Teachers have an influence over many aspects of a student’s life — not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. So, if you’re looking to make a difference in a child or young adult’s life, then maybe it’s time to pursue a teaching degree in the state of New York.
The Empire State has an array of affordable and high-quality colleges and universities that offer an endless number of teaching degree programs, one of which will likely fit your needs.
This guide takes a closer look at some of the top online and on-campus education and teaching programs in New York and what each has to offer. Ready to explore your future degree? Let’s get started.
Best Colleges to Earn a Teaching Credential in New York: Campus-Based
No matter which direction you want to take your teaching career, there are plenty of degree programs to choose from in New York — whether that’s working with young children or teaching English to non-native speakers.
We’ve picked three of the best education and teaching degree programs in New York based on affordability, accreditation, student support and the variety of degree programs available. See who stands out in 2024, and keep in mind that this is a preview of our full ranking guide — coming later this year.
Columbia University
Teachers College at Columbia University made the list of top education and teaching programs in New York due to its robust graduate program. You can choose from 55 master’s degrees and 37 doctoral options, with an additional 18 advanced certificates that will provide specialized expertise.
- Curriculum Details: You can earn a master’s or doctorate degree and specialize in an array of topics within the field of education, from Curriculum and Teaching to Early Childhood Education. And for some programs, you can complete your study on-campus or online in an asynchronous environment.
- Standout Student Services: The school offers professional development workshops and information sessions on state certification exams and requirements. Some students may also need to complete a student teaching experience component, which allows participants to shadow an experienced teacher.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-campus
- Part-time
- Full-time
A Sampling of Graduate Programs:
- Applied Linguistics and the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Art and Art Education
- Arts Administration
- Bilingual/Bicultural Education
- Curriculum and Teaching
- Curriculum and Teaching Professional Certification
- Dance Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Inclusive Education
- English Education
- Gifted Education
- Literacy Specialist
- Mathematics Education
- Music and Music Education
- Philosophy and Education
- Secondary Inclusive Education
- Science Education
- Teaching of Social Studies
Specialization Options:
- Art and Art Education – Museum Education
- Art and Art Education – Studio Art Pedagogy
- Art and Art Education – Creative Technologies
- Art and Art Education – Community Engagement
- Art and Art Education – Academic Research in Art Education
- College Teaching of an Academic Subject
- Communication, Media and Learning Technologies Design – Communication and Education
- Communication, Media and Learning Technologies Design – Computing in Education
- Communication, Media and Learning Technologies Design – Instructional Technology and Media
- Curriculum and Teaching – Elementary Education
- Curriculum and Teaching – Secondary Education
- Curriculum and Teaching – Physical Education
- Dance Education – Teacher Education
- Dance Education – Leadership and Policy
- Dance Education – Movement Sciences
- Dance Education – Interdisciplinary
- Early Childhood Education – Special Education
- Early Childhood Education – Early Childhood Policy
- Elementary Inclusive Education with Gifted Extension
- Elementary Education and Teaching Students with Disabilities
- Elementary School Mathematics
- English Education – Doctor of Philosophy in English Education
- English Education – Doctor of Education in the Teaching of English (EdD)
- English Education – Doctor of Education in the College Teaching of English
- Secondary School Mathematics
- Science Education – Teaching Biology (7-12)
- Science Education – Teaching Chemistry (7-12)
- Science Education – Teaching Earth Science
- Science Education – Teaching Physics
- Supervision in Schools
- Teacher Education in Mathematics
New York University
New York University (NYU) is home to Steinhardt’s Department of Teaching and Learning, which focuses on the theory and practice of how people learn. The school offers diverse teaching and education degrees ranging from bachelor’s through doctoral degrees.
A few popular areas of study include bilingual education; early childhood education; math education; science education; and special education, among many others.
- Tuition: The cost of a degree at NYU varies based on the major or program and whether it’s an undergraduate or graduate degree.
