SUNY Potsdam Ranked No. 5 for Best NYS Online Education Master's Programs

Teacher Certification Degrees Publication Ranks SUNY Potsdam in Lists of Best and Most Affordable Online Master of Education Degrees in New York

Potsdam, NY (10/10/2024) — SUNY Potsdam has been rated No. 5 in a new ranking of the Best and Affordable Online Master of Education Programs in New York, published by Teacher Certification Degrees.

SUNY Potsdam came in at No. 5 in two lists:

TeacherCertificationDegrees.com ranks programs based on affordability, not-for-profit status, national accreditation, and the number of program tracks available. They also take into consideration other third-party rankings if applicable.

"We are incredibly proud to be recognized among the top online Master of Education programs in New York. This ranking is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and the hard work of our students," said Dr. Allen Grant, dean of The School of Education and Professional Studies. "At SUNY Potsdam, we strive to provide accessible, high-quality education that meets the needs of current and future educators. Our innovative online programs are designed to support students from a range of backgrounds, allowing them to balance their studies with their personal and professional commitments."

Over the past four years, enrollment has nearly tripled in SUNY Potsdam's graduate programs, as the College has launched 10 new online graduate programs, most of which are in the field of education and lead to initial or professional certification.

The College's online graduate education programs include:

Between Fall 2020 and Fall 2024, graduate enrollment has jumped by 198 percent, going from 242 to 723 students -- a huge increase in interest, thanks in large part to the new online format for most of the College's master's programs.

The online master's and advanced certificate programs were developed to meet market demand and serve the unique needs of graduate students, who often need to juggle their studies with a career and family obligations.

"SUNY Potsdam has a great program, and I couldn't be happier. It was the best decision I ever made," said Autumn Frazee Brown '23, who completed her master's degree in special education online while working.

In addition, many prospective graduate students are coming from across the border -- as Canadians flock to the SUNY Potsdam programs, made even easier to complete through the fully virtual format. The number of Canadian graduate students has more than quadrupled over the past five years.

Canadian students are drawn to SUNY Potsdam's online education programs in particular, said Nikki Zeledon, the interim director of graduate and continuing education.

"Our Canadian students love the flexibility the Potsdam programs offer. We work closely with individual students to develop a plan of study that works for the unique needs of the adult learner. Furthermore, we offer a path to earn certification in Ontario for our educational programs leading to certification, which we have been doing for many years," she said.

SUNY Potsdam offers highly regarded programs at the undergraduate and graduate level in all facets of education, from baccalaureate programs to new flexible online graduate programs and advanced certificates leading to initial or professional certification. It is nationally accredited, through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

The School of Education and Professional Studies at SUNY Potsdam has been preparing educators for more than 200 years. Today, that legacy of educational excellence also stretches to undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, public health and human performance, to help students prepare for professions in the global economy. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/SOEPS.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

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Media Attachments

Ashley Penny ’12 & ’15 works as a special education teacher for BOCES, in addition to serving as the mentor program coordinator at the Sheard Literacy Center. SUNY Potsdam’s Master of Science in Education degree program in special education is fully online, making it easier for working and aspiring educators to earn their degree in the field. The College's online master's programs in education have been ranked in the Top 5 in New York State by Teacher Certification Degrees.

Donica Robinson ’23 completed her Master of Science in Teaching degree in childhood education at SUNY Potsdam fully online, while working full time as a BOCES teaching assistant at Heuvelton Central School and parenting two teenage sons. SUNY Potsdam's online master's programs in education have been ranked in the Top 5 in New York State by Teacher Certification Degrees.