Program Overview

Childhood Education Program

The Childhood Education program at Adelphi University offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Childhood Education. This program is designed for students who do not currently hold certification in elementary (childhood) education.

Degree Details

• Degree Granted: MA
• Degree Level: Graduate
• Locations: Garden City, Online
• School: Ruth S. Ammon College of Education & Health Sciences

Program Description

The MA in Childhood Education program examines the foundations of childhood education and teaches students how children develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Students learn how to teach elementary students in the areas of English language arts, math, science, and social studies, gaining both a greater knowledge of the content in each discipline and practicing practical ways to teach these subjects.

Why Study Childhood Education at Adelphi?

• Receive rigorous preparation in observation and student teaching opportunities through strong partnerships with local school districts.
• Become an empathetic and effective educator by gaining an understanding of the issues of equity and justice that impact schools.
• Earn a degree at a pace that works for you, with options for full- and part-time enrollment and convenient evening classes.

Certification Opportunities

Successful graduates of this program are certified to teach grades 1–6. After completing the program, students may choose to pursue additional advanced certifications in:

• TESOL
• Literacy Education (Birth-Grade 6 & Grade 5-12)
• Special Education Programs
• Special Education (Advanced Certificate in Autism and Severe or Multiple Disabilities)
• Middle School Extension
• Educational Theatre

Application Requirements

Applicants for this program must have a completed bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and should submit the following application requirements:

• Graduate application and fee
• Online survey completed by two recommenders
• Personal essay (500 words)
• Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution
• Course-by-course evaluation: All graduate applicants with undergraduate-level work completed outside of the United States will be required to send a course-by-course evaluation of their academic work prepared by a NACES member organization.

Exceptional Hands-On Learning

Student teaching is a central component of Adelphi's master's in childhood education. Due to partnerships with K–12 schools in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City, as well as close ties with Teach America, the program offers fieldwork in many different school districts and learning institutions.

Related Programs

• Early Childhood Education (MA, Advanced Certificate)
• Adolescent/High School Education (MA)
• Special Education (MS, Advanced Certificate)

Awards & Recognition

Adelphi University is recognized as a College of Distinction for education programs that are proven to produce confident, compassionate, and classroom-ready teachers. The university has also been ranked highly by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and Times Higher Education for its strong student outcomes and academic excellence.