With the NYC apartment market experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand, many professional and aspiring copywriters are looking for ways to monetise their skills. While some might consider moving to another city for this opportunity, there are plenty of reputable teaching gigs available for those wanting to remain in the Big Apple.
Whether you’ve been writing for love or money, there’s no denying that the skill of copywriting is in high demand. What’s more is that this is precisely the type of job that could see steady growth, given New York’s highly desirable demographics, all-around creative environment and high internet usage.
As for where to teach copywriting in NYC, the city is home to some of the biggest, if not the biggest, educational institutions in the world. Whether you decide on a traditional path and enrol at the College of New York or one of the several other universities, you’ll find a curriculum to suit your learning style, whether it’s online or on campus.
Here’s a brief guide to some of the best places to teach copywriting in NYC.
Brooklyn College
Part of the CUNY network, Brooklyn College is one of the largest educational hubs in the city. It’s also the alma mater of prominent figures such as Senator Chuck Schumer and the creator of the Simpson’s, Bill Grimes.
The school provides a range of bachelor’s degrees, from advertising to finance, along with a masters in creative writing, all of which you could end up teaching. With a student body made up of more than 58% men and 42% women, it’s the perfect place to find female students to inspire.
Although primarily a campus-based program, Brooklyn College also has an online degree program that’s highly regarded. With flexible working hours and the opportunity to work remotely, this could be a great option for anyone wanting to make money from home. However, it’s important to remember that all academic degrees at Brooklyn College, including the online degrees, are fully accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council of New York State (DETC).
Siena College
A stone’s throw from the Brooklyn Bridge and right in the heart of trendy downtown Manhattan, you’ll find Siena College. The school’s virtual reality filmmaking program, for example, trains students in the theoretical and practical fundamentals of video production, whilst the fashion design program looks to instill a sense of independence and confidence in its graduates. In addition to these reputable teaching professions, Siena College also offers a degree in business administration and is highly regarded for its MBA program.
For the lucky ones who decide to dedicate their life to teaching, Siena College provides an almost ideal scenario, with attractive salaries, excellent benefits and high-quality infrastructure. In fact, some might even say there’s something quaint about a small, private college in the middle of a major metro area, holding a special place in the hearts of those who learn there.
Pratt Institute
Located in Brooklyn and named after the 19th century US architect, William Wightwick, the Pratt Institute is one of the most prestigious art schools in North America. It was founded in 1870 and is known for its diverse range of degrees, including architecture, fashion design and industrial design. To earn a teaching degree at the Pratt Institute, you’ll need to have a background in architecture or design.
What’s more is that many of the school’s courses, such as its interior decoration program or fashion design program, are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education in Design and Industry, meaning that when you’ve completed your studies at the Pratt Institute, you’ll be ready to embark on a career in your chosen field.
CUNY-TV
One of the most respected public broadcasting networks in North America is the unique collaboration of New York City’s public schools and the NYC Office of Education. More than 40 years old and with a reach that extends across the five boroughs, CUNY-TV offers degree programs at the bachelor’s and advanced certificate levels in areas such as broadcasting, digital media and journalism, public relations and digital marketing. To become a teacher at this network, you’ll need to hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or fine arts.
CUNY-TV is the only teacher-training program housed in a major metro area that allows you to learn in a professional setting, whilst also having access to NYC’s rich cultural scene. With many galleries, museums and renowned restaurants, it’s the perfect place to both learn and work, combining a stimulating academic environment with exciting opportunities for job-seeking students.
Hunter College
Situated in the northern part of Manhattan, Hunter College is one of the largest public university campuses in the city. It was founded in 1896 and is named after William A. Hunter, an American railroad executive, who made a large donation to the school, partly in recognition of its athletic prowess, especially its baseball team. You’ll need to hold a full-time teaching degree to teach at Hunter College.
What makes this particular campus so special is its close proximity to some of the most historic sports arenas in the world, including Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds. It’s not unusual to see students going for a walk, or a jog, after a hard day of teaching. With its old brick buildings and leafy walks, it’s not an unexpected stop for pedestrians, too.
City University of New York
Also known as the College of New York and Queens College, the City University of New York is the largest university network in the United States. It has over 150,000 students and is made up of six separate campuses, including four in New York City, as well as another two in other locations across the country. As well as providing a wealth of teaching opportunities, the City University of New York also offers a high degree of flexibility for its staff, with around 70% holding either a bachelor’s or graduate degree, with the average salary for a Senior Analyst being around $100,000.
One of the city’s most prestigious academic institutions, the CUNY also prides itself on being a resource for the community, with around a third of its teaching staff holding a certification in community education. To get started in your chosen field, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree in your chosen subject area, with subsequent teaching credentials, such as an M.A., Ph.D. or Ed.D., available on specialisation.
The Graduate Center
Located in the heart of the Upper West Side, just a few minutes’ walk from Central Park, you’ll find The Graduate Center. It was founded in 1969 and is one of the city’s largest academic hubs, with around 500 students, holding a high degree of respect in the city, as well as further afield. Its campus, with its red brick buildings and leafy walks, provides a beautiful setting and a stimulating learning environment.
The Graduate Center’s highly regarded arts programs and cultural resources make it a firm favourite for high-achieving students and others seeking a cultural alternative to the often-sterile environs of a traditional university. Its film and theatrical degree programs, for example, provide students with the necessary skills to work in the movie industry or at a theatre company, whilst its MFA in fiction writing program is highly regarded, with many of its alumni going on to successful career paths, ranging from journalism to screenwriting to theatre direction.
In addition to these professional opportunities, the Graduate Center also provides a wealth of research opportunities, with its library holding around 16 million books, 1.5 million journals and other relevant media. A popular destination for students and faculty, The Graduate Center, like many of the other reputable institutions mentioned here, provides an excellent opportunity to pursue an academic career whilst also having a secondary source of income, meaning that when you’re done, you’ll have a full-time job, or several part-time ones.
Queens College
Also known as the College of Queens, this part of the City University of New York has two campuses in the city, one in Queens and the other in Sunnyside. It was founded in 1897 and is named after Maria Dickinson, the wife of William A. Hunter, the namesake of Hunter College. Like Hunter College, this Queens College provides a wealth of teaching opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as a chance to teach in a professional environment.
Like other CUNY campuses, Queens College provides a high degree of flexibility for its employed staff, with around 57% holding either a bachelor’s or graduate degree. In addition, over half of the school’s faculty are researchers, making it a centre for academic study, as well as a vibrant job market for students.