• On-campus job fairs and recruiting events that connect candidates directly with K-12 school districts and educational organizations.¹
• An active alumni network offering access to exclusive job postings and networking opportunities long after graduation.
• Internship support and job search tools that give you a competitive edge in securing your first position.

A documented 92% placement rate from 2020 reflects the strength of this support system, with the majority of graduates entering education roles.

What You Can Earn in New York’s Education Landscape

While program-level earnings for recent M.Ed. cohorts are not yet published, the broader STAC outcomes offer a useful benchmark. The college reports a median earnings figure of $62,909 for its graduates ten years after entry, a number that captures returns across all programs. For context, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that as of 2025, New York elementary and secondary school teachers earned median annual wages above $85,000, and teachers holding a master’s degree plus specialized certifications typically exceed that median. Salary schedules in most New York districts reward graduate credits with automatic step increases, meaning the additional coursework at STAC begins paying dividends immediately upon hire.

Certification and In-Demand Specializations

STAC’s programs are designed to align with New York State certification pathways, ensuring that you meet all academic requirements for roles like Students with Disabilities (SWD) or literacy specialist. The state’s persistent need for special education, bilingual, and literacy educators means that STAC graduates with these endorsements enjoy strong job stability and the flexibility to work across a variety of settings. Whether you aim to stay in the classroom with advanced expertise or pivot into a curriculum development or instructional coaching role, the M.Ed. credential from STAC positions you as a well-prepared, highly employable professional in New York's education market, home to numerous masters in education programs.

Admissions Requirements and Application Process

Applying to a graduate education program at St. Thomas Aquinas College means choosing between two distinct journeys: one for educators who already hold a teaching certificate, and another for career changers who are ready to earn their initial certification. The materials you submit and the prerequisites you must satisfy depend largely on which group you fall into, so it's wise to map your route before you begin.

Required Application Materials

• Official transcripts: Submit transcripts from every college or university you have attended.
• GPA minimum: A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected, though the admissions committee reviews each file holistically.
• Letters of recommendation: Typically two or three letters from academic or professional references who can speak to your potential as a graduate student and educator.
• Personal statement: A written essay describing your career goals, teaching philosophy, and reasons for pursuing an advanced degree at STAC.
• Résumé or curriculum vitae: A current document highlighting your education, certifications, and relevant work experience.

Certification Prerequisites: Two Distinct Paths

Your existing certification status determines which program is a fit. The Master of Science in Education (MSEd) and post-master's certificate programs require a valid teaching certificate. These tracks are designed for practicing teachers who want to deepen their expertise or add specializations. In contrast, the Master of Science in Teaching (MST) does not require prior certification. It is built for individuals with a bachelor's degree who seek initial teacher certification. Some advanced certificates, such as the Autism Certificate, also expect a master's degree in education. Aligning your application with the correct pathway prevents unnecessary delays.

Deadlines and Application Submission

St. Thomas Aquinas College accepts applications for fall, spring, and summer start terms. Exact deadlines vary each year, so you should confirm the current cutoff dates on the School of Education's graduate programs page. All materials are submitted through the college's online application portal, which guides you through uploading documents, entering recommendation contacts, and paying the fee. Starting early gives you ample time to gather transcripts and secure letters.

Interview and Additional Steps

The GRE is not required for STAC's education programs, as stated in the 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog. However, a faculty interview is a standard component of the review process. This conversation gives you a chance to discuss your experiences and ask questions about the curriculum. After admission, you may need to complete state-mandated workshops or exams, such as the edTPA, for certification purposes. For direct assistance, reach out to the graduate admissions team at St. Thomas Aquinas College through the contact information on the school's website.

Your Path to New York State Teacher Certification

New York State requires aspiring teachers to follow a structured certification pathway. St. Thomas Aquinas College’s graduate education programs are designed to meet each requirement, from foundational coursework to student teaching and exam preparation.

Accreditation and State Approval

Teacher preparation accreditation is undergoing a quiet shift as more institutions pursue recognition from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) alongside traditional pathways. St. Thomas Aquinas College has fully embraced this evolution, aligning its graduate education programs with current standards to ensure graduates meet New York's rigorous certification requirements.

Institutional Accreditation

St. Thomas Aquinas College holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).¹ This regional accreditation confirms that the college meets comprehensive standards for academic quality, governance, and financial stability, and it is a prerequisite for federal financial aid eligibility. For education students, it provides a baseline assurance that your degree comes from a recognized, stable institution.

Programmatic Accreditation: AAQEP Approval

The School of Education's teacher certification programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)¹, a national accrediting body focused on continuous improvement and evidence-based outcomes. STAC received AAQEP accreditation with a term running from 2023 through spring 2030.² This accreditation applies specifically to the initial teacher preparation programs and indicates that they meet or exceed professional standards for candidate knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Unlike older models, AAQEP emphasizes partnerships with P-12 schools and the impact of graduates in their own classrooms, giving you confidence that the curriculum is both current and practical.

New York State Education Department Approval

Beyond national accreditation, STAC's programs are officially approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) for teacher certification.³ This means the coursework and clinical experiences are designed to satisfy the requirements for initial and professional certificates in various areas. While specific certification areas depend on your chosen specialization (commonly including childhood education, special education, and literacy), each program aligns with the state's content and pedagogical standards. Before enrollment, candidates are encouraged to review the precise certification pathway by consulting the School of Education's program sheets or speaking with an advisor, as certification requirements can change.

How Accreditation Affects Certification Across State Lines

Graduating from a program that is both nationally accredited by AAQEP and state-approved by NYSED puts you on solid footing for reciprocity or certification in other states. While teaching licenses are granted by individual states and requirements differ, many jurisdictions streamline the application process for candidates who completed an approved, accredited program. You may need to pass additional state-specific exams or meet supplemental coursework requirements, but an AAQEP-accredited degree typically eases the evaluation process. Always check with the licensing board in your target state to confirm current reciprocity agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions About STAC’s M.ed. Programs

Prospective graduate students often ask about program options, accreditation, cost, and outcomes. Here are concise answers to the most common questions about St. Thomas Aquinas College’s master’s in education programs.