Education Programs

The School for Graduate Studies offers a variety of graduate degrees focusing on topics in teaching and learning. 

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Change (Ed.D.)

Empire State University’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Change (ELC) is designed to prepare mid-career practicing professionals to be successful in leadership positions in higher education. Graduates of the Ed.D. in ELC program are prepared to serve as change agents in higher education. The ELC program uses a scholar-practitioner model, which supports self-directed, collaborative learning among researchers, practitioners, educators, and students. Scholar-practitioners are those who tackle problems they identify in their own practice, apply their scholarship to study and solve these problems in collaborative ways, and include important stakeholders at multiple levels.

Master of Arts in Adult Education (online) 

Welcome to the Master of Arts in Adult Education (MAAE) program at Empire State University! Our program provides a solid foundation in adult learning theories and best practices.  It also provides opportunities to earn credit for what you already know, shortening time to completion and reducing costs.    

You can customize your degree with concentrations in Community Education, Workplace Learning, or a versatile General track. Whether you are in adult education, literacy, workforce development, patient education, college teaching, adult education in higher education, or corporate, union or government training, our fully online program fits your needs. It is a mix of theory and real-world application, fostering critical awareness in a supportive community.

The M.A. in Adult Education provides graduate-level assessment of prior learning that can be evaluated by faculty experts and incorporated into the degree.  The total number of transfer credit and graduate-level assessment combined cannot exceed 12 credits.  There is no additional fee for PLA and credits can be used for requirements or electives.

Join us to deepen your understanding, enhance your career and make a difference in adult education!

Master of Arts in Educational Technology and Learning Design
(online) 

The Master of Arts in Educational Technology and Learning Design* not only covers the most promising tools in virtual and technology-enhanced learning today, but also prepares students to identify and adopt new trends. Students learn how to enhance instructional design with online, immersive environments, social media, simulations, games, and numerous other tools. The Master of Arts in Educational Technology and Learning Design (MAETLD) is designed for community college faculty, instructional designers, trainers in corporate and nonprofit organizations, K-12 teachers and international educators comprising a community engaged in exploring, creating and researching the learning process. 

Master of Arts in Higher Education  
(online)

Advance your career in higher education. Become a leader at the forefront of educational innovation equipped to challenge and transform educational systems. Earn credit for what you know and customize your program to align with your goals.

Our flexible online master's program features convenience and quality, allowing you to balance work, life, and education while learning from faculty experts. Join a passionate community dedicated to creating a more just and inclusive education system.

The 30-credit program serves working professionals and community college faculty professionals seeking to impact post-secondary education and those just joining the field.  Gain contemporary perspectives on careers, policies, administration, history, social justice and educational equality, data-based decision-making, and teaching. Choose between a practicum or a personalized final project.

The M.A. in Higher Education provides graduate-level assessment of prior learning that can be evaluated by faculty experts and incorporated into the degree.  The total number of transfer credit and graduate-level assessment combined cannot exceed 12 credits.  There is no additional fee for PLA and credits can be used for requirements or electives.

Your journey toward a successful career in higher education starts here. Apply now to shape your future.

Master of Arts in Teaching: Adolescent or Middle Childhood Education
(online with in-person requirements) New content area!

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is an innovative, clinically-rich approved teacher education program consisting of multiple tracks designed to meet students’ diverse needs and experiences. The M.A.T. program leads to Adolescent (grades 7-12) and Middle Childhood (grades 5-9) NYS Initial Certification in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English Language Arts, Spanish, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, and Agricultural Education (pre-K to 12).

Master's Degrees in Special Education

SUNY Empire offers three graduate programs in Special Education that prepare teacher candidates for collaboration and co-teaching in the inclusive school classroom.

1. M.A.T. in Childhood (1-6) Special Education is an innovative, clinically-rich, approved teacher education program designed to meet students' diverse needs and experiences. The M.A.T. in Childhood Special Education program leads to NYS Initial Certification in Students with Disabilities 1-6 Generalist. This program is delivered primarily online, with related face-to-face sessions offered at SUNY Empire's Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Saratoga Springs, and Manhattan locations. (Online with in-person requirements)
2. M.A.T. in Adolescent (7-12) Special Education is an innovative, clinically-rich approved teacher education program consisting of multiple tracks designed to meet students’ diverse needs and experiences. The M.A.T. Special Education program leads to NYS Initial Certification in Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist. This program is delivered primarily online, with related face-to-face sessions offered at SUNY Empire's Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Saratoga Springs and Manhattan locations. (Online with in-person requirements)
3. M.Ed. in Adolescent (7-12) Special Education (Additional Certification) is geared toward experienced educators looking to supplement their base content certificate with an additional certification in Students with Disabilities 7-12. Coursework is fully online, but clinical work in a New York State classroom is required. (Online delivery)

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
(online) 

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program’s online curriculum is paired with required clinical experiences to provide a rigorous, yet flexible program that prepares students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and New York State Licensed Behavior Analysts.

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
(online)

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction prepares professionals with educational responsibilities to advance as leaders and innovators. Those who complete the degree will develop a strong foundation for career-long growth as reflective practitioners with concern for equity and social justice. They will demonstrate growth as caring professionals who skillfully apply current theories and research to their pedagogical practice and will develop their capacities to lead in creating effective learning communities among diverse learners.

SUNY Empire — New York State Education Department Title II Part A Partnership

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) and SUNY Empire have partnered to make Title II Part A funds available to non-public teachers and administrators who wish to pursue graduate-level education coursework for the purposes of professional development.