Classes are offered mostly evenings
Traditional (on-campus) and hybrid (half online) classes offered
Complete in as fast as 14-20 months full-time
Fieldwork in urban, suburban, and rural schools
Initial Certification (42 or 48 credits)
Catalog: Initial certification program requirements (48 credits) and course descriptions »
Catalog: Initial certification program with school district teaching residency (42 credits) »
Seeking initial certification? Nazareth's 15-month teacher residency programs:
Learn more: ROC Urban Teaching Fellows Program in Rochester, and Monroe Regional Teacher Residency Program in local suburban/rural districts.
Additional Certification at the Same Developmental Level (36 credits)
Program is ideal for teachers certified for grades 1–6 who want to also be certified to teach students with disabilities in grades 1–6.
Catalog: Additional certification (same level) program requirements and course descriptions »
Additional Certification, Changing Developmental Level (39 credits)
Program is ideal for certified teachers who want to extend their certification to teach students in grades 1-6.
Catalog: Additional certification (changing level) program requirements and course descriptions »
Nazareth’s M.S.Ed. Inclusive Education Specialty program is for teachers who hold initial certification in teaching students with disabilities (Birth–grade 2, Grades 1–6, 7–12, or all grades) and either Early Childhood Education (Birth–grade 2), Childhood Education (grades 1–6), or a content area (grades 7–12).
"The childhood inclusion program at Nazareth helped me to discover my full potential as an inclusive educator by supporting my research-based curricular studies as well as my practical field experience training. The professors at Nazareth are passionate educators who believe in the ability of all learners."
— Meghan Zumbo '12G, first-grade teacher at Victor Early Childhood School, Victor Central School District
Employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers nationwide is projected to grow 12 percent by 2022, due to projected increases in enrollment and declines in student-teacher ratios, according to the U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Average salary for elementary school teachers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023)
Openings vary by region. Many Nazareth education graduates work in the Rochester region, providing extensive practicum and networking opportunities.
Grants, scholarships, veterans benefits, partner benefits, loans, and undergraduate loan forgiveness are options for paying for this grad degree. Among the Nazareth opportunities: Teacher residency programs provide initial certification seekers with tuition support, a paycheck, co-teaching experience and mentoring. Funding is also available for high-need teachers and teacher candidates from underrepresented populations.