MARIST
M.A. in Educational Psychology
The Master of Arts in Educational Psychology degree at
Marist College meets the New York State requirements
for Professional Teaching Certification in Childhood
Education (grades 1-6) and in Adolescence Education (grades
7-12) in one of the content areas (History, Chemistry, Biology,
Mathematics, French, Spanish, and English). If you have
initial teaching certification in Adolescence Education (grades
7-12), by choosing an alternative track you will also receive
certification in the Middle School extension (grades 5-6).
creative, flexible teachers who are collaborative, reflective,
and well grounded in current theories, contemporary
professional practices, and innovative teaching strategies.
The program is oriented around a fifteen credit hour
pedagogical core curriculum that cuts across five essential
areas of knowledge and skill needed by teachers: 1) The Art
and Science of Teaching, 2) Understanding The Learner, 3)
Teaching Literacy, 4) Understanding Foundations, Context
and Purpose, and 5) Research and Inquiry.
Students with initial certification in Childhood (Grades
1-6) follow Track 1. Students with initial certification
in Adolescence (Grades 7-12) complete Track 2. The
Professional Education Unit at Marist College is accredited
by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education (NCATE), www.ncate.org. This accreditation
covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced
educator preparation programs at Marist College located in
Poughkeepsie, New York.
Core Courses Track 1 and Track 2
EPSY 505 Advanced Educational Psychology
EPSY 506 Content Area Assessment and
Portfolio Development
EPSY 510 Integration of Learning Theories
EPSY 605 Educational Assessment & Evaluation
EPSY 620 Lifespan Development
EPSY 630 Teaching Content Area Literacy
EPSY 640 Social Foundations of Education
EPSY 650 Building a Community of Learners
EPSY 660 Educational Research
DISTINCTIVENESS
Advisement: Each student beginning the program will follow
a study plan that considers the student’s schedule and other
responsibilities as well as what she or he needs to prepare
for a successful teaching career. Students are encouraged
to have regular meetings with the Director of Graduate
Education Programs to discuss academic progress and ways
of enhancing their Marist graduate experience.
Electronic Portfolio: Across the program students create
an electronic portfolio that demonstrates the professional
knowledge and skills they have developed. This is a
multimedia, standards-based document that is stored online.
An early course prepares students to use the online Marist
system for portfolio development and students present and
defend their completed portfolio in the final semester of the
program.
Graduate Assistantship: Up to $4500 per year may be
awarded to selected full–time students in the School of Social
and Behavioral Sciences. Assistantships are available in
research, student activities, as well as tutoring, and require
10 hours of experience each week during the fall and spring
semesters.
CURRICULUM
The Master of Arts program is designed around courses
and experiences that help teachers expand and build on
their professional knowledge and skills. Our goal is to
prepare reflective professionals who think critically and work
collaboratively to help all students learn. We strive to prepare
Additional courses Track 1
For candidates possessing Initial Certification in Childhood
Education (Grades 1–6)
Students complete the following three (3) courses:
EPSY 581 Visual Models for Understanding Mathematics
EPSY 582 Teaching the Humanities and Social Studies
EPSY 583 Engaged in Science Education
Additional courses Track 2:
For candidates possessing Initial Certification in one of the
Adolescence Education subject areas (Grades 7-12, and
Middle School Extension, Grades 5–6).
Students complete both:
EPSY 585 Early Adolescent Development
EPSY 586 Instructional Strategies for Middle School
Education
And one of the following courses:
EPSY 581 Visual Models for Understanding Mathematics
EPSY 582 Teaching the Humanities and Social Studies
EPSY 583 Engaged in Science Education
EPSY 700 Project in Education
Total - 36 credits
Continued on back
FORMAT
The program is designed so that it can be completed by a
full–time student in about three or four semesters. Part–time
students have a maximum of five years to complete the
program. There are several online course opportunities. Each
campus-based course meets in the evening one day per week
on the main campus in Poughkeepsie, NY.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• Graduate admissions application (available online at
http://www.marist.edu/gradapp)
• $50.00 application fee (non-refundable)
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA required
• Official undergraduate/graduate transcripts from all
institutions attended
• Two letters of recommendation (one from a former
professor)
• A current résumé
• A personal essay
• Copy of initial teaching certificate (Admission Office
will print from NYSED site–only required if seeking
Professional Teacher Certification)
• In person or phone interview with the Director of
Graduate Education Programs
• The interview process involves a short written task
Note: Graduate Assistantship application should be submitted
with the application for admission documents
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Fall April 15
SpringDecember 1
* applications after deadline will be reviewed on a
case-by-case basis.
TUITION & COSTS (2014-2015)
Tuition
$750.00 per credit
Tuition Deposit
$250.00
CONTACT INFORMATION
Marist College
Office of Graduate Admission
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601–1387
Phone: 888.877.7900
E-mail: graduate@marist.edu
Web: www.marist.edu/graduate
AIM: AskMaristGrad
Rev. 12/14