Teacher Education Online

Apply Now!

Elementary and Secondary Education - Online 

This online master’s degree program is offered through Niagara University's main campus in Lewiston, NY. Our 39-credit hour online program leads to certification in either:

  • Early Childhood and Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 6/Primary-Junior grades)
  • Middle Childhood and Adolescence (Grades 5-12/Intermediate-Senior grades)

This program is designed for candidates who wish to become certified teachers in New York State. For international students including those in Canada, this program may meet certain requirements for certification in other jurisdictions. 

Program Design

Our master's degree is designed as a three-semester program for full-time study. Students can begin their program in either the summer (May), spring (January), or fall (August) semesters. A summer start allows students to complete the program in one calendar year. Students who begin in the fall or spring can complete the program in 15 months. Coursework and 150 field hours are completed during the first two semesters, and the final semester includes student teaching and seminar. Part-time options are also available.

All coursework for the program is completed fully online with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous course offerings. Most courses will be offered synchronously and are scheduled two consecutive days per week. Students must also factor in time for their field experiences during the week. 

Elementary curriculum guide

Secondary curriculum guide

*For students seeking teacher certification in other countries, including Canada, bridge courses are available as part of your program. Please contact your advisor/department chair for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Program Highlights

Small Student to Faculty Ratio

Our small student to faculty ratio allows our students to receive individualized attention throughout their graduate program.

Flexibility

Complete your graduate program as a full-time or part-time student. Courses are offered 100% online with daytime and evening class times available to accommodate professional schedules.

Learn & Earn

Niagara University has exclusive agreements with local school districts, which allows our candidates to be paid while completing pre-student teaching/pre-practicum field experiences. This allows our students to continue working while completing real-world classroom work as part of the program.

Cohort-Based Learning

We utilize a cohort-based model which allows our students to develop more meaningful professional relationships with one another. This adds to the peer support that candidates experience within their group while at Niagara University, in field experiences, student teaching, and later as alumni.