Your guide to Graduate Education at Nazareth University
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers
Preparing
our students for their life’s work.
That is a core value at Nazareth University. Since 1971, Nazareth has offered an array of distinctive graduate education programs that prepare students to be ethical and effective professionals serving the local and global communities. In the following pages, you will find everything you need to know to pursue a graduate degree at Nazareth. You will learn how to find a program relevant to you, whether you want to stay current, advance your career, or switch fields. You will also learn how to make a grad degree affordable and how to survive as a student while balancing school, work, and home life.
Welcome to Nazareth University. We look forward to you joining our community! naz.edu
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Nazareth University offers over two dozen graduate programs designed to prepare you for personal and professional growth. Whether you are continuing your college experience, advancing your career or changing fields, Nazareth University is here to guide you each step of the way.
Graduate Degree Programs
BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP
Eligible for Educational Partner Network discount
• Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence, M.S.
• Human Resource Leadership, M.S.
• Strategic Marketing, M.S.
PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT
• Human Resource Leadership advanced certificates:
º Strategic People Leadership
º Strategic Talent Development & Coaching
º People Analytics
EDUCATION
Eligible for Educational Partner Network discount
• Art Education, M.S.Ed.
• Inclusive Adolescence Education, M.S.Ed.
• Inclusive Childhood Education, M.S.Ed.
• Inclusive Early Childhood Education, M.S.Ed.
• Inclusive Early Childhood/Childhood Education for International Students (no NY State certification)
• Music Education (post-baccalaureate, certification only)
— if you have bachelor's and master's degrees in music and want initial New York State certification to teach
• Post-Master's ESOL Certification-Only Program
• Teaching Students with Severe or Multiple Disabilities annotation
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
• Creative Arts Therapy — Art Therapy specialization, M.S.
• Creative Arts Therapy — Music Therapy specialization, M.S.
• Physical Therapy, DPT
• Physician Assistant, M.S.— hybrid
• Social Work, MSW
• Speech Language Pathology, M.S.
PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT
• Interdisciplinary Specialty Program in Autism (I-SPAN) advanced certificate
• Music Therapy Equivalency Certificate
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
• American Studies
MUSIC & ARTS
• Art Education—M.S.Ed.
• Creative Arts Therapy—Art Therapy specialization
• Creative Arts Therapy—Music Therapy specialization
• Music Education, M.S.Ed.
PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT
• Music Education (post-baccalaureate, certification only — if you have bachelor's and master's degrees in music and want initial New York State certification to teach)
• Music Therapy Equivalency Certificate
Graduate programs are available in a variety of formats, including full-time and part-time options, on campus, hybrid, and online.
Select classes are offered in the evening and summer. For more detailed information, please visit: naz.edu/academics/grad
Professional Advancement
Annotations, extensions, and specializations can be added to some master's programs or pursued as stand-alone sequences to enhance your skills and marketability.
Business Leadership
Created by professionals, for professionals.
Our business and leadership programs are strategically designed to ensure that you will be not only positioned to succeed after graduation, but inspired and able to thrive, lead, and innovate.
INSPIRED, SKILLED, AND READY TO LEAD
Graduate Business & Leadership Programs
Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence, M.S.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence combines advanced data analytics techniques with cutting-edge AI skills to prepare future business leaders for high-demand roles in the global economy. This program equips graduates to leverage AI-powered insights to drive business innovation and success across industries.
LEARN MORE: naz.edu/business-ai
Human Resource Leadership, M.S.
Human Resource Leadership is a set of 10 courses arranged into three advanced graduate certificates in people leadership that you may take individually, or take in sequence, plus a capstone course to earn the Master of Science in Human Resource Leadership. The delivery is hybrid — some in person, some online.
The three certificates:
• Strategic People Leadership
• Strategic Talent Development & Coaching
• People Analytics
LEARN MORE: naz.edu/hrl
Strategic Marketing, M.S.
