The M.A. program in Social Studies Education leads to New York State certification for grades 7 through 12. Staffed by professional historians and veteran social studies teachers, the program emphasizes content mastery in United States and global history and geography as well as teaching methods that provoke critical thought and inquiry-based learning. Extensive school-based fieldwork is required prior to student teaching, both to familiarize students with urban educational environments and to enable them to develop classroom strategies that are innovative and appropriate for teaching today's students. The pivotal experience of the program is a semester of student teaching at the secondary and middle school levels, where M.A. students-mentored by their cooperating teachers, NYU field supervisors, and methods teachers-are given responsibility for teaching in the New York City public schools. Our 12-month, full-time, Fast Track M.A. program option accelerates your preparation as a certified teacher. Specially designed for recent college graduates and career changers, the Fast Track program leads to initial teacher certification in an accelerated format that allows you to complete your degree in three consecutive semesters, including summers, of full-time study. Students may also enroll in our fall entry program. Graduates are prepared to become teachers, teacher trainers, and curriculum specialists in social studies for positions in middle and secondary high schools. Many alumni work as social studies teachers and department chairs in middle and high schools, and in educational agencies and community colleges in New York City and across the United States. Teachers seeking professional certification may study full or part time in our 30-credit program.