Graduate Catalog 2010-12

Academic Programs

Central Connecticut State University offers graduate degree programs in approximately 40 fields of study, with many of the degrees offering specializations that provide additional focuses.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree signifies completion of at least 30 credits of advanced study, including research and a capstone experience, which includes a thesis, special project, and/or comprehensive examination. Students in an M.A. program seek to expand their knowledge of particular subjects and may specialize in one aspect of those subjects relevant to their career goals. Students also choose an M.A. degree program when planning to continue their studies at the doctoral level.

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree is primarily a professional degree. Some M.S. programs are designed for certified teachers and some are designed for students in other professions. Degree programs include at least 30 credits of course work and capstone experiences in the form of theses, special projects, and/or comprehensive examinations.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed to provide an accelerated route for both a master’s degree and certification to teach in shortage areas of mathematics, sciences, English, Spanish, and technology and engineering classrooms. It offers high quality, full-time, degree-bearing teacher preparation to students who have completed content area coursework required for certification and have demonstrated their command of the content area.

The Sixth-Year Certificate (SYC) provides graduate study beyond the master’s degree for teachers and other educators. Presently offered in the fields of educational leadership, mathematics education leadership, and reading and language arts, the Sixth-Year Certificate signifies completion of a program of study designed to prepare the recipient for a high level of professional practice and responsibility in public education. (Pending approval from the Connecticut Department of Higher Education is the Sixth-Year Certificate Program in Mathematics Education Leadership.)

The Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership, CCSU’s first doctoral program, serves educational leaders in Connecticut through an innovative program of study integrating course work and field studies grounded in authentic inquiry. Faculty and doctoral candidates work together to improve educational opportunities for the children and young people of Connecticut. Students accepted to the Ed.D. program proceed as a cohort through three years of intensive summer work to complete their core courses and seminar work. Students also complete a specialization and a dissertation. Students complete a minimum of 63 credits.

Graduate post-baccalaureate programs are available for initial teacher certification in elementary, secondary, TESOL, and pre-kindergarten through grade 12 fields, such as art, music, physical, special and technology and engineering education. In addition, course work taken within related degree programs (M.S. and 6th year) may lead to certification as school counselor, reading and language arts consultant, and intermediate administrator/supervisor. The office of the dean, School of Education and Professional Studies, provides up-to-date information concerning certification programs and state requirements for certification.

There are also Official Certificate Programs (OCP) in Cell and Molecular Biology, Construction Management, Data Mining, Environmental Health & Safety, Global Leadership and Literacy, Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma, Pre-Health, Public Relations/Promotions, and Supply Chain & Logistics, and TESOL. Advanced OCP (master’s degrees are required) are also available in Professional Counseling, Reading & Language Arts, and the Superintendent of Schools. Also available are post-master’s planned programs of study for school personnel and students interested in other areas and disciplines.

To learn more about the Cooperative Education Program, see the page linked here.