Which Program is Right for Me?

So…you want to pursue a degree at the Graduate level. However, you’re not sure where to start or what program would be best for you. Luckily, Saint Rose has a variety of programs for Graduate students. Here is just a sampling;

Creative Writing: This is a 48 credit program that allows writers to develop their writing in a variety of ways, while exploring different career options, such as teaching, editing, or organizing a reading series.

Counseling: Saint Rose has counseling programs for schools, colleges, and the community. Programs range from 48-60 credits and each focuses on theories and practices.

College Student Services Administration: The CSSA program is very popular for students who were active on campus, RA’s, and student leaders. It prepares students to work at a college in a student service position, and focuses on practical skills and theoretical understanding.

Education: Whether you would like to teach elementary, high school, or special education students, Saint Rose has a program that will fit your needs, including programs to get an initial certification, as well as if you would like to add an extension to an existing certification. There are programs for adolescent education (seven content areas), childhood, early childhood, special education, and bilingual education. In addition to these programs, there are also programs that focus on literacy, school administration, curriculum, and educational psychology.

Business Administration (M.B.A.): This rigorous 36 credit program gives students educational experiences and professional opportunities in the field of business.

For a complete list of Graduate Programs, click here.

To get started on the process of applying to grad school, or for any questions, contact the graduate admissions office at (518) 454-5143 or grad@strose.edu

Meet Education Student, Andrew Ficili

Andrew Ficili is a familiar face around Saint Rose. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree here in Adolescence History Education, and during his undergraduate career was a member of various clubs and organizations. He is from Gloversville, New York and his hobbies include spending time with friends, playing golf, and watching sports. Currently, he is in his first year of the Curriculum and Instruction Program.

What is your program and why did you choose it? 

The program that I chose is the Masters Program in Curriculum and Instruction with a grade 5-6 track. I chose this program to help bolster my skills as a teacher. Additionally, the grades 5-6 track will ultimately lead to an extension in these grades, thus, allowing me to teach in an elementary, middle, and high school setting. 

What has Saint Rose done for you?

Saint Rose has given me the opportunity to grow as an individual personally, academically, and professionally. I have been a part of many clubs and organizations on campus and I have taken many challenging courses to spark my quest for knowledge, and I have become friends with many different types of people that I would not have met if I did not come to Saint Rose.

What are your ultimate career goals?

My ultimate career goal is to teach in a middle or high school setting in either Global or United States history. Those are my two favorite areas of history. My goal as an educator and a person is to help someone in some way every day. I feel that is what I was put on this earth to do.

Why did you choose to continue graduate studies at Saint Rose?

I chose to continue at Saint Rose due to the type of programs that Saint Rose offers. I felt that Saint Rose gave me the best opportunity to grow as a professional and reach my ultimate career goal.

What is the best/your favorite part of campus?

My favorite part of the campus is the community that Saint Rose has become. Saint Rose has an amazing faculty and staff that make the students feel welcome. Additionally, the Saint Rose students themselves drive the community.

Who has inspired/influenced you at Saint Rose?

I have been inspired by many at Saint Rose. I have been inspired by my professors both past and present to keep pushing forward even when things get difficult. I have also been inspired by my many friends and their stories and struggles that they have gone through. They are some of the most positive people that I have ever met even though they have gone through some very difficult things.

What is the most difficult thing about grad school?

The most difficult thing about grad school is just adjusting from daytime classes to night time classes. I would also say that I found one of the most difficult things about graduate school is the growing up factor and transition from the undergraduate level to the graduate level.

What advice can you give to prospective students wanting to come to grad school/Saint Rose?

I would tell prospective students who want to come to grad school at Saint Rose or just to Saint Rose in general to just be yourself because the community at Saint Rose is so accepting and welcoming to everyone in general. I would also advise students to be ready for a challenge academically. The courses at Saint Rose are difficult but so rewarding in the end.

Housing

One of the most important things to consider when coming to Grad School is where you are going to live. For Saint Rose students, there are two options; on-campus, and off-campus.

