Another thing about state credentials: Take a look at the grades for which you would be certified.
In NY, your certification would be for grades 7-12. So Science teachers in my school are certified for middle/high school. Knowing that, take the course that would best prepare you to apply for all the grades for which you would be certified.
Every teacher I know either has his/her Masters or is in grad school, getting it. (I’m in NY, in a Catholic High School.)