4+1 Teacher Certification Program

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education offers a 4+1 program designed to provide an accelerated pathway to New York State Teacher Certification for highly qualified students in the liberal arts and sciences.

Gain skills and confidence in the classroom through student teaching and clinical experiences.

This competitive program allows you to complete your baccalaureate degree in the liberal arts and sciences and a master’s degree in inclusive education with dual teacher certification in five years.

Download the 4 + 1 Program Brochure [pdf].

Qualifying for the Program

To be considered for the M.S. in Inclusive Adolescence program, you must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, science, history, American studies, or English.

To be considered for the M.S. in Inclusive Childhood program, you must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in any of the liberal arts and sciences. 

A GPA of 3.25 is required to be considered for the program.

Apply to the 4+1 Program

You can apply during the first semester of your sophomore year. To apply:

  • Submit the 4+1 Program Application to the chair of inclusive education.
  • Request letters of recommendation from three instructors.
  • Complete an interview.  

Important Steps in the Program

You will meet with your advisor to accelerate your baccalaureate degree program if you are accepted to the 4+1 program.

Graduate Registration

During the spring semester of your junior year:

  • Complete the approval form to register for the graduate coursework as an undergraduate student and submit it to the Registrar’s Office.
  • Submit an application form for the intended graduate program to Graduate Admissions for the upcoming fall semester.

Completing Your Baccalaureate Degree

During the fall semester of your senior year, you will be completing your baccalaureate degree while beginning your master’s degree in inclusive education. The completed graduate courses are posted as undergraduate credit on your academic transcript. The graduate courses will be added to your graduate transcript at the end of the first semester of graduate study in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education.