Disruptive technologies and continuous innovation constantly change buyer preferences. Today's marketing leaders must quickly analyze trends and proactively spearhead changes to thrive in a rapidly fluctuating environment. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Strategic Marketing program provides unique and highly demanded marketing skills while developing leadership abilities to drive high performance for clients and firms. Graduates of this program will effectively steer marketing teams toward success in an unceasingly competitive environment.
LEARN MORE: naz.edu/sm
100% of Nazareth's School of Business and Leadership graduate students in the Class of 2023 were employed within six months of graduation, based on surveys and other follow-up.
Nazareth prepares the best teachers Education
Dual certifications and extensive practical experience not only make you more employable but also ensure you’re prepared to teach immediately after graduation. A wide range of additional certifications, annotations, and specialties can also enhance your degree.
LEARN MORE:
go.naz.edu/grad-education
Graduate Education Programs
Art Education, M.S.Ed. Program is ideal for:
• Anyone with an undergraduate degree in studio art, art history, or museum studies interested in becoming a certified teacher (initial certification)
• Anyone with initial certification in art education who wants to expand their theoretical, research, and studio knowledge base (professional certification)
Inclusive Early Childhood Education (birth–grade 2), M.S.Ed. Program is ideal for:
• Students with an undergraduate degree who want NYS teaching certification for birth–second grade and students with disabilities birth-second grade (initial certification)
• Students with NYS teaching certification birth–second grade who want NYS certification for students with disabilities birth–second grade (additional certification)
• Students with NYS certification in any area who want NYS teaching certification for birth–second grade and for students with disabilities birth–second grade (changing levels certification)
Inclusive Childhood Education (grades 1–6), M.S.Ed. Program is ideal for:
• Students with an undergraduate degree who want NYS teaching certification for grades 1–6 and students with disabilities grades 1–6 (initial certification)
• Students with NYS teaching certification in grades 1–6 who want NYS certification for students with disabilities grades 1–6 (same level certification)
• Students with NYS certification in any area who want NYS teaching certification for grades 1–6 and for students with disabilities grades 1–6 (changing level certification)
• Students with NYS teaching certification for grades 1–6 and students with disabilities grades 1–6 who want to deepen their instructional skills and add an annotation for students with severe disabilities or an extension for gifted and talented to their certification (professional certification)
Inclusive Adolescence Education (grades 7–12), M.S.Ed. Program is ideal for:
• Someone not yet certified to teach, including recent college graduates or career changers who hold a content-specific degree or major/ minor/concentration of 30 credit hours in biology, chemistry, physics, English, math, history/social studies, French, German, Italian, or Spanish and want certification in that subject and in students with disabilities grades 7–12 generalist (initial certification)
• Teachers already certified in adolescence education who want to certification in students with disabilities grades 7–12 generalist (additional certification)
• Teachers certified in general education at a younger grade level who meet the content area prerequisites and want adolescence certification in that subject and in students with disabilities grades 7–12 generalist (changing levels certification)
• Teachers who currently hold initial certifications in both a content area (grades 7–12) and in teaching students with disabilities grades 7–12 generalist (professional certification)
Literacy Specialist (birth–grade 6 or grades 5–12)*, M.S.Ed. Program is ideal for:
• Certified teachers who are eligible for additional certification as a literacy specialist
• Certified teachers who want to strengthen their ability to meet the needs of all students
• Certified teachers and eligible professionals who hold a master’s degree and seek NYS certification as a literacy specialist
For current educators at any level (birth–grade 12)
• Collaborate with teachers across developmental areas to develop an in-depth understanding of theory and teaching practices in critical consciousness and reflection, while building a plan for your sustained resilience and joy in teaching.
• Set yourself apart with the addition of a specialty area. Choose your specialty extension to add additional credentials to your CV.
• Deepen your knowledge and skills in supporting diverse learners through innovative advanced courses in literacy, TESOL, Foundations of Education, and equity-focused differentiated curriculum and instruction.