- Financial Aid Opportunities: When you’re a student in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, you’ll have access to a variety of financial aid options, depending on your specific degree.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-campus
- Part-time
- Full-time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Education
- English Education
- Literacy Education
- Math Education
- Science Education
- Social Studies Education
- Special Education
- World Language Education
Graduate Programs:
- Bilingual Education
- Childhood Education
- Computer Science Education
- Early Childhood Education
- English Education
- Environmental Conservation Education
- Literacy Education
- Math Education
- Science Education
- Special Education
- Social Studies Education
- Teaching and Learning
- TESOL
Specializations:
- Computer Science Education – Teaching Students with Disabilities and Computer Science with Transformational Teaching
- Childhood Education – Inclusive Childhood Education with Teacher Residency
- Computer Science Education
- Early Childhood – Special Education
- Educational Theatre/English Education
- Educational Theatre/Social Studies Education
- Math Education – Secondary Education with Teacher Residency
- Math Education – Teaching Mathematics with Transformational Teaching
- Science Education – Teaching Science with Transformational Teaching
- Science Education – Secondary Education with Teacher Residency
- Special Education – Childhood Special Education
- Special Education – Teaching Students with Disabilities with Transformational Teaching
- Special Education – Teaching Students with Disabilities and Computer Science with Transformational Teaching
- Special Education – Secondary Education with Teacher Residency
- Social Studies Education – Secondary Education with Teacher Residency
- Social Studies Education – Teaching Social Studies with Transformational Teaching
- Social Studies Education – Teaching Social Studies and Students with Disabilities
- Teacher Education
- Teaching English – Transformational Teaching
- Teaching English and Teaching Students with Disabilities
- Teachers of English Language and Literature in Colleges
State University of New York
State University of New York (SUNY) is the nation’s largest comprehensive system of public higher education comprised of a network of various schools and campuses located throughout the state. Students have access to 64 individual campuses that span from Buffalo to Long Island. SUNY also offers more than 7,000 degrees and certification programs.
- Curriculum Details: Of that total, 361 undergraduate programs are related to education and teaching, including Music Education, Early Childhood Education and Physical Education, among many others. Graduate students can choose from 603 master’s or doctoral-level programs. Additionally, you can choose from 172 online education degrees.
- Financial Aid Opportunities: SUNY students can also apply for a variety of financial aid options, including the Tuition Assistance Program, which awards grants of up to $5,665 annually.
The following breakdown lists a few teaching degree programs. For a full list of programs, visit the SUNY website.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-campus
- Part-time
- Full-time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Adolescence Education: History (BA/ MST)
- Adolescence Education: Mathematics
- Art Education Pre-K-12
- Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
Graduate Programs:
- Teaching Students with Disabilities: Childhood (1-6)
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages/Linguistics
- Master of Science (MS) in Teaching – Childhood Education
- Mathematics/Adolescence Education
- Middle Childhood Education
- Childhood Education with Bilingual Extension
- Biology/Adolescence Education: Biology
Top Online Education & Teaching Degree Programs in New York
Earning a college degree isn’t easy, particularly if you’re working hard to make ends meet. So if your time is limited, consider earning a teaching degree online. 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. It also gives you the flexibility to design your own schedule, and you can conveniently complete your assignments from any location.
To help jumpstart your search for the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of the best online teaching programs in New York. This guide is a preview of our full rankings list, coming soon.
Empire State University
At Empire State University, students can pursue their associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees online and on their terms, whether they enroll on a part-time or full-time basis.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Educational Studies prepares undergraduate students for careers in early childhood studies, childcare administration, and adult education, among other positions in the field.
The school also offers online master’s degree options, including areas of specialization.
- Standout Student Services: Students have access to tech support (with extended and weekend hours); peer tutoring; an extensive online library with librarian assistance; academic skills tutorials; writing resources; career services; around-the-clock telephone counseling services; and free academic workshops. You can also stop at any of the associated campuses around the state for in-person meetings, study workshops, math and writing centers and onsite tutoring.
