Develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions of a caring, competent and confident teacher.
Adolescence Education, Grades 7–12 Master's Online
Classes 100% Online, Fieldwork In Person
About the M.S.T. in Adolescence Education
The M.S.T. in Adolescence Education at SUNY Plattsburgh is a 42-credit online graduate program that leads to initial New York State teaching certification for grades 7 through 12. You can choose one of nine secondary education subject areas: biology, chemistry, earth science, English, French, mathematics, physics, social studies or Spanish. The program is designed for career changers with a bachelor’s degree in a related content area, as well as in-service teachers seeking certification. Full-time students can complete the degree in three semesters.
All coursework is completed asynchronously online. Fieldwork and student teaching are completed in person at approved schools within New York State in grades 7 through 12 classrooms that match your chosen certification area. SUNY Plattsburgh’s Office of Clinical Practice coordinates your fieldwork and student teaching placements.
Upon graduation, you are eligible for initial certification in your chosen subject area. After three years of teaching, you become eligible for New York State professional certification. No previous coursework in education is required to apply.
Choose Your Certification Area
The M.S.T. program offers initial certification in nine subject areas for grades 7 through 12. Your bachelor's degree should be in or closely related to your chosen content area. Depending on your undergraduate coursework, you may need to complete additional prerequisite courses. You can certify in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Physics
- English
- Social Studies (History)
- French
- Spanish
- Mathematics
Note: Math, science, and foreign language teachers are in especially high demand in New York and across the country. Most states cannot adequately staff these positions at the middle and high school levels.
Career Opportunities & Salary
Secondary school teachers (grades 7 through 12) are in strong demand, particularly in STEM subjects and world languages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 66,200 openings for high school teachers are projected each year through 2034.
High-demand subject areas include mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, French and Spanish. Most states struggle to fill these positions, creating strong job prospects for graduates certified in these fields.
With a New York State initial teaching certificate, graduates can teach in:
- Public schools throughout New York State
- Private schools across the United States
- Schools in states that participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement — New York has reciprocity agreements with 46 states
After three years of successful teaching, M.S.T. graduates become eligible for New York State professional certification.
As someone who started this journey in my late 30s, I was apprehensive about going back to school. However, the staff and professors welcomed me with open arms from day one. The program didn’t just prepare me for a career in teaching, it reignited my passion for learning and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. I am now proud to begin a new chapter as an educator, ready to make a difference in the lives of my students.
Mike G., ‘22 Social Studies Teacher at Ballston Spa School District