To begin a career in education, such as teaching, counseling, or human development, you’ll need both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, which typically takes at least six years of higher education.
The Guaranteed Rochester Accelerated Degree in Education (GRADE) program is a five-year BA/BS + MSEd program for students interested in becoming educators. If admitted, you enter the University with an assurance of admission to the Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development (part of Rochester’s main academic campus).
The program offers a quality liberal arts education and prepares students to become educators. After completing undergraduate coursework, students may be eligible to complete their primary program in fifteen months* of study at the Warner School (summer, fall, spring, and summer). For the master’s program, students can specialize in counseling, human development, applied behavior analysis, educational policy, higher education, online teaching, program evaluation, or teaching and curriculum, including elementary or secondary education, with the option of additional certification in special education, literacy, TESOL, urban teaching and leadership, or online teaching and learning. Students may choose any undergraduate major, but should include MSEd preparatory classes as required by New York State Certification guidelines.
* Students who go into the counseling program typically spend two years at the Warner School
after completing their bachelor’s degree.
Official GRADE students receive, at minimum, the Steven Harrison Scholarship (covering one-third of tuition for four years of undergraduate study) and a 50% tuition scholarship during their Warner graduate program.
The University of Rochester has a well-deserved reputation for excellence, and the Margaret Warner School of Education and Human Development has a rich history as a part of that excellence. Warner’s programs in teaching and curriculum, counseling and human development, and educational leadership prepare educators to handle today’s challenges in education.
Warner strives to provide teachers, administrators, counselors, and researchers with the tools to be agents of change. Our graduates are equipped to be exceptional at what they do and to make a positive difference in their chosen fields of study.
Students interested in the GRADE program should answer “yes” to the application prompt on either the Common Application or the Coalition for College Application. You will be required to submit a supplemental essay indicating your interest in the program, which will be considered along with the rest of your application and supporting documents.
Applicants who indicate an interest in being considered for the GRADE Program will be evaluated for the program along with their overall admission to the College. If selected to be part of GRADE, your invitation will be sent along with your formal admission decision. Students interested in GRADE may apply to the College through either Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision.
First-year applicants can apply through the Common Application or the Coalition for College Application by indicating your interest in GRADE on your application. Applications must indicate your interest and be submitted by the appropriate deadlines associated with your desired admission plan (Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision).
Transfer applicants can apply through the Common Application by indicating their interest in GRADE on their application. Students should submit their application by March 15 (only for transfers beginning fall semester) in order to be considered.
Program perks
Class of 2025
From: Cleveland, OH
Major: Political Science
Minor: Digital Media Studies
Cluster: American Sign Language
I applied to the GRADE program because I wanted to pursue education in some form throughout my time as a student. GRADE offered flexibility during my time as an undergraduate by allowing me to explore my interests while still being connected to the graduate program. I chose Rochester because of the open curriculum and supporting academic environment. Being a student here has allowed me to explore my interests academically and in my extracurriculars. I have loved my time here as a student and have had very unique and invaluable opportunities.
As a GRADE student, I have had the opportunity to attend study sessions with my fellow GRADE students as well as attend and plan a visit to campus for East High School students. I attended lectures recommended to me by my mentor, Karen DeAngelis, that related to my intended degree of Education Policy. I will continue to be involved with East High School visits and any other events that the program will offer.
A portion of my family is involved in education as well as educational equity and they have inspired me to continue this passion. I originally wanted to be a teacher but when I became involved and took classes with GRADE, I realized that I am much more passionate about policy. Education is also a universal issue that places around the world struggle with. Learning more about it and what can be done to solve problems such as equity is extremely important to me.
Nancy Bernardo, a digital media studies professor here at Rochester, has impacted my life tremendously. She has continually inspired my love for graphic design and encourages me to combine my interests to create things that I am truly passionate about. Her teaching style is heartfelt, caring, and instructional, which are characteristics I aspire to have in my professional life. I will be her TA next semester which attests to how much her presence inspires and encourages me.
Read about one GRADE student’s journey as she explores different majors, career paths, and opportunities at Rochester.
Is GRADE for you?
You can choose any undergraduate major, but you should include classes that prepare you to meet New York State certification requirements.
Only credits earned above the undergraduate requirement of 128 can be counted toward the master’s degree; credits cannot count toward both degrees.
Students must complete 30 credits while enrolled as a graduate student (this does not include student teaching or internship experience credits). This rule makes it common for GRADE students to add on a certification because they can take more graduate classes as an undergraduate and still have 30 credits enrolled as a graduate student.
For programs leading to NYS certification, you need to meet prerequisites for admission and submit a required portfolio for review.
Sample Course Schedule 1
Major: Psychology
Minor: Business
Graduate major: Elementary education w/ inclusion
M = major Mi = minor C = cluster
G = GRADE E = elective
First semester:
Second semester:
Third semester:
Fourth semester:
Fifth semester:
Sixth semester:
Seventh semester:
Eighth Semester:
*GRADE students are required to take two courses through Warner before the end of their senior year. These course abbreviations are “ED” or “EDU” and are typically at the 400-level. Students who go into the counseling program typically spend two years at Warner after completing their bachelor’s degree.