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MS in Teaching Without Certification

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 1, 2025.

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Online Learning Options

Choose Your Own Pace

Program Overview

Few careers give people the opportunity to impact individuals and communities like teaching. Teaching and learning happen in forms and settings beyond traditional K-12 schools.  Warner offers several programs that will prepare you to teach what you love without the constraints of New York state teaching certification, giving you the freedom to follow your interests and passions. This program is ideal for those who want to teach outside of the United States or in private schools and other educational settings, including informal and after-school environments, and community-based organizations. International students will find these Warner programs especially attractive.

You can also choose some online courses to significantly reduce your trips to campus, and take advantage of scholarships to make the program affordable.

All of the master's degree programs described below prepare students to teach in a great variety of contexts that do not require specific credentials – such as charter and independent K-12 schools, schools outside the U.S., community colleges, community organizations, museums, afterschool programs, or camps. None lead to New York state teaching certification. Coursework for the MS in Teaching and Curriculum.

Key Program Features

  • Customizable: We have many available options that will allow you to specialize in your area of interest; each option has at least 9 credits of electives.
  • Shortest Path: Only 30 credits of coursework – the minimum required by New York state for master’s degrees; up to 10 credits transferrable from prior graduate coursework in lieu of electives.
  • Flexible: All programs can be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study; no required internships.
  • Focus on Content-Specific Innovative Teaching: All options include at least three courses focusing on teaching and learning of your chosen subject or age level.
  • Some Online Offerings: More than half of the program can be completed fully online, if desired to reduce trip to campus or residency in Rochester.
  •  Opportunities to Add Specializations: With few additional credits, you can also pursue an advanced certificate in Online Teaching, Digitally-Rich Teaching, Teacher Leadership or Program Evaluation to make you more effective and marketable. If desired, you can do so as part of a “combined program” that will facilitate securing the appropriate visa for international students and extent loan eligibility for domestic students. 

Prerequisites

  • Completed bachelor’s degree.
  • Prior content preparation in the subject you want to teach.

Scholarships, Tuition, & Financial Aid

Partnerships and Career Pathways

Questions?

Degree & Certification Options

I want to obtain a general master's degree in teaching.

MS in Teaching and Curriculum 

I want an online option to obtain a master's degree leading to a professional certification in my original area of certification.

  • Additional prerequisites: initial certification in a content area

MS in Professional Study: Middle Childhood and Adolescence Education (Distance Option)

MS in Professional Study: Generalist (Distance Option)

MS in Middle Childhood for Adolescence Education Teachers (Distance Option)

To add an additional content area certification, refer to that content area page.

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 1, 2025.

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
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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 Initial Teaching Certification
  • Programs Leading to New York State Professional Certification
  • Doctoral Programs in Teaching
  • GRADE Program for Undergraduate Applicants

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