Adolescence Certification for Career Change Emphasizing Secondary Schools (ACCESS) Program*:

Program Description:

This program is designed to prepare students to teach at the middle and high school level who already hold a Bachelor's degree or a higher degree from an accredited institution with a major in a secondary content area or for the individual who has a Bachelor's or a higher degree in one field but is pursuing courses and certification in another field. It will enable students to be knowledgeable about the characteristics of pre and adolescent learners and it will provide the essential skills and methodologies to enable teachers to create student-focused and engaging lessons that are standards-based. Students who successfully complete this program will receive New York State Initial Teacher Certification in the following area:

• Adolescence Education (Grades 7-12)

(Note: Adolescence certification is specific to a content area.)

Academic Majors for this program:

Biology Chemistry English French German

History Italian Mathematics Spanish

Please click here if you are interested in the ACCESS program leading to initial certification in Business and Marketing Education.

Is the program right for you?

Careful consideration and advisement should be sought if you do not have a master's degree. Consideration of the Inclusive Adolescence Education Program at the master's degree level could be the better option for some students. The ACCESS program works very well for students who have a master's degree or higher.

Admission Requirements:

Completion of a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.7 and a B average in a major field is required for entry into the ACCESS Program. This is a Nazareth School of Education requirement. In addition, students must satisfy the interview requirements of the major department and of the School of Education. Education courses taken at two-year institutions cannot be used to meet education requirements. Please note: You must have an academic major; you may not major in Education.

Admission Procedures and Policies:

1) Schedule a meeting with the academic advisor in the content area where you seek certification.

• Bring copies of all undergraduate/graduate transcripts. You will be informed of the Nazareth College academic requirements. These undergraduate academic requirements must be completed with a grade point minimum of 2.7. Prior to completing the formal application process, qualified students may take up to twelve non-education undergraduate hours.

2) Submit official transcript(s) with raised seal in a sealed envelope signed by the originating institution. All college level work needs to be submitted. Please note: It is not necessary for those with Nazareth College transcripts to secure an official copy, as we will obtain them for you.

• Please Note: Completion of a Baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 2.7 and a B average in a major field is required for entry into the ACCESS Certification Program. This is a Nazareth College School of Education requirement.
• Two Letters of recommendation (please utilize recommendation forms) which must specifically address your potential as a beginning teacher. The recommendation forms must be completed by someone, other than a friend or relative, with direct knowledge of your ability to work within an educational setting. Letters of recommendations must be included in the application packet. If you elect to have confidential letters submitted, request that these recommendations be sent to you in sealed envelopes with the signature of the sender across the seal.

3) Once the completed application packet is submitted to Patricia Huntington make an appointment for an interview with Dr. Craig Hill (585-389-2591) Director of the ACCESS Certification Program.

4) We will review your completed file and the Admissions Committee will advise you, in writing, of your admissions status.

• In order to be eligible to register for courses as a formally admitted ACCESS Certification student you must have a letter of formal admission to the ACCESS Certification Program in Adolescence Education.  You will receive this letter after the Admissions Committee meets.

For more information or to receive an application for admission please contact:

Ms. Patricia Huntington
Nazareth College of Rochester
4245 East Avenue
Rochester, New York 14618
(585) 389-2051

Required Course Credits:
  29 to 34 credits

*ACCESS Program formerly known as Post-Baccalaureate Program

To view course descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog, click here.

Program Director:
Dr. Craig M. Hill
Office: Golisano Academic Center, Room 298
Phone: (585) 389-2591
Fax: (585) 389-2057
Email: chill0@naz.edu