Educational Studies (MS)

Program Overview

The Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership (TLEL) offers a Master of Science in Educational Studies degree for individuals interested in the general study of education who are not seeking certification to teach. This program is suited for several types of students.

The program is ideal for professionals working in schools in non-teaching positions and for professionals working with students or schools through human service agencies or in other settings who would benefit from a greater understanding of educational foundations, as well as for teachers and educators from outside the U.S. who desire graduate study in the field of education.

The program also serves teachers interested in obtaining a master’s degree in education but who work in a subject area OTHER than the certification areas offered by Binghamton University (childhood and early childhood education, special education, literacy education, or adolescence education in English, romance languages, mathematics, sciences or social studies).

The program is offered both on campus and online. Students taking the online option will also earn an advanced certificate in community schools.

Degrees Offered

• MS in Educational Studies

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

The program consists of 36 credits, and students must take at least 4 credits in each of the following educational areas: foundations of education, teaching and learning, and research. Students will work closely with a faculty advisor to select suitable courses from the diverse curriculum and develop an individualized course of study. The program culminates in a research-based master’s paper or project. This involves a formal research paper on a major educational issue or a research report of a field-based study. If the student is teaching, the final project could involve presenting a reflective portfolio and curricular materials, including a review of relevant research.

After You Graduate

Graduates of this program often teach subjects like music, art, physical education and health. With a strong educational background obtained through this degree, many international alumni of the program have returned to their respective home countries to pursue teaching positions.

Please note that although this program is a New York State registered teacher education program, it does NOT lead to certification. Students interested in becoming certified after completing this program should apply to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) on their own, with the understanding that the Department of TLEL cannot predict the outcome. Students are responsible for working with NYSED regarding professional certification matters.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

• Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
• Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you visit the TLEL Admissions website for additional information.

• Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
• Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
• Personal statement
  • Please see the TLEL Admissions website for additional information about the personal statement.
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation
  • The department will accept additional letters of recommendation.
• GRE scores are not required

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

• International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
• Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
  • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

Deadlines

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!

For more information, visit the Educational Studies website.