Adolescent/Childhood Education: Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP) Accelerated Five-Year Program
Save time and tuition with this unique accelerated teaching degree program in New York—and launch your career in education in just five years.
Why Earn an Accelerated Teaching Degree in Adolescent or Childhood Education?
A combined degree in adolescent or childhood education will prepare you for a rewarding career in a variety of education roles such as classroom teacher, curriculum developer, specialist field experience supervisor or adjunct professor. With the accelerated teaching degree option offered by Adelphi via our Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP), you will be able to accomplish the goal of becoming a teacher, or jumping into a broader education role, in just five years.
Why Earn a Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education at Adelphi University in New York?
- Benefit from the continuity and cohesiveness of a combined undergraduate and graduate curriculum via our accelerated STEP program.
- Complete your teaching degree in just five years with our accelerated secondary education program.
- Become a critical thinker and collaborative teacher who advocates for diversity, dignity and social justice.
- Prepare for your teaching license with the option to pursue additional certifications such as special education.
Adelphi STEP students can share their passion for learning and curiosity in the classroom
The STEP program was very attractive when I first came here. It smooshes six years into five which saves you time…they pull you into student teaching, and get you better and better at public speaking, answering questions, reacting to students.
Kip Jackson ‘17
Education Tracks and Teaching Certification
You can choose from the following three STEP program tracks:
Our accelerated secondary education program provides the opportunity to work toward one or more of the following teaching certifications to expand your career opportunities:
- Initial Certificate: Childhood 1-6, Adolescent 7-12, or TESOL Pre-K-12
- Special Education: Childhood 1-6 or Adolescent 7-12 levels
- Students with Disabilities (SWD): Birth-12
- Middle School Extension: Grades 5-6 or 7-9 (for content area majors (such as English, Math, Sciences, Social Studies, and Language).
During the graduate year, students can add one or more of the following certifications and/or extensions to expand their career opportunities:
- Students With Disabilities (SWD) Advanced Certificate (Birth-Grade 12)
- Literacy Advanced Certificate (Birth-12)
- TESOL Advanced Certificate (Birth-12)
- Middle School Extension: Grades 5-6 (for the Adolescent track) or 7-9 (for the Childhood track). The Middle School extension is for students pursuing one of the following content area majors: English, Math, Sciences, Social Studies, and Language.
- Early Childhood Extension (Birth-2). This extension is for the TESOL and Childhood tracks only.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
At Adelphi University, we’re committed to providing our students with hands-on experiences that build critical skills for future careers. Our Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP) students regularly serve in student teaching positions in the New York City Department of Education and Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).
Acelera tu carrera docente con el programa STEP de Adelphi
Accelerate Your Teaching Career With Adelphi’s STEP Program
Program Info
Application Requirements
First-year applications to our accelerated education program must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 high school GPA
- If submitting test scores, SAT score of 1090 or higher (minimum 530–560 on each part) or ACT score of 21 (all subscores). Please note that students may still be referred if applying SAT/ACT optional from Fall 2021.
The structure of STEP is particularly effective in meeting the needs of the transfer student. Most students entering the education program at the junior level have a three-year course of study, which takes them through their master’s degree. Transfer students may transfer up to 64 credits.
To apply for the accelerated teaching degree program, submit the appropriate application requirements:
Transformative Educational Opportunities
All undergraduate students have the opportunity to apply for the following programs to expand their educational landscape:
- Honors College—fostering intellectual perspectives and critical skills
- Levermore Global Scholars—preparing students to become global thinkers and leaders
- Study Abroad—providing opportunities to experience another culture and see the world from a new perspective
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Teaching Degrees
New York state grants initial certification with a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree is required within five years to qualify for permanent professional certification. Adelphi’s STEP program gives you an edge over other graduates who have only completed a bachelor’s degree. As certification is done at a state level, other states may have different requirements and timelines.
In Adelphi’s accelerated Scholar Teacher Education Program, you’ll be career-ready with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. STEP fully prepares you for New York state certification. Other states may have different certification requirements.
At Adelphi University in New York, you’ll earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years, and save a year of time and tuition. This unique combined teaching degree program enables you to launch your career in education one year sooner than students in conventional programs.
Awards & Recognition
