Frequently Asked Questions

Some frequently asked questions about the dual/joint program.

1. Why do I need to see the Education Advisor?
2. How can I meet with the Education Advisor?
3. Which subject area is in demand?
4. What are the benefits of the Dual/Joint Program for QCC students?
5. Do I have to take Math 120?
6. Do I have to take a foreign language?
7. Is there minimum GPA I must maintain in order to qualify for the program?
8. Can I have a Liberal Arts and Science Co-Major in any area I choose?
9. What do I need to be admitted to the professional sequence of the Elementary Education Program at Queens College?
10. When will I be eligible for NYS Initial Certification?
11. Can I be accepted in the Elementary Education Program at Queens College if I completed my A.A. degree in Liberal Arts (LA 1) and not the Dual/Joint Program (LE 1)?
12. What happens once I am at Queens College?
13. What will I learn in my education classes?
14. I like history (or English, math, science, dance, etc.). What could I do with this type of interest?
15. What if I decide that I want to enter the Dual/Joint Program when I'm a sophomore instead of when I'm a freshman?
16. Is it hard to find a job?
17. Are teachers respected?
18. How much money do K-12 teachers make?
19. If I get a degree in teaching, is there anything else I can do if I change my mind about teaching?

1. Why do I need to see the Education Advisor?
   It is a good idea to see the Education Advisor if:

   • You are unsure of your options in pursuing a degree in education.

   • Are exploring possible alternatives for a major and are ready to investigate and discuss requirements for the Dual/Joint Degree Program.

   • Wish to change from your current major to the Dual/Joint Degree Program in Education

2. How can I meet with the Education Advisor?
   To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 631-6027 or send an e-mail to rrhodd@qcc.cuny.edu. Walk-in advisement is also available in Medical Arts Room 125, please call or visit our web site for office hours.

3. Which subject area is in demand?
   According to the Urban Teacher Challenge Report, released by Recruit New Teachers Organization in January 2000, there is an urgent need for teachers in science, math, bilingual, ESL and educational technology specialists and special education.
   There is also a high demand for male teachers. For students interested in Math and Science, there is a lot of grant money and scholarships available to minority applicants.

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4. What are the benefits of the Dual/Joint Program for
   QCC students?
   Students participating in the Dual/Joint AA/BA Degree Program are eligible for:

   • On-site admissions counseling at QCC.

   • Orientation and Informational seminars.

   • Joint academic advisement/counseling from QCC to QC early on in your academic career.

   • Students are required to receive academic support services if needed.

   • Field experiences.

5. Do I have to take Math 120?
   Yes, if required based upon QCC/CUNY Math Placement test results. Math 120 must be completed prior to taking MA 303.

6. Do I have to take a foreign language?
   Foreign Language is not required for graduation from QCC for students enrolled in the Dual/Joint Program with Queens College. However, Queens College requires all transfer students to have two semesters of a foreign language.

7. Is there minimum GPA I must maintain in order to qualify for the program?
   Yes. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 toward degree.

8. Can I have a Liberal Arts and Science Co-Major in any area I choose?
   The New York State Department of Education requires that all elementary education teachers have a liberal arts major concentration in addition to Education. Therefore, you must have two majors. The second major can be selected from any Liberal Arts & Sciences area such as Mathematics, English, Science, Sociology, etceteras. The only fields of study that are not acceptable for a second major are Accounting and Physical Education.

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9. What do I need to be admitted to the professional sequence of the Elementary Education Program at Queens College?
   To be admitted to the professional sequence of the Elementary Education Program at Queens College, students must have:

   • A grade point average (GPA) of 2.75

   • A grade of B in at least 1 course in each of the NYS core areas: Math, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts

   • Completed all the college and Education Department Liberal Arts and Sciences requirements (LASARS).

   • Most of the requirements for the co-major. Students must have no more than 9
     credits remaining to complete the co-major

   • Documentation of at least 100 hours of work with children. Students often fulfill this requirement with work in day camps or after school programs. The Elementary Education Department at Queens College has forms available for students to submit to their site supervisors to verify their work.

10. When will I be eligible for NYS Initial Certification?
    To be eligible for NYS Initial Certification in Childhood grades 1-6, students must:

    • Complete the courses, practicum, and portfolio requirements of the Childhood

    • Complete a co-major in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.

    • Fulfill all Queens College requirements for graduation.

    • Complete state approved seminars on child abuse, maltreatment and abduction; substance abuse; school violence; safety education; fire and arson prevention.

    • Pass the NYS Certification Exams: Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), Assessment of Teaching Skills (ATS-W) and the Content Specialty Test.

11. Can I be accepted in the Elementary Education Program at Queens College if I completed my A.A. degree in Liberal Arts (LA 1) and not the Dual/Joint Program (LE 1)?
    Yes. However, in order to be eligible for the program you will have to complete the additional LASAR courses that the Elementary Education Department requires to meet NYS certification, most of your co-major and the education prerequisites. In some cases the additionalLASAR’s can be up to 15 credits.

12. What happens once I am at Queens College?
    Once accepted to Queens College, you must file a Major Declaration form with the Registrars Office. All students who graduate from QCC in the Dual/Joint Program will have completed the Liberal Arts and Sciences Requirements for Queens College. However you are required to complete two additional science courses at Queens College to fulfill the additional Teacher Education LASAR requirements. Students seeking teacher certification are required to take and pass the New York State Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST). You may take this exam at any time, however it is advised that you take the exam right after you have completed all of your liberal arts and sciences requirements. The continuing education department at Queens College offers test preparation courses.

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13. What will I learn in my education classes?
    You will learn how to design lessons, deal with diversity, manage a classroom of students, and use technology in the classroom. You will engage in discussions and will collaborate with students and teachers about issues that are important in education. You will acquire many teaching resources that you will be able touse when you become a teacher.

14. I like history (or English, math, science, dance, etc.). What could I do with this type of interest?
    Elementary Education teachers are required to have an area of specialization i.e. English, math, science or dance. High school teachers specialize in subject areas, as do community college teachers and university professors. Your interest could be the specialization that enables you to work at a variety of levels of education.

15. What if I decide that I want to enter the Dual/Joint?
    Program when I'm a sophomore instead of when I'm a freshman?Check with the education advisor and start taking the courses that you will need. It is possible that many of the courses that you have taken may be used for your general studies requirements.

16. Is it hard to find a job?
    Excellent job opportunities will stem from the large number of teachers expected to retire over the next 10 years, particularly at the secondary school level; job outlook will vary by geographic area and subject specialty.

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17. Are teachers respected?
    A 2002 Harris poll indicated that teachers came in second as the most trusted profession in America and are thought to have "great prestige," This places teachers right behind, doctors and scientists. Source: Harris Interactive

18. How much money do K-12 teachers make?
    Salary schedules vary depending on the school district and the level of education completed by the teacher. A teacher in New York with a Bachelor's degree and no teaching experience can expect a starting salary of $34,577 a year. With more experience and education, a teacher can make over $60,000. In addition, some districts offer career ladder and merit pay programs to supplement salaries. Most school districts also have benefits such as health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, etc. Plus, when you start teaching you will begin accumulate money for your retirement.

19. If I get a degree in teaching, is there anything else I can do if I change my mind about teaching?
    Yes, the organizational, communications, and management skills you acquired are valuable in many other settings along with any areas of specialization that you might have as a result of your teacher education.

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