Music Education,
M.S.Ed.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music Program is ideal for:
• Students with an undergraduate degree in music who wish to earn a master’s degree with a focus on music education and initial NYS teacher certification (extended program)
• Students with an undergraduate degree in music education who wish to earn a master's degree with a focus in music education (professional certification)
Teaching English
to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), M.S.Ed.
Certification program is ideal for:
• Students with an undergraduate degree who want NYS teaching certification in TESOL (initial certification)
• Students with NYS teaching certification in any field who want NYS teaching certification in TESOL (additional certification)
Non-certification program is ideal for:
• Students who want to teach English language learners in any country
• Students who want to teach English as a second language at private schools and university programs in the United States
Annotations, Extensions, Professional Certifications, and Specializations
• Adolescence Education for Career Change Emphasizing Secondary Schools (ACCESS) post-baccalaureate program
• Bilingual Education extension — all online
• Deafness specialization
• Early Intervention Specialist advanced certificate
• Gifted Education extension — also available online
• Interdisciplinary Specialty Program in Autism (I-SPAN) advanced certificate
• Music Education (post-baccalaureate, certification only) — if you have bachelor's and master's degrees in music and want initial New York State certification to teach
• Post-Master's ESOL Certification-Only Program
• Teaching Students with Severe or Multiple Disabilities annotation
Nazareth’s teacher education programs are accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) and registered with the New York State Education Department. * New York State certification is required for these programs.
Health Human Services
In-demand preparation for a career in health care or social work.
Nazareth's diverse health and human services academic programs and patient clinics in the York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute provide the best learning environment and clinic spaces among northeast colleges of similar size. Our institute's design fits our focus on learning and working interprofessionally with students and faculty in nursing, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physician assistant, physical therapy, art and music therapy, and social work.
Graduate Health & Human Services Programs
Creative Arts Therapy—Art Therapy, M.S.
Approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) Program is ideal for:
• People who have an undergraduate degree in art or psychology and wish to use art therapeutically to serve others. Prerequisite coursework in studio art and psychology is required.
Creative Arts Therapy— Music Therapy, M.S.
Approved by the American Music Therapy Association and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music Program is ideal for:
• Musicians and music educators who want to use music therapeutically with clients
• Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in music therapy or its equivalent and seek a master’s degree (advanced standing)
Physician Assistant, M.S.
Hybrid format: Online and in-person
A rigorous, patient-centered program that prepares you to become a skilled, compassionate medical professional. Our hybrid PA program blends scheduled online instruction with essential in-person learning and clinical experiences. You’ll graduate ready to provide exceptional patient care across diverse settings.
• Interdisciplinary Strength: Build your foundation with Nazareth’s well-established expertise in health and human services, combined with advanced medical training.
• Simulation-Based Learning: Develop clinical decision-making skills in high-fidelity simulation labs that replicate real-world patient care scenarios.
WORLD-CLASS TRAINING FOR ESSENTIAL HELPERS AND HEALERS
Physical Therapy, DPT
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
This highly competitive program provides students with a curriculum that incorporates hands-on learning through courses in our student run, facultysupervised clinics, plus full-time clinical affiliations around the country.
Our DPT Program is ideal for students who:
• Have a passion for person-centered care that changes lives — of communities, patients, and families.
• Have a strong academic background in science and a drive to serve communities.
• Are looking for opportunities to study and practice in state of the art facilities with cutting edge lab technologies.
Social Work, MSW
Fully Online or In-Person/Hybrid
Nazareth University's MSW program is registered with the New York State Education Department, and is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Our program curriculum focuses on training you to be an ethical and competent advanced practitioner. Through collaborative and interprofessional practice, you'll learn to follow a person-in-environment and ecological systems approach to advance individual, community, societal, and global well-being, and human rights; promote social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; and serve as a leader.
