New York Education & Teaching Programs Online: Comparing Schools

If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher in New York, you’re entering a career path where the need for passionate educators has never been greater. According to New York State United Teachers, officials estimate the state will need more than 180,000 new teachers over the next decade. The demand is certainly there, but figuring out where to start — especially with so many online education programs to choose from — can feel overwhelming. In this STEPS guide, we break down the best online teaching programs in New York that fit your budget, your schedule, and your career goals.

Author: Taylor Cromwell
Editor: Mark Earnest
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Exploring Education Associate Degrees

An associate degree is a flexible, affordable way to start your teaching career. These two-year programs cover child development, classroom management, and education theory, giving you a solid foundation whether you want to enter the workforce or earn a bachelor’s degree after you graduate with an associate degree.

Borough of Manhattan Community College

BMCC’s Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Secondary Education for Social Studies is a great option for students who want to become middle or high school teachers. The program covers important topics like adolescent development, education in diverse communities, and the foundations of history and geography. It’s designed to set students up for success in a bachelor’s degree program and eventual teacher certification in New York.

BMCC has a strong transfer agreement with Hunter College, making it easy for graduates to continue their studies without losing credits. The school also offers career support, internships, and hands-on learning experiences.

Location: New York, New York

Mode: Online or Hybrid

Cost: $320/credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Completed online application

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Bachelor’s-Level Education Degrees: An Inside Look

A bachelor’s degree qualifies you for full-time teaching positions and is required for certification in the state of New York. Expect to spend about four years in the program, with a mix of general education courses, teaching methods, and real-world classroom experience. Most programs in the state are hybrid.

College of Staten Island

College of Staten Island offers a Bachelor of Arts in Science, Letters, and Society (SLS), which is designed for students interested in becoming early childhood (pre-school to grade 2) or elementary (grades 1–6) educators. This interdisciplinary program blends liberal arts education with teacher preparation, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Coursework covers essential subjects like childhood psychology, math, science, history, and cultural geography, along with hands-on teaching experience. There are also specializations in adolescent and honor-student teaching at CSI. Graduates are eligible to pursue New York State teacher certification.

Location: Staten Island

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $305/credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • 3.0 GPA
  • Completed prerequisite courses
  • Completed application to the program

A master’s degree in education, also sometimes called an EdM degree, is meant for people who want to pursue an education career or are already working in the field and want to advance their knowledge and skills. You can typically earn your degree by completing one to two years of full-time study.

Bank Street

Known for its progressive approach to teaching and learning, Bank Street’s Graduate School of Education focuses on child development, inquiry-based learning, and social justice, preparing educators to create meaningful and inclusive learning experiences. You can choose from various MSEd and EdM programs, including Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Dual Language/Bilingual Education, and Educational Leadership. Each program blends coursework with hands-on fieldwork, ensuring graduates are equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in classrooms, schools, and community settings. Fieldwork and faculty mentorship provide invaluable real-world experience as part of Bank Street’s master’s degree programs.

Location: New York City

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $1,814/credit

Admissions Requirements:

Your Guide to Education Doctorates (EdD) and Graduate Certificates

PhD, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs prepare educators and administrators for leadership, research, and policy roles. PhD programs focus on research and academia, while EdD programs emphasize practical leadership in schools and higher education. Graduate certificates offer specialized training in areas such as curriculum design, special education, and educational leadership.

Hofstra University

Hofstra’s EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy is designed for experienced professionals in education who want to expand their influence and impact. The program offers two leadership concentration tracks: K-12 for school leaders, district administrators, and policymakers; and Higher Education for faculty, deans, and university administrators. Students will develop skills in organizational leadership, policy analysis, and strategic decision-making, gaining a deeper understanding of how to address inequities, improve teacher performance, and maximize student learning outcomes. The program encourages collaboration with faculty and peers, fostering a strong professional learning community. Financial aid is available for the EdD course.

Location: Hampstead

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $1,630 per credit hour

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
  • Resume and statement of purpose
  • Official transcripts
  • Three professional recommendations
  • An interview with the doctoral program director

FAQs From Online Education & Teaching Students in NY

What are the certification requirements for New York teachers?

