Childhood Education (M.S.T., on campus and online)

36 credits

NYSED 25431/25441

The master’s degree program in childhood education combines coursework in child development, effective instructional practices for inclusive elementary classrooms, professional studies, and related field experiences. Graduates of the program are endorsed for New York state teacher certification in childhood education.


CIP Code

13.1202 - Elementary Education and Teaching.


You can use the CIP code to learn more about career paths associated with this field of study and, for international students, possible post-graduation visa extensions. Learn more about CIP codes and other information resources.

Applicants to all childhood programs must meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Education and the requirements for admission to initial teacher education programs.

In addition, applicants for any of the childhood programs must have the following:

  • An undergraduate degree from an accredited university in one of the liberal arts or sciences.  For example, English, American, or comparative literature; mathematics; an area of science; modern languages; media studies; women's studies; political science; computer science; information science; communications; history; sociology; anthropology; economics; the arts; or psychology.
  • College-level study in the following general education core areas: artistic expression, concepts in history and social sciences, a language other than English, scientific processes, mathematical processes, written analysis and expression, and communication

In addition, candidates for the bilingual extension must provide evidence of their competence in a language other than English by fulfilling one of the following three options:

  1. Taking and obtaining a passing score on the ACTFL Language Test (oral and written) in the target language;
  2. Documentation in transcripts of having completed undergraduate studies in the target language; or
  3. Agreeing to complete successfully two courses in the target language

Applicants for any of the initial teacher education (ITE) programs must meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Education as well as their specific degree or certificate program and the following ITE requirements:

  • baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major or concentration in one of the liberal arts or sciences
  • a minimum undergraduate grade point average of approximately 3.0 (B or better)
  • two reference reports: academic and professional
  • satisfactory command of oral and written English as evidenced through an admissions essay or interview
  • candidates for whom English is a second language are required to take and achieve a passing score in one of two tests: the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELT (International English Language Test). The following scores are the recommended minimum current1 test scores for English language proficiency for admission to the Graduate School of Education:
    IELTS1: 7 for General Test Score, no subtest can be lower than 6
    TOEFL1: 577 for paper test, 90 for Internet-based (IBT) test
1

Scores can be no more than two years old. See program descriptions for additional program-specific requirements.

Matriculation Requirements

Once admitted, teacher candidates must meet these requirements for matriculation:

  • proof of immunization against measles, meningitis, mumps, and rubella, to be submitted to Fordham University Office of Student Health Services
  • proof of baccalaureate degree in cases where student is admitted to the Graduate School of Education during the undergraduate senior year, to be submitted to the Graduate School of Education, admissions office
  • proof of registration for the first semester of coursework, under advisement of the appropriate ITE program coordinator

Program of Study

Course Title Credits
UEGE 5102Historical, Philosophical, and Multicultural Foundations of American Education3
PSGE 53163
One of the following two options3
For online students:
Teaching Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Children
For on-campus students:
Educating Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners: Pre K-12
CTGE 5534Beginning Reading and Writing in Inclusive Classrooms3
CTGE 5548Multiliteracies and Technology Across the Curriculum in Inclusive Classrooms3
CTGE 5227Teaching Mathematics to Children3
CTGE 5242Teaching Science and Technology to Children3
CTGE 5212Teaching the Arts in Childhood Education1
CTGE 5065Integrating Technology Into Elementary Education1
CTGE 5066Teaching Social Studies to Children3
One of the following two options3
For online students:
Children's Literature in a Multicultural Society
For on-campus students:
Teaching and Assessing Mathematics in Elementary Classrooms
CTGE 5551Reflective Practice and Field Experience I in an Inclusive Childhood Classroom1
CTGE 5155Special Education Foundations: Past, Present, Future3
CTGE 5552Reflective Practice and Field Experience II in an Inclusive Childhood Classroom1
CTGE 5553Reflective Practice and Student Teaching I in an Inclusive Childhood Classroom1
CTGE 5554Reflective Practice and Student Teaching II in an Inclusive Childhood Classroom1
CTGE 0704Childhood Education Portfolio0
Total Credits36

Required Workshops

The workshops listed below are required of all Initial Teaching (M.S.T.) programs as well as certain other programs related to NY state licensure.

  • Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Workshop (EDGE 0210)
  • Dignity for All Students Training (EDGE 0260)
  • Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Training (EDGE 0220)
  • Schools Against Violence Education Workshop (EDGE 0230)

In addition to the workshops listed above, the following workshops are also required of students in this MST program:

Course Title Credits
EDGE 0250Health and Physical Education Training0
EDGE 0270Autism Training Module0