• Available either fully online or in person, full-time or part-time
• Programs available for those with a Bachelor of Social Work as well as for those with an academic background in a field other than Social Work.
• Never worry about finding your own practicum placement. We help place you. We partner with over 450 agencies to provide experiential learning in diverse settings, roles, and regions that match your career goals.
Speech-Language Pathology (Speech Therapy), M.S.
Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Everyone deserves a voice. Our Speech-Language Pathology program provides the pathway for patients to find that and so much more. Through coursework and extensive hands-on clinical experience, students gain knowledge and skills to evaluate, treat, and advocate for people with communication and swallowing disorders.
• Leave our program prepared for 3 credentials:
º the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
º Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP),
º New York State license, and Teachers of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) (required to work with children in preschool-21 years).
• Our program is ideal for those who want to become a licensed speech-language pathologist and/or a certified New York state teacher of students with speech and language disabilities (TSSLD).
To Apply
1. Complete your application online, which includes submitting a resume, professional statement, and letters of recommendation (may vary by program). Apply at: naz.edu/grad-apply
Please note that certain programs use separate applications, including:
• Speech Language Pathology — Apply at: csdcas.liaisoncas.com
2. Request official transcripts from each college you attended.
3. Interview (required for select programs)
4. Check naz.edu/grad-apply for any additional requirements by program
Humanities Social Sciences
Focus on people and culture
Love the humanities — understanding human beings and their culture — and want to take your knowledge to the next level?
If you are fascinated by American culture — including how people in other countries see it — and want to advance your knowledge for work in the federal government, museums, diplomacy, or teaching, then a master’s in American studies will prepare you.
ADVANCE YOUR SKILLS FOR A CAREER ANYWHERE
Graduate Humanities and Social Sciences Programs
American Studies, M.A.
• Outstanding professors in American history, literature, sociology, and philosophy guide you to deepen your understanding of American culture. Gain an interdisciplinary perspective on the literature, music, history, politics, and culture of the United States.
• Learn first-hand how outsiders view this nation by studying abroad (optional) for one semester at the Institute for English and American Studies at the University of Pannonia in Veszprém, Hungary. All courses are taught in English and the tuition is half of Nazareth's price.
• Intern at a museum, school, or international organization, in the U.S. or in Hungary.
Music Arts
Nazareth prepares you to take your passion and turn it into your life’s work
Whatever your interest in the arts or humanities, Nazareth’s programs will take you to the next level and help you learn, teach, heal, and assist others.
Graduate Music & Arts Programs
Art Education, M.S.Ed.
Learn to present the study and creation of art in exciting and meaningful ways, while continuing your lifelong development as an artist.
Nazareth University is among the most highly respected colleges and universities in New York State for art education. This M.S.Ed. program meets National Art Education Association standards for
Anyone with an undergraduate degree in studio art, art history, or museum studies interested in becoming a certified teacher (initial certification)
• Anyone with initial certification in art education who wants to expand their theoretical, research, and studio knowledge base, and gain professional certification
Creative Arts Therapy—Art Therapy, M.S.
Approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA)
Unique in the United States, the 60-credit art therapy degree program provides interdisciplinary training and clinical work.
Collaborate interprofessionally at the on-site art therapy clinic gaining hands-on experience through consultation, observation, and co-treatment with future professionals in social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and music therapy — all while serving the local community.
The program qualifies students for the New York State licensed creative arts therapy (LCAT) credential.
Program is ideal for:
• People who have an undergraduate degree in art or psychology and wish to use art therapeutically to serve others. Prerequisite coursework in studio art and psychology is required.
Creative Arts Therapy— Music Therapy, M.S.
Approved by the American Music Therapy Association and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music
Collaborate interprofessional at the on-campus music therapy clinic, gaining hands-on experience providing stand-alone care and co-treatment with physical therapy, speech therapy, and art therapy students — all while serving the local community.
The program qualifies students for the New York State licensed creative arts therapy (LCAT) credential.
