Frequently Asked Questions

1. I already hold a bachelor degree, what do I need to do to obtain certification to become a teacher in New York State?

Due to the complex nature of the certification process, it is highly recommended that you visit with a Graduate Education Advisor. Please bring copies of all your previous college transcripts.

Office Hours: (No appointment is necessary.)

Rudolph Campus at Oakdale: Monday-Thursday: 4:00pm-7:30pm and Saturdays: 10:00am-2:00pm in Fortunoff Hall, Room 228 (no appointment is needed)

Brookhaven Campus: Monday-Thursday: 4:00pm-8:00pm in Room B114 (no appointment is needed)

If these times are not convenient for you, please drop-off or fax a copy of your transcript(s) to the Office of Enrollment Services at 631-244-1059. Please indicate that you wish to have your transcript(s) evaluated. We request that prospective students file a Graduate Studies Application prior to requesting a transcript evaluation. An advisor will contact you after reviewing your transcript(s).

To apply on-line please click: http://www.dowling.edu/admissions/intro_grad.shtm.

Also, you may leave a message for a Graduate Education Advisor at 631-244-1008. All calls are returned during the following hours:

Monday-Thursday: 4:00pm-7:00pm and Saturdays: 10:00am-2:00pm

Graduate Education Degree Programs	Type of Certification

Adolescence Education Programs:
Master of Science in Adolescence Education for Students Seeking Certification	NYS Adolescence Education Certification Grades 7-12 in Biology, Business Education, Chemistry, English, Earth Science, French, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, and Spanish
Master of Science in Adolescence Education for Certified Teachers	Candidates must already have NYS certification in Business Education, English, Spanish, French, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies or Visual Arts

Childhood and Early Childhood Education Programs:
Childhood Education: Mathematics, Science & Technology Master of Science	NYS Childhood Education Grades 1-6
Childhood Education: Professional Studies Master of Science	NYS Childhood Education Grades 1-6
Childhood Education/Gifted Education Master of Science	NYS Childhood Education Grades 1-6 and Gifted Education Extension Initial/Professional
Childhood and Early Childhood Education Master of Science	NYS Childhood Education Grades 1-6 and Early Childhood Education Birth- Grade 2 Initial/Professional
Master of Science in Childhood Education (Professional)	Candidates must hold a valid Grades 1-6 NYS certificate. The program leads to professional certification in Grades 1-6
Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (Professional)	Candidates must hold a valid Initial in childhood certification. Leads to professional certification

Literacy Education Programs:
Master of Science in Literacy Education	Candidates must already hold NYS certification. There are three tracks that lead towards NYS certification as a reading specialist: Birth-Grade 6, Grades 5-12, or combined Birth-Grade 6 and Grades 5-12.

Special Education Programs:
Option I- 30 credit hour Initial Certification Masters Program	For students who hold NYS certification not in Special Education or students who minored in Special Education at Dowling College. Will lead to NYS dual certification in either Childhood /Special Education or Adolescence/Special Education. Excludes the areas of Music, Business and Art.
Option II- 45 credit hour Initial Certification Masters Program	Will lead to NYS dual certification in either Childhood /Special Education or Adolescence/Special Education. Excludes the areas of Music, Business and Art.
Option III- 30 credit hour Professional Masters Program	Candidates must already hold NYS Special Education certification.

2. What if I do not meet the undergraduate course requirements for admissions to Dowling College’s Graduate Education Program?

Dowling offers the Masters Qualifying Program for candidates deficient in the necessary undergraduate credits for Dowling College’s Graduate Education Program. This program allow students who are no more than 15 credits deficient to take these undergraduate credits at Dowling at a discounted rate equivalent to Suffolk County Community College’s tuition rate.

* For those students who exceed the 15-credit deficiency, but are no more than 36 credits deficient, they may take these undergraduate credits at a discounted rate equivalent to Suffolk County Community College’s tuition rate as non-matriculated student. Once a student reaches a deficiency of 15 credits, they will then be accepted into the Masters Qualifying Program pending an application review.

3. How do I apply for the Masters Qualifying Program?

Applicants need to submit a Graduate Studies Application, hold a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average, submit 2 letters of recommendation, and copies of their official transcript(s).

To apply on-line please click: http://www.dowling.edu/admissions/intro_grad.shtm.

Applicants are required to meet with a Graduate Education Advisor.

4. I have taken graduate education courses at another institution; will my credits transfer into Dowling?

No more than 6 graduate studies credits may be transferred into Dowling College. In order to determine if credits taken at another institution will transfer into Dowling, a prospective student will need to file a Graduate Studies Transfer Credit Application. The School of Education will review this application, and a determination will then be made. This application may be obtained from the School of Education by calling 631-244-3286.

If you have any other questions, please call 1-800-DOWLING or e-mail Admissions@dowling.edu.