To get certified to become a teacher, there are requirements from the New York State Education Department that must be completed. First, you need a bachelor’s degree in education (or a related field). You also need to participate in a teacher prep program, pass state exams (EAS, CSTs), and be part of a student teaching placement. Additional requirements include fingerprinting and attendance at a DASA (Dignity for All Students Act) workshop. Most teachers start with an Initial Certificate and later upgrade to a Professional Certificate after gaining experience.

Can I earn my teaching degree online in New York?

Yes, plenty of schools offer online programs for teaching degrees, especially at the master’s degree level. Schools such as SUNY Empire State College, CUNY School of Professional Studies, and Bank Street College of Education have online options. Just keep in mind, most programs still require in-person student teaching, so you’ll need to complete that at an approved school near you.

How much does an education degree cost in New York?

It depends. If you go to a SUNY or CUNY school, tuition is around $7,000–$10,000 per year for undergraduate degrees and $11,000–$15,000 for graduate school, although the prices depend on what school you attend and if you are an out-of-state student.

Private schools, like NYU or Columbia, can cost $30,000+ per year. To get some help, you can apply for TEACH Grants, New York’s Excelsior Scholarship, and school-specific scholarships to help cover costs.

What teaching jobs are in high demand in New York?

New York really needs special education, STEM (science, math), and bilingual/ESL teachers. Early childhood educators and teachers in rural or underserved areas are also in demand. If you’re open to teaching in these areas, there are often grants, loan forgiveness programs, and hiring incentives to help.

Can I become a teacher in New York without an education degree?

Yes, if you have a bachelor’s degree in another subject, you can go through alternative certification programs such as the New York City Teaching Fellows or a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. These programs help people who are changing their careers or who are specific subject experts transition into teaching.

New York’s Career Prospects for Teachers & Educators

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Area Occupation 10th Percentile 90th Percentile Median
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Kindergarten Teachers $54,180 $135,510 $82,810
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Elementary School Teachers $61,110 $135,740 $97,200
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Middle School Teachers $62,300 $136,540 $86,430
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Secondary School Teachers $62,940 $137,000 $100,880
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Teachers and Instructors $41,190 $148,080 $83,200

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.


No matching data found or there was an error in the query.

Resources for Education Students & Professionals: New York Edition

If you’re an educator, or on your way to becoming one, you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Whether you’re looking for certification guidance, career support, networking opportunities, or professional development, New York has tons of resources to help. Here are some of the best places to start.

  • EdTrust New York: A statewide education policy and advocacy organization that focuses on students in need, EdTrust works to close opportunity and achievement gaps for historically underserved students, particularly low-income students and students with disabilities.
  • Math for America: This program offers a $60,000 fellowship to support NYC STEM teachers, who are in high demand. Earning an MfA fellowship means that you can join your educational peers and collaborate, connect, and continually learn.
  • New York Institute of Technology: Whether you’re an educator seeking innovative teaching strategies or a student looking for engagement tools, NYT’s Center for Teaching and Learning provides research-backed resources, hands-on workshops, and instructional support.
  • New York State Council of Educational Associations (NYSCEA): Members of NYSCEA often meet with New York State Education Department representatives about the latest initiatives and impactful issues. The organization prides itself on its advocacy work and offers delegate meetings and conferences.
  • New York State Education Department: This governmental agency features job seeking opportunities, information on certification exams, and scholarships and grants. The site provides data and research, guides for teachers, and articles on directives from state leaders.
  • New York State School Boards Association: The NYSSBA works to promote the value of public education and build collaborative partnerships in support of state and federal advocacy positions. It also collects, researches, and analyzes information concerning public education.
  • New York State United Teachers (NYSUT): This organization is made up of 700,000 teachers who currently work in or have retired from the state’s school system. Its site features guides on becoming a teacher, information on certification and news articles.
  • The Education Trust–New York:The trust promotes statewide education policies and advocates for children K-12. They raise awareness of gaps in education equity and opportunities through partnerships with equity-driven advocates, educators, and state leaders.
  • TeachNYC.net:NYC’s public school system offers a ton of helpful resources for current and aspiring teachers, including in-person events, career panels, and job search support.
  • TEACH New York: This is an organization focused on ending the statewide teacher shortage and building the next generation of New York teachers. They provide helpful education resources from financial help to job support.

