Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Childhood Education

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Childhood Education program at the University at Albany prepares students to become positive influences in the lives of young learners. The program focuses on developing core educational knowledge and providing hands-on experience to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of education practices.

Program of Study

The program consists of 93 credits, including 30 credits in the chosen concentration and 18 credits of field experience and student teaching. The program covers topics such as child development, teaching methods, social and cultural contexts, reading instruction, instructional technology, and more.

Core Courses

• Foundations of Education
• Teaching as a Profession
• Educational Psychology, Development and Assessment
• Special Education
• Literacy
• STEM Instruction
• Social Studies
• Instructional Methods and Curriculum Development

Concentration Courses

• Science
• Social Studies
• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Fine Arts
• Arts and Sciences Electives

Fieldwork and Student Teaching

The program includes 18 credits of field experiences and student teaching, providing students with hands-on experience in classrooms working with children from birth to grade 6.

Admission Criteria

• Successful completion of at least 24 credits (sophomore status)
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher at the time of evaluation
• Submission of an essay as part of the application to declare the major process

Teacher Certification

The program is a New York State approved pathway leading to initial certification in Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) and Childhood education (Grades 1-6).

Student Learning Objectives

• Human Development
• Standards
• Assessments
• Materials, Resources, and Digital Technologies
• Engagement
• Development of Literacies
• Disciplinary Literacies/Knowledge Building
• Responsive Teaching to Promote Strategic Learning
• Data Based Decision Making
• Learning as Sociocultural Practice
• Critical Perspectives and Equity
• Respectful Representation of Students, Families, Colleagues, and Communities
• Teaching All Learners

What Makes The University at Albany Great

• Living-Learning Communities
• Study Abroad
• Undergraduate Research
• Explore Minors

Minors

• Acting
• Africana Studies
• Anthropology
• Art
• Art History
• Atmospheric Science
• Bioethics
• Biology
• Broadcast Meteorology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Chinese Studies
• Cognitive Science
• Communication
• Computer Science
• Creative Writing
• Criminal Justice Studies
• Cybersecurity
• Documentary Studies
• East Asian Studies
• Economics
• Educational Studies
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Electronics
• Film Studies
• Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
• English
• Forensic Science
• French
• Game Design and Development
• Geographic Information Science
• Geography
• Globalization Studies
• Hebrew
• History
• Informatics
• Instrumental Performance
• International Studies
• Italian
• Japanese Studies
• Journalism
• Judaic Studies
• Korean Studies
• Latin American and Caribbean Studies
• Law and Philosophy
• Leadership
• Legal Studies
• LGBTQ Studies
• Library and Information Science
• Linguistics
• Machine Learning
• Mathematics
• Medical Anthropology
• Music
• Musical Performance
• Musical Theatre
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Portuguese
• Pre-Education
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Religious Studies
• Russian
• Russian and Eastern European Studies
• Social Welfare Studies
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Statistics
• Sustainability
• Theatre
• Theatrical Design/Technology
• Urban Studies and Planning
• U.S. Latino Studies
• Vocal Performance
• Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies