Published November 29, 2023
Get Educated on Education Programs at NYU
Most education classes are seminar classes with fewer than 25 students!
The TL;DR
Which Education Program Is the Best for Me?
I didn’t truly grasp the abundance of education programs at NYU until I started filling out my application. As I waited for my admissions decision, I started to wonder if I had applied to the right program. A month and a half later, I received admission to NYU for my preferred program. Thankfully, it ended up being the best fit for me. Are you also having trouble figuring out which education program is right for you? If so, I hope this article gives you some clarity!
Ask Yourself: Teaching or Not Teaching?
First, ask yourself if you would like your program to lead to a teaching degree. This question may be easy for some to answer but hard for others. At NYU, education programs vary. For example, some will take you inside the classroom and others extend beyond it. Thus, answering this question is key to helping you narrow down your options.
Yes! I Want to Teach
Interested in pursuing teaching? Great! Here is a breakdown of all the programs that lead to a teaching degree:
Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education (BS)
This program prepares students who aspire to be early childhood educators to work with students from birth through second grade. Prior to graduation, students must engage in student teaching, which provides them with valuable fieldwork experience. What’s more, throughout this period, they can delve into the intricacies of lesson planning, identify their unique teaching styles, and connect with experienced mentors in the field. Are you interested in learning more about the student teaching experience? Then read “A Day in the Life of an NYU Student Teacher” by Admissions Ambassador Maggie.
I opted for teacher education at NYU because of the exceptional student teaching experiences it offers. One of the placements guarantees exposure to a school where over 50 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The chance to teach in diverse institutions with varying student and faculty demographics is truly unmatched.
—Mia H. (Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education ’26)
Childhood Education/Childhood Special Education (BS)
Interested in working with students in the first through sixth grades? The Childhood Education/Childhood Special Education program not only emphasizes human development but also underscores the significance of a well-rounded liberal arts curriculum. Many of the professors in this program are adjunct professors, graduate students, or PhD candidates. Therefore, they teach at NYU part time and bring valuable outside work experience to the classroom. In addition, this program provides students with a pathway to explore research opportunities and gain experience in diverse educational settings.
Secondary Education (BS)
The Secondary Education program focuses on seventh through 12th grades. What’s more, majors of this program are asked to pick a subject-specific teaching degree. The options include:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science (biology, chemistry, earth science, physics)
- Social Studies
- World Languages
Students in this program, like in all other teaching programs at NYU, are placed in the New York City school system to teach their specific subjects. Immersion among the diverse populations of New York City offers unique advantages for student teachers. Students not only have the opportunity to teach in various private and public schools but also interact with a wide range of students due to the naturally diverse student demographic in the city.
Nonteaching-Degree Programs
Interested in nonteaching career paths in education? The Education Studies program just might be the right fit for you!
Education Studies (BA)
Education Studies is a nonteaching-degree program that caters to students interested in the policy and administrative aspects of education. I’ve encountered many peers in this program who also aspire to attend law school or venture into the corporate world, aiming to become consultants in the field of education.
Areas of Specialization
Education studies students declare an area of specialization in the following categories:
- Global education
- Education and society
- Impact and entrepreneurship
Students take a total of four additional courses that satisfy their specific specialization. Some courses include Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the New Immigration, Education and Social Entrepreneurship, and Presenting and Visualizing Education Data.
I am interested in the intersection between disciplinary policies in schools and the school-to-prison pipeline; so how the education system can either act as a protective or risk factor for students’ exposure to the juvenile justice system.
—Elena P. (Education Studies ’24)
Still Not Sure?
Choosing your major might feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! Remember, committing to a specific program now doesn’t mean you’re locked in forever. I’ve known numerous individuals who initially entered a teaching program but later switched to a nonteaching one and vice versa. You can always request a transfer.
No matter which education program you ultimately select at NYU, you’ll have the most enlightening classroom experiences. I hope this article has helped you figure out which program aligns best with your interests! If you’re eager to learn more, read “Change Lives, Shape Minds, Mold Futures: Become a Teacher.” It delves deeper into the education offerings at NYU.
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