Profiling New York’s Best Online Education & Teaching Programs

New York has a number of top online teaching programs, many of which are more affordable and allow you to cut commute costs, on-campus fees, and school material expenses. The following list of schools features information that colleges and universities volunteered to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, or IPEDS. Schools must have at least one program that is either fully or partially offered online. Metrics include financial aid availability, cost, curriculum and career support.

1

CUNY Hunter College

New York, New York

Why We Selected CUNY Hunter College:
Hunter College’s Special Education (All Grades) graduate program prepares students to teach PreK-12 students with disabilities in New York State, requiring 32-35 credits and leading to disability teaching certification. Admission needs a bachelor’s (3.0 GPA) or master’s (3.5 GPA), specific liberal arts and sciences credits, a statement of purpose, and two recommendation letters. The program includes fieldwork, student teaching, and prepares graduates for roles in public and private schools and special education settings. Early applicants may qualify for CUNY application fee waivers.
Program Highlights
  • CUNY sponsors application fees for applicants by June 30, 2025.
  • The program offers flexible learning formats, including fully online and in-person/hybrid options.
  • Clinical experiences include supervised teaching in NYC or NYS schools.
School Details
  • AccreditationMSCHE
  • Average Tuition$6,930
  • Average Grant Aid$1,753
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid68%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid93%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course73%
2

CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, New York

Why We Selected CUNY Brooklyn College:
Brooklyn College’s School of Education offers comprehensive teacher preparation programs, featuring innovative partnerships across the metropolitan area and with national organizations. These programs prepare students to thrive as teachers, administrators, or school psychologists. Certain graduate programs at Brooklyn College require the GRE General Test, while others may demand state teaching certificates or writing samples. Programs typically lead to initial New York State teacher certification, focusing on areas like Childhood Education (grades 1-6) and Early Childhood Education (birth to grade 2). Financial aid and scholarships are available to support students’ academic goals at Brooklyn College.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers innovative partnerships with metropolitan area organizations and national entities.
  • The curriculum combines art and teaching passions for a holistic educational experience.
  • Graduates are well-prepared for roles as teachers, administrators, or school psychologists.
School Details
  • AccreditationCUNY
  • Average Tuition$6,930
  • Average Grant Aid$1,548
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid67%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid97%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course88%
3

CUNY Lehman College

Bronx, New York

Why We Selected CUNY Lehman College:
Lehman College offers a variety of graduate educator preparation programs in Education, leading to New York State Initial Certification. Programs include MSED degrees in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, Special Education, English Education, and more. These programs typically consist of around 30 to 48 credits and can lead to Professional Certification after completing a graduate program and gaining teaching experience. Financial support options, such as scholarships and tuition reimbursement initiatives, are available through the LEAP to Teacher program. Career outcomes often involve roles such as teaching in public schools or Educational Leadership positions. Admission typically requires a bachelor’s degree and relevant GPA, though specific requirements vary by program. The College supports students with advising, career services, and professional development opportunities to enhance their educational journey.
Program Highlights
  • Lehman College offers flexible online programs with diverse undergraduate and graduate majors available online.
  • Prospective students benefit from Lehman's strong reputation as a leader in social mobility and online education.
  • Lehman provides numerous opportunities for experiential learning, including internships and research alongside faculty mentors.
School Details
  • AccreditationMSCHE
  • Average Tuition$6,930
  • Average Grant Aid$1,360
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid69%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid93%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course96%
4

