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MS with Initial Teaching Certification

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

Guaranteed 65% scholarship

Online learning options

Teach the school year following enrollment

Program overview

Few careers give people the opportunity to impact individuals and communities like teaching. Can you think of a specific teacher who made a difference in your life? Would you like to become that kind of teacher?

Warner will prepare you to become an innovative K-12 school teacher, empowered and able to help all students succeed. Our teacher preparation programs offer the shortest path to NYS initial and professional teaching certification and a guaranteed 65% tuition scholarship.

All the master's programs described below prepare candidates for New York State initial and professional teaching certification and are offered at the graduate level only. These programs are designed for new candidates to the teaching profession. If you want to complete the master’s program leading to initial teaching certification full-time in 15 months, you must start the program in the summer. 

If you already have New York State initial teaching certification, but need professional certification, Warner offers many options to obtain this credential through state-approved master's degrees. See our programs leading to New York State professional certification.

Key program features

  • Meets all coursework and internship requirements for both initial and professional New York State teaching certification: In addition, you will need to pass the required state exams and complete the teaching requirements for professional certification.
  • Shortest program: Preservice teachers can complete the program in 15 months of full-time study (if starting in summer); certified teachers seeking an additional certification may require less time.
  • Focus on content-specific teaching: Includes at least three teaching methods courses as well as internships (taken concurrently).
  • Focus on teaching all students: Includes courses on diversity, students with disabilities and English language learners; these required courses may be transferred in for certified teachers.
  • Preparing for technology-rich schools: Includes at least one course addressing learning in digital spaces; options exist to take some courses online to experience this learning modality.
  • Option to add Specializations: With only a few additional credits required, you can pursue additional New York State certifications or advanced certificates that can strengthen your effectiveness with diverse learners and make you more marketable.

Prerequisites (as required by NYS)

  • Undergraduate degree in a liberal arts (BA) or science (BS)
  • A minimum number of credits in your area of specialization. Visit the page for each specialty area for details; see the list below.

Scholarships, Tuition, & Financial Aid

Guaranteed 65% tuition savings

Byron Williams Teaching Scholarships

Questions?

Speciality areas

Customize your degree

Our degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you.

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

University of Rochester Teacher Residency Programs

ROC Urban Teaching Fellows Program and Monroe Regional Teacher Residency Consortium are a paid teacher residency programs designed to collaboratively prepare and sustain skilled teachers to effectively serve the varied needs of students, families, and school communities.

  • 1 year paid teacher residency while studying
  • $15,000 toward tuition
  • Earn your Master's in Teaching with Initial Certification
Teacher and young student smiling in classroom

Program Director

Kevin Meuwissen

Associate Professor (Clinical) & Chair

Contact admissions

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Receive a $70 application fee waiver when you complete the form below.

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Take a course before you apply

Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements.

Related certificates and degrees

Related Advanced Certificates

Opportunities for additional specializations with minimum additional credits required.

  • NYS Certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities
  • Advanced Certificate in Urban Teaching and Leadership
  • Advanced Certificate in Digitally-Rich Teaching
  • NYS Certification in TESOL
  • Advanced Certificate in Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities (10 credits)

Related degrees

  • Master's Programs in Teaching Without Certification
  • Programs Leading to New York State Professional Certification
  • Doctoral Programs in Teaching
  • GRADE Program for Undergraduate Applicants

Start your application