The Graduate Education Program at Union College offers the Master of Arts degrees in Elementary Education P-5, Health/PE P-12, LBD (Special Education) P-12, Middle School 5-9, Principalship, Reading and Writing Endorsement P12, Secondary 8-12 and Rank I degrees in Elementary Education P-5, LBD (Special Education) P-12, Middle School 5-9, Reading and Writing Endorsement P-12, Supervisor of Instruction P-12.

The organizing program theme, “Teachers as leaders,” embodies Union College’s vision and that of the Department of Educational Studies. The department consists of a community of learners committed to promoting life-long learning in their own lives, as well as fostering a spirit of inquiry in the lives of others. We believe that our graduates should be well grounded in the liberal arts, with a sure pedagogical talent, a passion for working with students, and a commitment to ongoing study.

Admission Requirements

Master of Arts:
Admission to a program leading to the master’s degree does not imply admission to candidacy for a degree. Students must file an application for admission to candidacy for the MA degree and complete the candidacy requirements before registering for courses beyond 12 semester hours. The candidate’s advisor shall recommend an applicant’s admission to candidacy following positive appraisal of the student’s academic proficiency and other factors deemed important for the completion of the particular curriculum in which the student is working.

Admission to candidacy for the master’s degree includes an application, completion of certain requirements, including GRST 500, and approval of the Graduate Council.

Rank I / Sixth Year Program:
Union College offers Rank I programs for teachers and school administrators. Generally, most have completed requirements for the M.A. in Education degree or the Fifth-Year Certificate. A GPA of 3.0 is necessary for unconditional admission to the program. The student’s program shall be planned in consultation with an advisor prior to completion of nine hours of course work applicable to the program. Teachers who do not possess a Master’s Degree in Education are eligible for a general Rank I program, but are not eligible for admission to certification programs in Educational Leadership. Rank I students will complete GRST 500 if they did not as a master’s student. They will also have to complete an e-portfolio for their program.

For program admission information, see the Gradute Program website.