A wide variety of students, for a broad range of reasons, are able to find an excellent academic home within the three divisions (curriculum and teaching; educational leadership, administration, and policy; and psychological and educational services) of Fordham’s Graduate School of Education.
Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services Abraham Johnson notes, “Our students are investing in themselves, and we understand that many of them are looking for online and/or hybrid learning opportunities as well as those in person to complete their educations. In turn, we are looking for students with a strong passion and a deep desire to be in their chosen fields. In our holistic approach to reviewing applications, every piece of the application is important.”
Curriculum and Teaching
For those seeking a career in teaching, the Curriculum and Teaching division offers as many as 31 masters and doctoral programs. The masters programs attract undergraduates who enter the Five-Year Integrated Track (B.A./B.S. and M.S.T.) in their early 20’s, career-changing professional in their 40’s and 50’s, and many students who find themselves somewhere in between.
The doctoral program is a Ph.D. in Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction for candidates who already have a master’s degree and a minimum of two years of teaching or equivalent teaching experience, and who want to gain professional development or advance their careers as teacher leaders, teacher trainers, researchers, and policy makers. We also offer Advanced Certificates and Extensions in six specialty areas.
Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy
Educational leaders who aspire to become even better practitioners join us at Fordham GSE, usually as 30-50 year old professionals with significant educational, leadership, and teaching experience, often with 15-20 years of work experience in the field.
We offer the following masters programs: 1) an accelerated masters program for prospective school building leaders who wish to become department chairs, principals, and other types of school building leaders; and 2) an in-person or online administration and supervision masters for church and non-public educational leaders who are also preparing to become department chairs, principals, and other types of school building leaders. Our two 50-credit doctoral degree programs in educational leadership are the Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy (Ed.D.), best suited for advancement in K-12 public school educational leadership careers such as assistant superintendent and superintendent positions, and the Ph.D. in administration and supervision, which is best suited for those who wish to obtain executive leadership positions in church and non-public schools. We also offer an advanced certificate program in School District Leadership.
Psychological and Educational Services
Our counseling, counseling psychology, and mental health counseling students are usually ages 22 to their early 30’s, often with a psychology background. We also attract career changers. Specifically, these Fordham GSE programs prepare professionals for professional positions in PreK–12 schools; mental health settings; counseling services in higher education; adult education; business; industry; and independent psychological practice. They also provide advanced training for teachers and individuals interested in research or the development and evaluation of educational programs and materials.
We offer masters programs in Mental Health Counseling (M.S.Ed.) and School Counseling (M.S.Ed.), and a doctoral program in Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.). We also offer a doctoral program in School Psychology (Ph.D.) and advanced certificates in school psychology and bilingual school psychology.
Admissions
Regardless of students’ areas of interest, there is a core set of admissions requirements that applicants need to meet. Generally, GSE requires an online application, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and academic transcripts. International students have additional requirements.
Applicants should know that “Fordham GSE faculty practice cura personalis (care of the whole person),” says Johnson. “Those students who enroll in our programs do so with great purpose – they are wholly committed to being great teachers, counselors, and leaders. And they will experience that our faculty are here to collaborate with them and mentor them as they learn how to do just that.”
The most significant recent changes in admissions include a test-optional policy for all programs and an increase in the number of electronic transcripts submitted. Overall, Johnson emphasizes, “Take a deep breath – don’t let the process overwhelm you. You have the ability to get through the application process and we are here to help you throughout the process.”
