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Stephanie Acierno missed the opportunity to walk across the stage at graduation last year when she received her master's degree. Instead, she had a different kind of celebration.
Adolescent/High School Education
Prepare to become a certified educator of high school students with a degree from our highly ranked Ruth S. Ammon School of Education within our College of Education and Health Sciences.
Why Earn an MA in Adolescent Education?
Develop your passion for teaching and learn how to become an effective high school teacher and leader in the fields of English language arts, social studies, mathematics or the sciences. You’ll develop your own philosophy of education and core values as an educator while learning the art and science of teaching to this important age group.
Why Earn Your MA in Adolescent Education at Adelphi University in New York?
- Be classroom-ready right away thanks to a wealth of hands-on experience, including a minimum of 100 hours of fieldwork in New York area schools and early observation of classrooms in real time.
- Take advantage of our flexible program format with the option to take courses online or through a combination online/on-campus experience and an accelerated program that leads to a degree and certification in 12 months.
- Tailor your studies to your personal interests and future career aspirations through specializations in English, math, science and social studies.
90%*
* based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
of our master’s graduates say that Adelphi University increased their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of professionals in their field
based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
Now I look in history for what isn’t talked about, and what can be talked about and should be talked about in the future. Making a change for the greater, and opening up people’s perceptions and eyes, is what I value very dearly.
Kip Jackson ‘16, MA ‘17
MA in Adolescent Education
Specializations and Accelerated Degrees
We offer a 12-month, intensive accelerated program option geared to meet the needs of potential candidates who want to teach in a secondary school setting. Candidates begin the 37-credit program of study in June and complete all requirements by the following May leading to a Masters degree and recommendation for initial New York State certification (grades 7-12) in one of the following fields of study:
- MA in English Education
- MA in English and Educational Theater: A dual certification track with a specific focus for prospective English teachers with a background in theatre arts. Offered at the Garden City campus.
- MA in Mathematics Education
- MA in Science Education
- MA in Social Studies Education
Certification Opportunities
Successful graduates of this program are certified to teach grades 1–6. After completing the program, you may choose to pursue additional advanced certifications in:
- TESOL
- Post Master’s Advanced Certificate Bilingual Education Extension
- Literacy Education (Birth-Grade 6 & Grade 5-12 )
- Literacy Education (Grade 5-12 )
- Special Education (Advanced Certificate in Autism and Severe or Multiple Disabilities)
- Special Education (Advanced Certificate in Adolescent Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist with Extension): Now offered online and at our Brooklyn Center. The next cohort will start in the Fall. The cohort for the NYC Teaching Fellows will start Fall 2023.
- Middle School Extension
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
Our program is grounded in field-based methods courses that provide our students with critical hands-on teaching experience from beginning to end, as well as a minimum of 100 hours of fieldwork required prior to graduation. These courses offer you the opportunity to practice in local classrooms, and create valuable future career connections before entering the more formal student teaching practicum.
Program Info
Application Requirements
Applicants for this program must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and should submit the following application requirements:
- Graduate application and $60 fee
- Online survey completed by two recommenders
- Personal essay
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
Admissions
Awards & Recognition
Colleges of Distinction: Education
Adelphi has been recognized among the Best Colleges in Education for 2024–2025 by the Colleges of Distinction organization for our excellence in teaching.
Top Ranked in Education
Times Higher Education
Adelphi University secures prestigious rankings with the Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 World University Rankings in education, psychology, and social sciences—reinforcing our dedication to academic excellence on a global scale.
Global Recognition
Abound
Adelphi has been recognized among the nation’s top professional graduate degree programs by Abound: Grad School for providing affordable and flexible options, accessibility to professors and campus support services, opportunities to accelerate graduation, and prep for sustained career growth.
A Top Grad School
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Adelphi is the highest-ranked university on Long Island in the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges. It also ranks #7 in New York, with outstanding scores for student outcomes including graduation rate and salary impact.
Ranked one of the best
U.S. News & World Report
Adelphi University has been named a Best College among National Universities for seven consecutive years. Adelphi remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island.
A Best College
Princeton Review
The Princeton Review has ranked Adelphi University among the Best Northeastern Colleges based on academic offerings and career preparation for students, campus policies, initiatives and activities.
Best Northeastern College
Colleges of Distinction: Equity & Inclusion
Adelphi has been honored for initiatives to become an increasingly welcoming, inclusive community for students and faculty.
Top Ranked in Equity & Inclusion
U.S. News & World Report: Social Mobility
We are a Best College for Social Mobility because we transform lives—at every income level.
Awards & Rankings
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Location
Nexus Building First Floor
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