Admission Requirements

Childhood Education, M.S.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in the Childhood Education, M.S. program. Review the information below to apply.

Initial/Professional certification: You have little to no teaching experience or preparation and are seeking certification at the elementary level (grades 1-6).

  • B.S. degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university with a major or its equivalent (minimum of 30-credit concentration) in one of the following areas: biology, chemistry, economics, English, history, life science, math, physics, or psychology. 
  • If you have less than 30 credits in these areas, you should speak with the program chair to review your academic record for other options.
  • Completed required general education core in the liberal arts and sciences, including but not limited to: artistic expression; communication; information retrieval; concepts in history and social sciences; humanities; a language other than English; scientific and mathematical processes; and written analysis and expression. 
  • Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Students who have a GPA between 2.85 and 2.99 may be considered for conditional admission by the program chair. If students are admitted conditionally, they must achieve a 3.0 GPA in the first six graduate credits to continue in the M.S. program.
  • Participate successfully in a structured interview with program faculty and the program chair, if selected. This interview may be done electronically in some cases.
  • Students graduating from this program are eligible for teaching certification once they have passed all required portions of the New York State Teacher Certification Exam (NYSTE). Students may also apply for internship certification after completing the first 18 credits. Internship certification permits students to begin teaching while they complete their degrees.

Master Of Science In Childhood Education, Grades 1 To 6 (39 Credits Initial/professional Certification), Online Or Blended

Upon completion of all NYS certification requirements, this program leads to a master’s degree and eligibility for NYS initial certification in Childhood Education, Grades 1 to 6. This program facilitates the development of an understanding of childhood development, curriculum design; effective instruction practices to teach children; and the integrating of technology in teaching and learning. It prepares candidates for teaching in a variety of educational settings within the grades 1 to 6 levels.

Master Of Science In Childhood Education, Grades 1 To 6 With Bilingual Education Extension (48 Credits Initial/professional Certification), Online Or Blended

The Bilingual Extension program is offered to candidates who are already certified to teach in New York State and wish to teach English Language Learners (ELLs) in a bilingual setting. Upon successful completion of the Bilingual Education Assessment (BEA) and course requirements for this extension, teacher candidates will be certified to teach English Language Learners in a bilingual setting. As part of the required clinical experience, candidates must complete college supervised field experiences of 50 hours within a bilingual setting.

Apply online today. Applying is easy with our online application. The completed online application form requires general contact information as well as information about undergraduate coursework and GPA. It is possible for you to begin an online application, save the initial information entered, and return at a later time to complete and submit the full materials.

For initial/professional certification in M.S. in Childhood Education program:

  • Online application
  • Personal statement: Why do you want to become an elementary teacher?
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A copy of your initial teaching certification
  • Immunization form
  • $50 application fee
  • Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts
  • An interview with the program chair. The interview may be held electronically.

Special Note
New York education law now permits nonresident aliens to qualify for an initial license. Individuals with U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status may qualify for a permanent or professional New York State Teaching Certificate. Read More at NYSED.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis, as long as space is available.

Once your application is completed, you will be contacted if you are selected for an interview.

  • If you have any questions about admissions or eligibility, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at nyitgrad@nyit.edu or 516.686.7520. 
  • If you have questions about the program, contact Dr. Minaz Fazal at mfazal@nyit.edu or call 516.686.7777.

Apply Now

Submit your application to the Childhood Education, M.S. program. We look forward to learning more about you.