Programs leading to the New York State Initial Adolescent Education Certificate (grades 7-12) are offered in the fields of English, foreign languages (Spanish, French, German, Russian, Chinese), mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and social studies. Students with a major in the areas of anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, urban studies, American studies, and sociology are eligible for social studies certification. New York State certifies students upon the recommendation of the teacher certification officer. Such recommendation depends on academic excellence, specified competencies in professional course work, field experiences, and demonstrated fitness for teaching. In addition, students must pass qualifying examinations set by New York State. The program of study must include the following: PSYC 105 ; EDUC 162  or EDUC 235 , EDUC 250 , EDUC 263 , EDUC 290 , EDUC 301 , EDUC 360 , EDUC 372 , EDUC 373 , EDUC 392 , plus one additional course in adolescent literacy determined in consultation with the department.

In addition to fulfilling requirements for their major, students may need to complete additional coursework in the subject area in which they plan to teach. These requirements vary slightly for each field; therefore it is important that students planning such a program consult with the appropriate member of the department as soon as the area of concentration has been declared.