CUNY Queens College

Queens, New York

Why We Selected CUNY Queens College:
The Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Education program at Queens College prepares individuals for New York State certification to teach family and consumer sciences courses in grades 5 through 12. The program focuses on areas like food and nutrition, child development, and entrepreneurship. The post-baccalaureate program requires 21 credits of education coursework plus student teaching, leading to initial certification, with an additional 30 Family and Consumer Sciences content credits. Coursework can be completed fully online, but student teaching involves fieldwork. Admissions require specific content credits, with courses needing a B or better. No financial aid is available, and graduates pursue careers in middle and high school education.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers fully online graduate pathways for flexibility in family and consumer sciences education.
  • Accelerated master's options allow students to advance quickly in their academic and professional careers.
  • Faculty members are recognized scholars, offering mentorship and research opportunities to enhance student expertise.
School Details
  • AccreditationCUNY
  • Average Tuition$6,930
  • Average Grant Aid$1,561
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid55%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid87%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course91%
5
Why We Selected Metropolitan College of New York:
The MSED in Dual Childhood Education Grades 1-6/Special Education at Metropolitan College of New York is a 46-credit program designed for prospective teachers seeking certifications in both general and special education. The program spans 12–16 months over three to four semesters and includes a 10-month residency in urban public schools. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Graduates are eligible for New York State certifications in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities, enhancing career prospects as general or special education teachers. The program emphasizes real-world skills and social justice.
Program Highlights
  • The Master of Science in Education program at Metropolitan College of New York highlights the following unique features:
  • The program emphasizes a Purpose-Centered Education model, integrating theory with real-world application through a 10-month residency in urban public schools.
  • Students can benefit from accelerated completion options, allowing them to earn dual certifications in childhood education and special education within just 12 months.
School Details
  • AccreditationMSCHE
  • Average Tuition$19,338
  • Average Grant Aid$2,164
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid83%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid92%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course94%
6

Touro College

New York, New York

Why We Selected Touro College:
Touro College offers Master of Science degrees in Education and Special Education, targeting Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), with preparation for initial or professional New York State certification. The Childhood Education program requires 36 credits, and students engage in rigorous coursework and clinical experiences. Professional certification follows three years of full-time teaching. Prospective students receive comprehensive training in educational theory and practices tailored to diverse needs. Admissions typically require a 2.25 undergraduate GPA for related collaborative programs. Career outcomes include roles in general and special education settings, emphasizing pedagogical excellence and professional growth. *The Teaching Students with Disabilities (Grades 7-12) reference is removed as it was not explicitly listed in available program details.
Program Highlights
  • Touro offers competitive tuition rates, enhancing affordability for aspiring educators.
  • The program provides a supportive community with experienced faculty who are practitioners in the field.
  • Touro is the #1 provider of NYC public school teachers, offering strong job placement opportunities.
School Details
  • AccreditationMSCHE
  • Average Tuition$18,283
  • Average Grant Aid$6,204
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid88%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid89%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course59%
7
Why We Selected CUNY Hostos Community College:
The Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at Hostos Community College is a 60-credit program designed to prepare students for careers in early childhood education. It includes a core of education courses emphasizing theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students participate in field experiences in professional settings. The program prepares graduates for roles as assistant teachers, paraprofessionals, or caregivers in daycare centers and similar facilities. Using open educational resources can save students around $800 to $1,000 on textbooks. Career outcomes focus on immediate employment, with paths to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs at other CUNY colleges.
Program Highlights
  • The Early Childhood Education program at Hostos Community College offers a variety of unique benefits for prospective students:
  • Early Childhood Education students can take advantage of various scholarships and financial aid options to make their education more affordable.
  • The program features hands-on experiences through workshops and field placements, providing real-world applications of classroom knowledge.
School Details
  • AccreditationCUNY
  • Average Tuition$4,800
  • Average Grant Aid$1,371
  • % of Students Awarded Grant Aid11%
  • % of Students Awarded Any Financial Aid89%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course95%
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Taylor Cromwell AUTHOR

Taylor Cromwell is a storyteller by heart and a writer, editor and content strategist by trade. Her areas of expertise include all things business, careers, education and entrepreneurship. Prior to launching her own freelance business in 2022, she held roles as a journalist at LinkedIn, The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News.

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Mark Earnest EDITOR

Mark Earnest is from Reno, Nevada, and he loves words. He loves them so much that he’s made them his career, first as a sports, arts, and business journalist and then as a specialist in paid advertising and corporate communications. He’s also crafted words for hundreds of executives to help boost their resumes, social media content, and thought leadership. He even loves words set to really loud music, as he is the guitarist and singer for several rock bands in his hometown. SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE: Business, Health, Arts, Careers, Marketing, Communications, Technology

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