School for Graduate Studies

Graduate studies enable learners to advance professionally, develop research skills, become an expert in a field or explore an intellectual interest.

The Empire State College School for Graduate Studies offers:

• seven programs of advanced academic study leading to master’s degrees
• six advanced-certificate programs designed to support a particular career interest, which may be applicable to master’s degree programs.

As a graduate student you will take courses online. Some programs also require attendance at regional meetings or occasional weekend residencies.

Master's Degrees

Business, Management & Leadership

• Master of Business Administration

Education

• M.A. in Adult Learning
• Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Transitional B Certification pathway
  • Clinically rich residency pathway

Liberal Studies

• M.A. in Liberal Studies

Policy Studies

• M.A. in Labor and Policy Studies
• M.A. in Social Policy
• M.A. in Community and Economic Development 

Graduate Certificates

• Health Care Management (12 credits)
• Nonprofit Management (12 credits)
• Project Management (12 credits)
• Human Resource Management (12 credits)
• Public History (15 credits)
• Veterans Services (12 credits)

Graduate certificates are applicable to relevant master’s-degree programs for those who meet admission requirements to the programs.

Online Study: Flexibility and Convenience

You complete your work in the School for Graduate Studies predominantly through online courses through which you can, at your convenience:

• interact with your faculty advisor, instructors and fellow students
• access course resources and information and the fully online library
• participate in discussion spaces and enhancements including self-assessments, simulations and modeling

Faculty Advisors: Expert, Personal Attention

Your faculty advisor is your resource and guide from registration through graduation, with whom you:

• plan your entire degree program
• outline the topics and sequence of any elective courses
• develop the topic and approach to your final project

Residencies: Opportunities to Network, Collaborate and Learn

Some degree programs require attendance at limited, weekend residencies. Residencies complement online courses by providing opportunities for you to network in person with faculty and students from across the state and country who share similar academic and professional interests.

Residency experiences may include:

• analysis and discussion of common readings and case studies
• team-building activities
• simulations and mock legislative hearings
• oral presentations
• working sessions on developing your final project

Administrative Office and Related Resources

School for Graduate Studies
111 West Ave.
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-6069
Phone: 518 587-2100 ext. 2429
E-mail: grad@esc.edu

Related Resources

• Current Graduate Students and Faculty
• Graduate Tuition and Fees
• Graduate Catalog