Hello!
(Kind of long, but please read)
I am currently a sophomore undergrad and I would like to teach general (middle school) science. However, I am facing a dilemma when trying to figure how to go about getting my credentials.
My school offers a “dual degree” program where I could get a B.A. in a science discipline, and a B.S. in Science Education leading to initial licensure. This route would not extend my time in undergrad, but my schedule would be packed with no room for extra electives. Granted, I will enjoy all of the classes I would take, but I feel like I would be missing out on some courses that I could take if I only did the B.A. Also, if I did only the B.A., I would have more time to take extra math courses with the hope of eventually getting certified to teach both math and science.
However, if I don’t do the dual degree I will have to get my Masters, which brings up the concern of money. I currently pay $20,000/yr for undergrad, and most masters in the area are at least 25k for each year for 2 years. I am thinking maybe it would be better to get the BA/BS so that it will be cheaper and I will be licensed, but won’t I still have to get the masters at some point? Meaning that I would be spending the money anyway?
I am very unsure of which routes would be best, doing the BA/BS or doing the BA/masters. Any advice would be appreciated!
What state are you in? Each state has different requirements, so that’d change my advice! In NY, for example, you need a masters, so I’d recommend against the BA/BS. But other states don’t mandate one. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if your state doesn’t require a masters, it often comes with a big (or not so big, again, depending on the state) pay raise.
@rebeccar I am in Mass! I am not sure if a masters is “required” here, but I believe that is typically how you upgrade to professional licensure…
You should familiarize yourself with MA’s requirements! Check here: http://www.mass.gov/edu/government/departments-and-boards/ese/programs/educator-effectiveness/licensure/academic-prek-12/teacher/teacher-license-types-and-general-requirements-.html
If I’m reading it correctly, it looks like you can teach without a masters for 10 years (teach with an initial for 5, then extend it for another 5). However, having a masters can increase your salary by around 5k per year, so you might find that pays for itself quickly enough. If it helps, what I did was graduate with a bachelors in English in 3 years, and then do a 1 year masters, so it took the same amount of time/money anyway. Not sure if that’s feasible for you.
So ultimately, if you plan to be teaching for 10+ years, you’ll eventually need a masters. If not, or if you’re not sure you’ll be teaching that long, just a BA should be alright (assuming your school is on the list of approved educator programs). You could also possibly get a masters through night / summer classes in the future, so you won’t need to take an entire year off. You also might want to call to make sure I’m understanding this accurately.
Another thing about state credentials: Take a look at the grades for which you would be certified.
In NY, your certification would be for grades 7-12. So Science teachers in my school are certified for middle/high school. Knowing that, take the course that would best prepare you to apply for all the grades for which you would be certified.
Every teacher I know either has his/her Masters or is in grad school, getting it. (I’m in NY, in a Catholic High School.)
An additional thought: if you get your master’s degree, you can teach at a community college, become an adjunct, or teach dual enrollment in high school. It can give you extra opportunities and income streams.