On-campus housing for Graduate students is a fairly new thing. Currently, there are  college-owned apartments that are used to house approximately 20 Graduate students. These types of apartments house students of a single gender. Most rooms are singles, however, there a few cases where you would share a room with one or two people. Living in an on-campus apartment includes; Internet, electricity, Wi-Fi, cable, and furniture. Each apartment has a kitchen and living room area. You will enter the apartment from the outside by swiping your Saint Rose ID card, and you will have a room key. Students in the college-owned apartments can stay on-campus during campus breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter, Easter). There is also the plus of having Saint Rose Security nearby and utilizing a member of Residence Life for any problems or questions that might arise. For more information about college-owned apartments, contact the Office of Residence Life.

If you are looking to live off-campus, Saint Rose has put together a bunch of resources to help you get started, which can be found here. Some examples of off-campus living include:

University Heights: Located close to Saint Rose, it provides suite-style housing and includes students from all area colleges living there. Your rent, which can be for an academic year, or calendar year, includes: Internet, electricity, Wi-Fi, cable, a local phone service, and a fitness center. All suites come with a full kitchen area and bathrooms. Each student has their own room. These suites can come in one person, two person, or four person. Like Saint Rose, University Heights is card accessed.

Off-Campus Albany Apartments: Saint Rose has put together a website to help college students who want to live off-campus in Albany apartments. On this site, you can find information about different listings, things to consider when moving, and finding a roommate.

Whether you decide to live at Saint Rose, or somewhere close by, there are multiple resources to help you every step of the way, and ensure your experience in Albany is a great one.

Meet Saint Rose Double Alum, Sophia Paljevic

While she was at Saint Rose, Sophia Paljevic was a very well known face around campus. She served as Director of Social Events for Student Association for two years (planning events such as Rose Rock, Harvest Fest and blood drives), mentored a student for Help Yourself Academy, and was the Graduate Assitant for Dr. Pfister in the education department. She graduated with her B.S. in Childhood Education in May 2012, and her M.S.E.D. in Literacy in August 2013. Currently, she is a literacy teacher in the Bronx.

What was your program and why did you choose it?

The program I chose for graduate school was the Literacy (B-6) program. I chose this program because I felt that through my undergraduate courses there was still much more to learn in terms of literacy in the classroom. With the Common Core standards, the literacy aspect is in all subjects and I felt that the most effective program for myself and my future classroom would be the literacy program.

How did Saint Rose prepare you for your future endeavors?

Saint Rose prepared me for my future with its high demand for experience in actual classrooms. In almost all of my graduate courses, they had me working in real classrooms with real students. My experience with the students and seeing growth in their work reassured me that teaching was the profession for me. These experiences in the classroom provided me with the confidence that every person needs, to feel capable of being successful at a job. Saint Rose has also shown me that building a sense of community is important to one’s success. Through my experience at Saint Rose I noticed the strength in numbers and support from the entire college community. This applies for any position in teaching. Jumping in to a new job can be very overwhelming, but having the support of your colleagues around you is important to your success as well as the school’s success.

Who influenced you the most at Saint Rose?

Dr. Pfister, an education professor at Saint Rose was a big influence for me. She has guided me throughout my program and is a very selfless person. She is willing to help anyone, whether you are her student or one of her student’s friend with a question. Mr. Schaefer, another professor in education, was another influence for me at the college for similar reasons. Without these two particular faculty members support and guidance, I would not have been able to get through my program. Many of the professors in the school of education are very willing to provide help and support to students. 

Tell us a little about your job/life after Saint Rose?

After finishing my degree this past summer, I moved back home and started my job as the AIS reading teacher for grades (K-2) at an elementary school in the Bronx. My job entails me pulling students from their regular classrooms and working with them in small groups on their reading and writing. The school I work in has a very supportive staff which, in my position as a new teacher, is very helpful.

What advice can you give to prospective graduate students in your field?

Some advice I would give to prospective graduate students in the literacy field would be to embrace your time in the classroom. Working with students individually and in small groups is a great experience, but talking to the classroom teachers can provide insight into teaching. The classroom teachers have experience that they are willing to share with you.  My last note is that, whether it is your undergraduate or graduate school, at Saint Rose you are important to the professors and the community. The school provides you with a sense of belonging and that is my favorite thing about Saint Rose.