Best Online Education/Teaching Programs in New York (NY)
Thinking about becoming a teacher in New York? Maybe you’ve always loved the idea of shaping young minds, or maybe you’re looking for a career that actually makes a difference. Either way, figuring out where to start — especially with so many online education programs out there — can feel overwhelming.
Now is also a great time to start this career, as New York is experiencing major demand due to a growing teacher shortage. In this STEPS student guide, we break down the best online teaching programs in New York — ones that fit your budget, your schedule, and your career goals.
Exploring New York’s Associate Degree Options
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
Bachelor’s Degrees in New York: 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
New York’s Master’s Degrees: Popular Programs
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:
- See specific program page for more details
PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs in NY
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 New York Education Students
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.
Salary & Career Outlook in New York for Education Graduates
| 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.
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List of the Best Online Education & Teaching Schools in New York
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.
Mercy University
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Private
Roberts Wesleyan College
Rochester, New York
Private
CUNY Lehman College
Bronx, New York
Public
CUNY Queens College
Queens, New York
Public
CUNY City College
New York, New York
Public
CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, New York
Public
Fordham University
Bronx, New York
Private
SUNY Oneonta
Oneonta, New York
Public
Touro College
New York, New York
Private
Niagara University
Niagara University, New York
Private
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Public
SUNY College at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, New York
Public
SUNY Brockport
Brockport, New York
Public
Adelphi University
Garden City, New York
Private
Canisius College
Buffalo, New York
Private
College of Staten Island CUNY
Staten Island, New York
Public
St. John’s University-New York
Queens, New York
Private
State University of New York at New Paltz
New Paltz, New York
Public
New York University
New York, New York
Private
St Bonaventure University
Saint Bonaventure, New York
Private
SUNY Cortland
Cortland, New York
Public
Houghton College
Houghton, New York
Private
SUNY at Fredonia
Fredonia, New York
Public
New York Institute of Technology
Old Westbury, New York
Private
St. Thomas Aquinas College
Sparkill, New York
Private
CUNY Hostos Community College
Bronx, New York
Public
Hudson Valley Community College
Troy, New York
Public
Genesee Community College
Batavia, New York
Public
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.
