Liberal Arts and Science Requirement for Certification
Statement on New York State Teacher Certification Liberal Arts and Science Requirements:
All students seeking New York State Teacher Certification must have a minimum of 6 credits (2 college-level courses) in each of the following four subject areas: Mathematical Processes, Scientific Processes, Concepts in Historical and Social Sciences, and English/Literature. Students are evaluated on admission to the Program in Bilingual/Bicultural Education, and notified if they are deficient in any area.
College coursework is study taken for college credit, completed at or transferred to a degree-granting institution of higher education approved by the new York State Commissioner of Education. or a regional accrediting agency. Coursework must be offered for degree credit by the college, whether or not you obtain the degree.
Unacceptable coursework is that which is not credit-bearing or not applicable toward a degree. Examples of unacceptable coursework: professional development courses, continuing education courses - often measured in Continuing Education Units (CEUs), audited courses, and courses that have been waived for advanced placement (such as high school courses) without credit toward a degree.
If you are deficient in a subject area, you may need to complete additional coursework (can be completed at a community college), or take a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test. See the Teachers College Office of Certification Compliance statement on the CLEP test here or check the NYSED requirements here.
Examples of Acceptable Courses:
Mathematical Processes
Acceptable courses are those typically offered by a mathematics department and are considered core requirements toward a degree in mathematics. This includes courses in mathematical reasoning, quantitative methods, number theory and concepts, algebra, analytic geometry, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, data analysis, probability, and discrete mathematics. Courses in computer science, accounting, finance, and studies in which mathematics is applied to solving problems (e.g. engineering) are not acceptable.
Scientific Processes
Acceptable courses are those typically offered by specific science departments (biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics) and are considered core requirements for a degree in any of those sciences. In biology, this includes courses in cell biology and biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, genetics and evolution, biological diversity, human biology, and zoology. Courses in nutrition are acceptable only if they are in cell nutrition.In chemistry, this includes courses in matter and atomic structure, energy, chemical bonds and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and quantitative relationships. Courses in geochemistry are generally applied science courses, so they are not acceptable. In earth science, this includes courses in space systems, atmospheric systems, geological systems, and water systems. Applied science courses, such as environmental science, conservation and wildlife management, and agriculture are not acceptable. In physics, this includes courses in mechanics and heat, electricity and magnetism, waves, sounds and light, and quantum theory and the atom. Applied science courses such as study in engineering are not acceptable.
Concepts in Historical and Social Sciences
Examples of acceptable studies include courses in history, geography, anthropology, economics, sociology, and political science.
Information taken from the New York State Office of Teaching Initiatives - Certification