Delivery:
- Fully online
- Hybrid
- Part-time
- Full-time
Undergraduate programs:
- Associate of Arts (AA) in Educational Studies
- Associate of Science (AS) in Education Studies
- BA in Educational Studies
- BS in Educational Studies
Graduate programs:
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Arts in Adult Learning
- Master of Arts in Educational Technology and Learning Design
Specializations:
- Adolescent Special Education
- Adolescent Education with Social Studies Concentration
- Adolescent Education with Biology Concentration
- Adolescent Education with Chemistry Concentration
- Adolescent Education with Earth Science Concentration
- Adolescent Education with Math Concentration
- Adolescent Education with Physics Concentration
- Childcare Administration
- Early Childhood Studies
- Educational Technology
- Students with Exceptionalities
Bank Street University
Bank Street University is a graduate school in New York that offers several best-in-class advanced degrees in teaching and education online.
Some of the programs offered online include a master’s degree in special education, early childhood leadership, school district leader, progressive leadership (K-12) and leadership in mathematics, among others.
- Learning Outcomes: One reason Bank Street University a high-quality option is its certification exam pass rate, which is at 98.2 percent. This shows that graduates are well prepared to take various New York State Professional Certification exams.
- Standout Student Support: You’ll also have access to advisors and mentors who regularly check in to offer support. And you can participate in a regular conference group of up to seven students and a faculty advisor.
- Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Graduate Programs:
- MSEd, EdM in Early Childhood in Special Education
- MSEd in Early Childhood in Special and General Education Dual Certification
- MSEd, EdM in Childhood (1-6) in Special Education
- MSEd Childhood Special and General Education Dual Certification
- MS in Child Life
- MS in Child Life Advanced Standing
- Early Childhood Leadership
- School District Leader
- Progressive Leadership (K-12)
- Leadership in Mathematics Education
Specializations:
- Special Education
- Early Childhood (Birth through Grade 2)
- Childhood (Grades 1 through 6)
Niagara University
Niagara University offers an online MS degree program in elementary and secondary education. This is another top online teaching degree in New York, this one designed as a three-semester-long program for full-time study.
The 39-credit-hour program is meant for individuals interested in becoming certified teachers.
You can choose to earn your degree in early childhood and childhood education or middle childhood and adolescence.
The program starts either in the summer, spring or fall. Those who start in the summer can complete the program within one year.
Classes are a mix of synchronous or asynchronous coursework. Additionally, students must complete the coursework and 150 field hours during the first two semesters. The final semester includes a student teaching component and a seminar.
Delivery:
- Fully online
- Part-time
- Full-time
Graduate programs:
- MS in Education
- Advanced Certificate – Special Education (1-6)
- Advanced Certificate – Special Education (7-12)
Specializations:
- Special Education
- Elementary and Secondary Education
Types of Education & Teaching Degrees You Can Earn in New York
You have several options when it comes to choosing the degree level you want to pursue, depending on your career goals. In New York, you’ll find several top online and on-campus teaching programs that can lead to an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or a doctorate.
Here’s a look at the various degree types available from some of the best teaching and education programs in New York, as well as links to the programs that offer them.
Undergraduate Teaching/Education Degrees in New York
Associate Degrees in Education
Earning your associate degree in education can provide you with the foundation for your educational career. The degree consists of at least 60 college-level credits, which you can use toward earning your bachelor’s degree — and ultimately, a teaching credential/license.
Accredited New York Colleges with Associate Degrees in Education
- Bronx Community College (Online or On-Campus)
- Borough of Manhattan Community College (Online or On-Campus)
- Queensborough Community College (On-Campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
Earning your bachelor’s degree in education will prepare you to become a professional educator. It could lead you to secure a job as a teacher or administrator in a K-12 school. A bachelor’s program typically includes general education coursework, specialized classes and practical requirements. It also sets the stage for earning a master’s degree.
Accredited New York Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
- Brooklyn College (Online or On-Campus)
- City College of New York (Online or On-Campus)
- College of Staten Island (Online or On-Campus)
Graduate Education Degrees in New York
Master’s Degrees in Education (MEd)
This graduate degree, also sometimes called an EdM degree, focuses on the advanced study of education and teaching. It is meant for individuals who want to pursue an education career or are already working in the field and want to enhance their knowledge and skills. You can typically earn your degree by completing one to two years of full-time study at a college or university.
