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 SUNY Empire State College School for Graduate Studies offers:

• nine programs of advanced academic study leading to master’s degrees
• twelve 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 all of your courses online. Some degree programs also require face-to-face activities including regional, group meetings or attendance at occasional weekend residencies.

Master's Degrees

Business, Management and Leadership

• Master of Business Administration in Global Leadership (online)
• Master of Business Administration in Management (online with residencies) 
  • Veteran and Military MBA Pathway

Education

• Master of Arts in Adult Learning (online)
• Master of Arts in Learning and Emerging Technologies (online)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (online with in-person requirements)
  • transitional B certification pathway
  • clinically rich residency pathway

Liberal Studies

• Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (online with residencies)

Policy Studies

• Master of Arts in Community and Economic Development  (online)
• Master of Arts in Labor and Policy Studies (online with residencies)
• Master of Arts in Social Policy (online with residencies)

Graduate Certificates (online)

• Child and Family Advocacy (12 credits)
• Community Advocacy (12 credits)
• Financial Management and Analysis (12 credits)
• Global Brand Marketing (12 credits)
• Health-Care Management (12 credits)
• Human-Resource Management (12 credits)
• Nonprofit Management (12 credits)
• Project Management (12 credits)
• Public History (15 credits)
• Public Sector Labor and Employment Policy (12 credits)
• Veterans' Services (12 credits)
• Women's and Gender Studies (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.

Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read PDF documents. If Acrobat Reader is not installed on your computer, you can download it for free from Adobe. If you are unable to use the file, please contact Graduate Student Services for assistance.