GSE Teaching Programs

Read about our programs below.

Are you looking to become a teacher? Already teaching but in need of certification? A longtime educator who is looking to specialize or advance your career? No matter what stage you’re at, Fordham GSE has a program that can prepare you for the teaching job you’re looking for.

With its location in New York City, home to the largest public school system in the country, Fordham GSE is committed to training skilled, compassionate educators who are ready to make a difference in the lives of others. If that sounds like you, we welcome you to explore our teaching program options and find the best fit for your career as a teacher and educational leader.

Degree and Certificate Options

If you want to become a new teacher or get certified . . .

Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) Initial Certification

Who is an M.S.T. for? All aspiring teachers looking for initial teacher certification—whether you have no teaching background or you are currently a teacher seeking an advanced degree.

Length of Study: One year (average completion time)

Flexibility: The M.S.T. program allows candidates to attend full or part-time, in person or online, to gain New York State Teacher Certification.

Areas of Study

Early Childhood Education (Birth-grade 2)
Childhood Education (Grades 1-6
Adolescence Education in English, Math*, Social Studies & Science* (Grades 7-12)
Special Education
Bilingual Education
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Track 1)

*Admissions to the following program are currently on hold for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

If you’re a teacher or other professional looking to specialize . . .

Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.)

Who is a M.S.E. for? Teachers and other professionals who seek to develop professional competencies with a focus on curriculum and instruction.

Length of Study: One year (average completion time)

Outcomes: The M.S.E. program allows teachers and other professionals to expand their roles as educational specialists.

Areas of Study

Adolescent Literacy (Grades 5-12)
Childhood Special Education (Grades 1-6)
Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-grade 2)
Curriculum and Teaching

If you are looking for teacher certification and plan to go into TESOL . . .

Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.): Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL Track 1)

Who is the TESOL Track 1 for? Individuals who are interested in teaching English to speakers of other languages in K-12 schools who are looking to be certified.

Length of Study: Two years (average completion time)

Program Highlights: Fordham’s TESOL M.S.T. program, awarded national recognition by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and TESOL International Association, teaches candidates to identify and implement ESL teaching strategies, design and evaluate curriculum, and become familiar with instructional materials to meet the needs of emerging bilinguals (EB).

If you are an international student who doesn’t need certification and you’re interested in TESOL . . .

Master of Science (M.S.): English as a World Language (TESOL Track 2)

Who is the TESOL Track 2 for? International students not pursuing a state teaching certification who work in adult education, corporate or community education, or as international educators preparing to teach English as a foreign language.

Length of Study: Two years (average completion time)

Program methodology: Emphasizes research-based instructional practices that promote cognitive development and linguistic proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English as an additional language.

If you are a Fordham undergraduate student or will be starting as an undergrad . . .

Five-Year Integrated Track (B.A./B.S. and M.S.T.)

Who is the Five-Year Track for? Fordham undergraduate students who are interested in becoming teachers

Length of Study/Schedule: Students are offered the opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in a liberal arts and science major after four years and a master of science in teaching degree (M.S.T.) after the fifth year.

If you are an experienced teacher with a master’s looking to advance your career . . .

Ph.D. in Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction

Who is a Ph.D. in innovation in curriculum and instruction for? Candidates who have a master's degree and a minimum of two years of teaching or equivalent teaching experience with children, youth, or adults who want to gain professional development or advance their careers as teacher leaders, teacher trainers, researchers, and policy makers.

Length of Study: Four years (average completion time)

Outcomes: Graduates from this Ph.D. program will be prepared to become leaders in a variety of academic and research positions in both traditional and nontraditional educational settings (e.g., faculty member, curriculum development specialist, professional development coach, consultant, school leaders in charge of curriculum development and professional development).

If you are a certified teacher looking to extend into a specialty area . . .

Advanced Certificates and Extensions

Who is an advanced certificate for? Those who already hold a teaching certificate and seek to qualify for an extension or second certification to advance their career and better serve students.

Extension areas: