FAQs about the Undergraduate Adolescent Education Program

I am interested in teaching middle and/or high school. What kind of certificate will I get after completing the program?
After successfully completing the program and your major (e.g., math, English, history, biology, chemistry, Italian, Spanish), you should be eligible to apply for New York State Initial Certification in the area you major. More information about the steps and requirements for certification are detailed here.

If I want to teach middle school and/or high school, how should I proceed pursuing this goal? Is it too early to plan for it when I am a sophomore?
No, it is never too early to plan for it. You have to keep in mind that you will need to plan your college years to coordinate all the courses. In addition, you will need to keep a close watch on your college GPA that should be at least 2.75 by the time you start taking education courses.

Is education a major in the College? Do I declare my major as Education?
No, education is not a major at the College of Staten Island. If you plan to teach middle or high schools, you will declare your major in the following five areas: history, English, mathematics, sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry), and foreign languages (e.g., Spanish). You should also check that you want to apply to the Adolescent Education Program.

How long does it take to finish the whole program?
The program currently consists of six courses. It usually takes about two years to finish. You can refer to the course sequence page for your program for a better understanding of the course offerings and optimal program progression.

If I have already declared my major indicating my intention of applying to the Adolescent Education Program, do I have to go through the application process to be enrolled into the Adolescent Education Program?
Yes, you will have to apply and be accepted to the Adolescence Education Program before you can move into the education sequence and continue with the education classes.

I have heard that you can take education classes without being accepted into the Adolescent Education Program. Is this true?
This only applies to the two foundation education classes (EDS 201 and 202), for which you will need a 2.75 GPA and a junior or near-junior standing to be enrolled. However, you cannot continue with the core education sequences (EDS 300 level courses, and EDS 400 level courses) without being accepted into the Adolescent Education Program.

When should I apply? What is usually the deadline for application each semester?
You should apply when you are taking EDS 201 and/or 202 in the first half of junior year. The application deadline is usually near the end of October for the spring semester and near the end of March for the fall semester. There is no new enrollment during the summer and winter semesters.

What qualifications do I have to have in order to be accepted into the Adolescent Education Program?
You can refer to the Undergraduate Catalogue at CSI for details. In sum, some basic qualifications would include your junior status, overall minimum GPA of 2.75, substantial credit hours earned in your major (maintaining your content area GPA above 2.75), two application essays, nomination by two formal professors, and completed application form.

How important are the essays?
The essays are a very crucial factor in admission decisions. They should be written with extreme care and an understanding that it is a good opportunity to put your best foot forward, to show who you are and your potential as a future teacher.

How soon can I expect to know my application results?
Usually within a month after the application deadline, a letter indicating your acceptance or rejection will be sent to you.

Who will be my advisor?
You will continue to be advised by your academic advisors in your major (such as history, biology, Spanish, etc). You will be advised in your Education program by the program coordinator and Education faculty.

Where can I get the application form?
The application form is available here.

I also understand that not all education courses are offered each semester. Is there any place I can find out about exactly the sequences of the courses and when they are offered?
Yes. The education courses are strictly sequenced and some courses (EDS 300 level courses) are only offered one time a year. For now, all courses EDS 315, 316, 317, 318, 319 courses are only offered in spring semesters and they should be taken first (after the foundations courses). The second in the sequence would be EDS 301, 302, 303, 304, 305 and they are only offered in fall semesters. This information is summarized in the following chart. Invidual discipline sequences are available in the list right below the flow chart.

The Undergraduate Adolescent Education Program at a Glance

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