How to Choose a Teaching Program

Earn your degree and certification at the same time.

Many colleges and universities let you complete your bachelor’s degree and teaching program together. So, you might major in education or your future teaching subject—like math, English or biology—and work toward your teaching certificate, all at the same time. This can reduce the total cost and time you spend becoming a teacher! 
 

A bachelor’s degree pathway may be a good fit if:

• You’re in high school, or your first or second year of college.
• You know what subject and grade level you want to teach.

Already have a bachelor’s?

You can enroll in a program to work toward your master’s degree and teaching certificate at the same time.

The state of New York requires all teachers to eventually earn a master’s—so this pathway lets you meet that requirement right away. Plus, a master’s degree often means a higher starting salary! 
 

A master’s degree pathway may be a good fit if: 

• You decide you want to teach later in college, or after you’ve earned a degree. 
• You majored in something different than the subject you want to teach.
• You want hands-on practice and mentorship before you teach on your own.

If you have a degree and want to get in the classroom faster.

Don’t want to earn a master’s degree right away? If you have your bachelor’s, you can also enroll in a certificate-only postgraduate program. 

This type of program may be faster and less expensive than a master’s degree program. But keep in mind that in New York, all teachers must earn a master’s degree eventually! 
 

A certificate-only pathway may be a good fit if:

• You want hands-on practice and mentorship before you teach on your own.
• You want to start teaching full-time sooner.
• You don’t want to get your master’s just yet. 

Start teaching and earning right away.

Alternative certification means you’ll start teaching and earn a salary while you complete your teaching certificate coursework. You’ll teach your own classroom during the day and take classes outside of school hours.

To qualify for alternative certification, you must be getting certified in a shortage area subject, such as math or special education.

Alternative certification may be a good fit if:

• You already have a degree in the subject you want to teach. 
• You’re a career changer.
• You have experience with students and know you want to teach.
• You want to teach a shortage area subject. 

Learn more about alternative certification.