Program is ideal for:
• Musicians and music educators who want to use music therapeutically with clients
• Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in music therapy or its equivalent and seek a master’s degree (advanced standing)
Music Education, M.S.Ed.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music
Gain advanced skills in curriculum, pedagogy, musicianship, research methods, and topics in both music and music education.
There are two program options, depending whether you already have New York State initial teacher certification.
Program is ideal for:
• Students with an undergraduate degree in music who wish to earn a master’s degree with a focus on music education and initial NYS teacher certification (extended program)
• Students with an undergraduate degree in music education who wish to earn a master's degree with a focus in music education (professional certification)
Affordability
A graduate degree is an investment in your future, something that will add value to your career throughout your lifetime
.
Completing an advanced degree can lead to salary benefits, greater employment opportunities, and career advancement, as well as personal growth and professional development.
Grants, veterans’ benefits, loans, graduate assistantships, and partnership discounts are all options for paying for your graduate degree. Tuition costs and financial assistance options differ from program to program, so it’s wise to visit the webpage for the individual program in which you’re interested.
Sources of Funding
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are part-time jobs in campus departments that provide both financial support and valuable experience to graduate students. Graduate students support faculty/staff in research, special projects, and with administrative duties, in exchange for either a partial tuition waiver or additional income, depending on the Graduate Assistantship position. go.naz.edu/grad-assistantships
Educational Partner Network
Nazareth University’s School of Education and School of Business and Leadership partner with organizations to provide their employees/members with a tuition discount (typically 20% for business programs and $15/credit for education programs) and opportunities for professional development, career advancement, network building, and acquisition of necessary, relevant skills that benefit both the employee and employer. Nazareth’s tuition discount for partner employees/members is in addition to any employer tuition benefits. Our Educational Partner Network is always growing. A list of current partners and eligible programs is available online: go.naz.edu/grad-partners
Fellowships, Scholarships and Grants
Limited scholarships for graduate students may be available for programs in speech-language pathology and in education. Future teachers may also be eligible for the federal TEACH Grant, awarded to those who commit to teaching a high-need subject in a school that serves students from low-income families. There is significant cost reduction for Teacher Residency Programs.
A variety of federal and private loans are available for graduate students and are intended to cover both tuition and living expenses.
go.naz.edu/grad-loans
Veterans’
Benefits
If you earned the Post-9/11 GI Bill during military service, your education benefits may enable you or your spouse or dependent to attend Nazareth University (tuition, room, and board) at no cost to you. For more information regarding eligibility for benefits please contact the Office of Military and Veteran Services at MVS@naz.edu. go.naz.edu/vet-benefits
Graduate Student Resources
1. Visit naz.edu/grad-apply for program instructions before submitting any application.
2. Complete the online Nazareth Graduate Application (or program-specific application for Physical Therapy or Speech-Language Pathology), which includes submitting a resume and professional statement.
3. Request official transcripts from each college you attended.
4. International students are required to submit additional or different materials. Learn more about these requirements at naz.edu/admissions/grad/how-apply/ international-students.
5. Two letters of recommendation to be submitted directly by your recommenders.
6. Submit any additional materials as required by your intended program to naz.edu/grad-apply
Deadlines
Applying for Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology?
Please look at pg 11 for more specifics.
Application deadlines vary by program. Some programs have strict application deadlines, while others process applications on a rolling basis (as received). All deadlines are listed at naz.edu/grad-apply
Let's Talk!
Information Sessions and Open Houses
Check out our website for programspecific information sessions and open houses happening through the year! In the meantime, take a virtual tour at: naz.edu/virtual-tour
Meet 1:1
Choose an in-person, phone, or Zoom meeting to discuss continuing your education. This 1-on-1 meeting is a great option if you're not available for an upcoming info session, or if you want to schedule a date and time farther out.
Request a meeting: go.naz.edu/grad-meet
We are here for you GRADUATE ADMISSIONS CALL: 585-389-2860
