Graduate programs in Early Childhood and Childhood Education

Our MA programs in Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) prepare you for success as a teacher and leader in today’s demanding educational environment. As a graduate you’ll succeed in your first years of teaching and have a thorough foundation to keep improving throughout your career. NYU Steinhardt graduates are in leadership positions in schools, universities, and other educational institutions throughout the country, particularly in urban settings.

Our initial certification teaching programs integrate hands-on learning with a rich theoretical understanding of how children develop and learn, and the critical education issues of our time.

Pedagogical courses include study in multicultural education, and language and literacy. They also focus on curriculum development, classroom management, assessment, and technology so you’ll be prepared for the high-pressure world of standards and high-stakes tests. Many have an observation component that sends you into New York City schools, allows you to test your conceptions of teaching in practice, and makes your transition to student teaching easier.

After thorough preparation we place you in the classroom for two semesters of student teaching at two different host schools and grade levels. Your cooperating teacher and NYU faculty provide feedback and suggestions along the way to help you learn, develop, and refine your teaching techniques.

The Early Childhood program prepares you to work with infants, toddlers, and young children in pre-K programs and elementary schools. Childhood Education graduates work in elementary school classrooms, after school programs, and various educational organizations.

We also offer a dual certification option in Early Childhood or Childhood Education with Special Education, full- and part-time professional certification programs for experienced teachers, and a PhD program.

Generous scholarships are available to help fund your graduate education.