Graduation Requirements
PROGRAM SEQUENCE AND LENGTH
Students are required to plan their programs with an advisor in the School of Education. There is no rigid course sequence since each individual brings unique knowledge, skills and experiences. However, certain courses serve as foundations or prerequisites for other courses; this is why individual advice is so critical.
The field experience is the culmination of each program. As part of the field experience, students are required to attend a weekly seminar. Enrollment in this course, however, does not mean that a student will automatically receive state certification.
Candidates have up to five years from the date of matriculation to complete their programs. An extension of completion date may be granted at the discretion of the Dean of the School of Education. In such cases, additional courses to update the student's program may be required.
Specific undergraduate prerequisites are listed with each program description. Courses other than those specified may be required at the discretion of the Dean of the School of Education, the Chairperson of the Art Department and/or the Director of the Music Department.
Program prerequisites not part of the student's college preparation may be completed (with a letter grade of "C" or above) prior to or concurrently with the student's graduate program at the discretion of the Dean of the School of Education. Prerequisite courses will not be credited toward the MAT or MPS degree.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent study options may be exercised for part of the program. With the approval of a faculty member in the appropriate department and the Dean of the School of Education, students may design and conduct original study projects or curricula.
TRANSFER CREDITS
Matriculated students may transfer up to six credits toward their degree from another accredited graduate program, provided that the coursework was taken within the last five years, received a grade of B or better, and is considered appropriate for their programs. Courses must be approved for transfer by the Dean of the School of Education. Candidates must file a written request to have course credits approved for transfer. If possible, approval for coursework to be transferred should be received before the course is taken.
STUDENT/SUPERVISED TEACHING
Student Teaching
Student teaching is the culminating experience of the entire program. It consists of full-time involvement for an entire semester in appropriate classrooms along with a weekly integrating seminar. Student teachers are required to divide their semester to include two levels of experience, as well as experiences in both urban and suburban settings in order to qualify for New York State certification. All clinical field placements will be at the discretion of the Director of Field Placement, Certification, and Community Outreach.
Supervised Teaching
Experienced teacher candidates, when currently employed in an appropriate situation, or those employed in appropriate teaching assistant positions, may substitute supervised teaching for the student teaching experience with the approval of the Director of Field Placement. Students wishing to opt for this plan must speak directly with the Director of Field Placement, who will ascertain whether or not the teaching environment is appropriate. It is imperative that the student discuss his/her plans for a supervised teaching experience with the principal. Supervised teachers attend the weekly integrating seminar along with student teachers, and the seminar serves the same function in both cases.
Pre-Student Teaching Field Experiences
In addition to the student / supervised teaching in the final semester of each program, New York State regulations now require 100 hours of field experience prior to the clinical experience. At Manhattanville, most required education courses assign a specified number of hours of field experience. These field experience hours provide students with opportunities throughout their programs to observe and participate in school-related activities appropriate to the theoretical content of the courses with which they are associated.
Child Abuse and School Violence Prevention Education
We offer an opportunity for degree or advanced certification candidates to fulfill these New York State requirements during the student / supervised teaching semester.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The College provides a flexible and individualized program by offering elective courses, individual guidance and planning, and carefully selected placements for student / supervised teaching. Advisement is critical for a successful experience; therefore, the School of Education requires each student to meet with an advisor on a regular basis.
Advising and Registration
Students are required to make an appointment to meet with an education advisor each semester. Registration forms must be signed by an advisor before they are submitted to the Registrar for processing. It is strongly suggested that students indicate an alternative course on the registration form. This expedites enrollment if the first course choice is not available.
Grades
Students in all programs must maintain a minimum average of "B" (cumulative index of 3.00) unless their letter of acceptance requires a minimum of B+ or better in their first two courses. The records of students receiving a grade of "C" or below will be subject to review. At the discretion of the School of Education, this review could result in a requirement that the student repeat the course or complete an equivalent course or be denied permission to register for further study in Teacher Education at Manhattanville. Letter grades below "C" will not be counted toward a degree. If a student receives a "C" or below in any student teaching course, the course may be repeated only once.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If an individual provides the School of Education with documented evidence of a handicapping condition, reasonable accommodations will be provided.
Students are bound by these Policies and Procedures and by the curriculum plan cited in the "Graduate Programs in Teaching" booklet at the time of matriculation.
CONTACT INFORMATION
You can contact the School of Education
By mail at
School of Education
Manhattanville College
2900 Purchase Street
Purchase, NY 10577
By telephone at (914) 323-5214
By fax at (914) 323-5493
By e-mail
You may also request an information packet via our on-line inquiry form.