Undergraduate Areas of Study

Option 2: Traditional Master's Degree in Education

A second route to teacher certification is to complete a bachelor's degree in the subject matter to be taught, and then complete a traditional master's degree in education or teaching that leads to teacher certification. Traditional master's degrees often allow part-time study, which is helpful to adult learners. However, students must complete a full-time, daytime student teaching placement (unpaid), and that may be a barrier for working adults.

Bachelor's Degree Requirements

The student completes a bachelor's degree from a four-year public or private college.

Opportunities Through Empire State College

The bachelor's degree may be from any accredited college, public or private, whether or not that college offers undergraduate teacher-certification programs.

Graduate Degree Requirements

The student completes a master's degree in education or teaching from a public or private college that has an approved teacher-certification program.

The student meets the following requirements at the undergraduate or graduate levels, or both:

  • a major or the equivalent of at least 30 credits in an academic field that meets New York State Education Department (NYSED) requirements for the student's intended certification.
  • general-education course work that meets NYSED requirements
  • teacher-preparation course work that meets NYSED requirements
  • other requirements established by the bachelor's and master's degree institutions.

Note:  Empire State College does not offer this type of graduate degree. However, a bachelor's degree from Empire State College can be excellent preparation for a master's degree in education through another college.

The Best Preparation for Admission

  • a solid academic background in an academic field that meets NYSED requirements for the student's intended certification
  • general-education course work that meets NYSED requirements for teacher certification
  • strong overall academic skills in writing, critical thinking and library- and Internet-based research.