Bachelor of Science Teaching Adolescents Grades 7–12

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

New York University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Teaching Adolescents Grades 7–12 at New York University is intended for students who want to become secondary-school educators and help adolescents develop subject knowledge, critical-thinking skills, and confidence in their learning. The program combines academic study in a teaching subject with educational foundations, adolescent development, instructional methods, and supervised classroom experiences to prepare students for teaching in middle and high school settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a foundation in liberal arts and their intended teaching subject while exploring the social and developmental factors that shape adolescent learning. Coursework in educational foundations, adolescent development, and subject-specific introductory courses helps students develop analytical skills and understand the needs of students in secondary education.

Year 2: Students deepen their subject knowledge and begin exploring how to teach adolescents effectively. Studies in educational psychology, curriculum and instruction, and subject-specific teaching methods help students understand learning differences, develop lesson plans, and select instructional approaches suited to secondary-school classrooms.

Year 3: Students focus on instructional planning, classroom assessment, and strategies for supporting diverse learners. Coursework in teaching methods, classroom management, and assessment of student learning helps students design engaging lessons, evaluate academic progress, and create inclusive classroom environments.

Year 4: Students consolidate their professional knowledge through advanced education coursework and supervised school-based teaching experiences. Activities involving student teaching, instructional planning, and professional reflection help students apply educational theory, manage classroom responsibilities, and prepare for a teaching career.

Focus Areas

Secondary education, adolescent development, subject-specific teaching, curriculum design, instructional methods, classroom assessment, educational psychology, literacy development, differentiated instruction, classroom management, inclusive education, student teaching.

Learning Outcomes

Develop subject-specific expertise, understand adolescent learning and development, design engaging lessons, apply effective instructional strategies, assess student progress, adapt teaching for diverse learners, manage secondary-school classrooms, integrate educational resources, and reflect on teaching practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is designed to prepare students for New York State initial teacher certification for grades 7–12 in their chosen subject area, subject to completion of the required curriculum, supervised student teaching, and applicable state examinations. NYU Steinhardt offers this undergraduate pathway through subject-specific programs such as English Education, Mathematics Education, Science Education, Social Studies Education, and World Language Education. The precise certification area depends on the student's selected specialization.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

NYU Steinhardt provides undergraduate teacher-preparation pathways that combine academic study in a subject area with professional preparation for secondary-school teaching. The university emphasizes school-based learning and preparation for working with adolescents in varied educational settings. A specific program-level employability ranking or graduate employment rate was not verified in the official information reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical teaching skills by combining subject-specific academic study with educational coursework and supervised school-based experiences. NYU Steinhardt's undergraduate teaching pathways are designed to help students connect theory with classroom practice, understand adolescent learning, and develop effective strategies for teaching middle and high school students. Practical preparation varies by specialization, including English, mathematics, science, social studies, and world languages.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

School-based fieldwork: Observe classroom teaching and develop practical experience in secondary-school environments through the required field experiences.
Supervised student teaching: Apply instructional methods in school settings under the guidance of experienced educators, as required by the selected certification pathway.
Subject-specific teaching methods: Learn to translate disciplinary knowledge into accessible lessons for adolescents, with methods tailored to the chosen subject.
Curriculum development: Develop lesson plans, learning activities, and assessment strategies aligned with educational objectives.
Educational assessment: Learn to evaluate student understanding, provide feedback, and adapt instruction to different learning needs.
Adolescent development: Explore how developmental, social, and educational factors influence students' learning and classroom participation.
University learning resources: Use NYU's academic resources, faculty guidance, and educational facilities to support coursework and professional preparation.
Professional reflection: Develop the ability to evaluate teaching practices and improve instructional decisions through feedback and practical learning experiences.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue secondary-school teaching careers in their chosen subject area, helping students develop subject knowledge, analytical thinking, and independent learning skills. The program's combination of disciplinary study and teacher preparation can also support opportunities in educational programming, curriculum development, and academic support, depending on the graduate's qualifications and experience.

Potential career opportunities include:

Middle or High School Teacher
Subject-Specific Educator
Curriculum Development Assistant
Academic Support or Tutoring Specialist

Students can prepare for professional progression through the following opportunities:

Career support: NYU's Wasserman Center for Career Development offers career guidance, résumé and interview preparation, job-search resources, and career events.
Employment statistics and salaries: A specific graduate employment rate or salary range for this degree was not verified in the official information reviewed.
School-based experience: Required fieldwork and supervised student teaching help candidates develop practical teaching skills and familiarity with secondary-school environments.
Certification value: Completing the applicable NYU teacher-preparation pathway and New York State requirements can support eligibility for initial certification in the selected subject area for grades 7–12. Other states may require additional certification procedures.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue secondary teaching positions and related educational roles. Additional experience and qualifications may support progression into curriculum coordination, instructional leadership, or educational administration.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or another relevant graduate degree in secondary education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or a subject-specific education field. NYU Steinhardt offers graduate-level teaching pathways in areas including English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Further study can deepen subject expertise, support additional professional certification, and prepare educators for specialized instructional or leadership roles.