Accredited New York Colleges with Master’s Degrees in Education
- Bank Street Graduate School of Education (Online or On-Campus)
- Pace University (Online or On-Campus)
- Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon School of Education (Online or On-Campus)
Doctorate of Education (EdD) Programs
This type of graduate degree is designed for individuals who are already experienced in the education profession but want to expand and advance their careers in a specific area of interest. An EdD is meant for mid- to senior-level working professionals who want to lead and implement change. With a PhD, you can pursue jobs as a college president, education director, or policy researcher.
Accredited New York Colleges with Doctorate (EdD) Programs
- NYU (Online or On-Campus)
- Columbia University (Online or On-Campus)
- St. John’s University (On-Campus)
Education PhD Programs
If you want to focus your education career on teaching and performing research, then you should consider earning your PhD in education. This type of program can also prepare you for teaching positions at the collegiate level.
Accredited New York Colleges with Education PhD Programs
- Fordham University (Online or On-Campus)
- The City University of New York (Online or On-Campus)
- Columbia University (Online or On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates are for students who want to fine-tune their skills or knowledge or advance in a specialized area of their education in a quicker and more affordable manner than a master’s degree. This type of program typically consists of a mix of introductory and core courses. Keep in mind that a graduate certificate is not a graduate degree, but instead is a credential you earn after gaining specialized knowledge in a short, intensive program.
Accredited New York Colleges with Education Graduate Certificates
- City University of New York (Online or On-Campus)
- Stony Brook University (Online)
- SUNY Brockport (Online or On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Education Students in New York
The cost of living coupled with college tuition can become overwhelming. Luckily, there are plenty of financial aid options available.
First, fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Secondly, check with your school. NYU, for example, offers scholarships and grants specific to those who plan to teach in public or private elementary or secondary schools that serve low-income families.
The school is also committed to the NYU Promise, offering free tuition to first-year undergraduate students whose families earn less than $100,000 a year.
State and local organizations may also offer financial aid. For instance, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation sponsors the Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship Program, which may cover the entire cost of tuition.
For more tips, visit STEPS’ financial aid guide and scholarships guide.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Teachers in New York
There has never been a need for more qualified teachers than now — particularly as the nation grapples with a critical shortage.
New York State is no different, as a wave of generational teachers prepare to retire and many more leave their careers due to various stressors, not excluding challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The good news is you will always have job opportunities. Data collected by the New York State Department of Labor shows a high job growth rate for most teaching positions, including for elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and postsecondary teachers.
For example, the projected job growth rate for elementary school teachers is 15.5%, significantly more than the 7% national average. Additionally, the demand for special education teachers at the middle school level is higher than the 8% national average.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Median Wage (2023) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School Teacher | 2.7% | 1,930 | $85,000 |
| Postsecondary Art, Drama, Music Teacher | 14.6% | 1,782 | $133,934 |
| Elementary School Teachers | 15.5% | 8,531 | $83,534 |
| Middle School Special Education Teachers | 14.9% | 853 | $97,686 |
| Preschool teachers | 38.9% | 3,814 | $38,778 |
Sources: New York State Department of Labor; Bureau of Labor Statistics
New York Teaching Professional and Student Resources
- 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 information on upcoming events, including delegate meetings and conferences, on its website.
- New York State Education Department Check out this government agency’s website for job seeking opportunities, information on certification exams, and scholarships and grants. The site provides data and research, guides on how teachers can promote diversity and inclusiveness, and articles on directives from state leaders.
- New York State School Boards Association The New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) works to promote the value of public education and build collaborative partnerships in support of certain 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 nearly 700,000 teachers who currently work in or have retired from the state’s school system. The union site provides guides on becoming a teacher, information on certification and news articles, among other resources.
- The Education Trust–New York This organization promotes statewide education policies and advocates for children K-12. The group works to raise awareness of gaps in education equity and opportunities through partnerships with equity-driven advocates, educators, and state leaders.
