Education - Childhood Education B.A. / Minor

Inspire a lifelong love of learning in the students who need it most.

Childhood education is the instruction of children in grades 1-6, a time when great teachers help students develop a lifelong love of learning. As a Childhood Education major at Manhattan University, you will build a foundation in pedagogical methods, focusing on curriculum, learner needs, technology, and literacy, and graduate prepared to make a difference in students' formative elementary years.

Credit Hours
121
Time to Complete
4 Years
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This program is part of Education

What Set's Us Apart

The Manhattan University Difference

What Sets Us Apart

The Childhood Education major at Manhattan University prepares you to teach and inspire children in grades 1-6. You will build a foundation in curriculum, literacy, learner needs, and educational technology, learn alongside distinguished faculty in the liberal arts and sciences, and gain extensive classroom experience across the diverse schools of the New York City metro area.

Fieldwork From Day One

Observe in real New York City classrooms beginning in your very first education course, then progress to a full semester of student teaching by senior year.

NYS Certification Ready

Graduate recommended for New York State initial certification to teach grades 1-6 in a general education elementary classroom.

AAQEP-Accredited Program

Accredited ProgramThe teacher preparation program holds full seven-year accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation, a mark of proven quality.

Choose Your Concentration

Pair your education degree with a concentration in a subject you love, from the sciences and mathematics to English, Spanish, and social studies.

New York City Classrooms

Complete fieldwork and student teaching across urban and suburban districts throughout the New York City metro area, the nation's largest public school system.

Expand Your Certification

Add the Early Childhood extension for birth through grade 2, or the Middle Childhood extension for grades 7-9, broadening the ages you are qualified to teach.

Why Study Education at Manhattan?
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Teacher giving lesson to her students

The Manhattan Advantage

Why Study Childhood/Special Education at Manhattan University?

The best teachers give students the care and attention they need to prepare for successful, fulfilling lives beyond the classroom. Manhattan University's Childhood Education program gives you the academic and interpersonal skills to do exactly that. You will complete coursework that lays a foundation in pedagogical methods, focusing on curriculum, learner needs, technology, and literacy, and graduate well-prepared to make a difference in students' formative elementary years.

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Teacher giving lesson to her students
Curriculum & Courses

Curriculum & Courses

Explore coursework that builds the pedagogical foundations, classroom-ready methods, and literacy and content expertise you need to teach children across grades 1-6.

  • Principles and Practices of Education
  • Childhood Education
  • Education for Students with Disabilities
  • Educational Psychology
  • Methods of Teaching Reading
  • Teaching of Mathematics in Childhood Education
  • Teaching of Science in Childhood Education
  • Teaching of Social Studies in Childhood Education
  • Childhood Curriculum and Assessment
  • Student Teaching in Childhood Education

A 15-credit sequence designed to provide foundational knowledge in education. The minor does not lead to teacher certification; students seeking certification to teach grades 1-6 should pursue the full Childhood Education major. To view the full curriculum, please visit Manhattan University's academic catalog.

Concentrations

Specialize Your Degree

Choose Your Concentration

Every Childhood Education major specializes in an academic concentration, pairing pedagogical training with deep knowledge in a subject you love. Explore the nine concentration areas below.

General Science

Gain broad knowledge across the sciences to teach engaging, inquiry-based lessons in every subject.

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Why Study in New York City

New York City is one of the world's richest classrooms for future teachers. Its public school system is the largest in the nation, serving more than a million students across thousands of schools and one of the most diverse student populations anywhere. From the Bronx to all five boroughs, Manhattan University students complete fieldwork and student teaching in urban and suburban districts that prepare them to teach children of all abilities, languages, and backgrounds. This hands-on experience, paired with close faculty mentorship, builds the confidence and classroom skills that set our graduates apart in a competitive field.

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Childhood Education: Inspire Every Learner.

The Childhood Education major prepares you to teach, assess, and inspire children in grades 1-6. You will graduate with deep pedagogical training, a subject-area concentration, and a full year of real classroom experience that prepares you to lead your own elementary classroom.

Inclusive Teaching Expertise

Learn to design and deliver instruction that reaches students with and without disabilities in diverse, contemporary elementary classrooms.

Assessment and IEP Skills

Develop the ability to assess learning, write individualized education plans, and use data to guide instruction for every student.

Literacy and Content Methods

Master research-based methods for teaching reading, mathematics, science, and social studies to learners across grades 1-6.

Expert Faculty Mentorship

Learn from distinguished liberal arts faculty and working principals, administrators, and lead teachers from our partner schools.

A Full Year in the Classroom

Observe in real classrooms from your first education course, then complete a full semester of student teaching by senior year.

NYS Certification Ready

Graduate recommended for New York State initial certification to teach grades 1-6 in a general education elementary classroom.

Potential Careers

A Childhood Education degree from Manhattan University prepares you for New York State initial certification to teach grades 1-6, and opens pathways across classrooms, schools, and the wider field of education. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers earn a median salary of $62,310 nationally, with about 103,800 openings projected each year over the decade as teachers retire or move into new roles.

  • Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Teacher Assistant
  • Substitute Teacher
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • School Counselor
  • Curriculum Developer
  • Education Program Coordinator
  • Elementary School Principal
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View of campus in the fall at Manhattan Univeristy

About

The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences

The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. With strong pre-law and pre-health advising and a focus on ethical, engaged scholarship, Kakos graduates leave prepared to lead, and the University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (Wall Street Journal, 2026), evidence of where that preparation leads.

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View of campus in the fall at Manhattan Univeristy
Program Costs & Aid

Program Costs & Financial Aid

Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused education accessible and affordable. Through a combination of competitive tuition, robust financial aid, and our Jasper Guarantee, students and families can plan their education with confidence. The Jasper Guarantee locks your tuition rate for all four years—ensuring financial stability and eliminating unexpected increases as you work toward your degree.

More than 90% of Manhattan University students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, grants, and need-based aid, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance.

A Manhattan University education is an investment in your future, and we are dedicated to helping you access the resources that make it possible.

Learn More About Costs and Financial Aid

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A Smarter Investment in Your Future

Jasper Guarantee

At Manhattan University, every undergraduate student is protected by the Jasper Guarantee, which locks your tuition rate for all four years, ensuring clarity, stability, and peace of mind as you plan your education. This promise reflects our commitment to affordability and to supporting students and families throughout their academic journey.

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Manhattan University Admission counselors and students smiling during an open house event
Admission Information

Admissions Information

Start Your Journey in Childhood Education
Applying to Manhattan University is designed to be clear and accessible. Review the requirements and key deadlines below to take the next step toward a future in data-driven business.

Requirements:

  • Application & transcript
  • SAT/ACT optional
  • Personal statement
  • Letter(s) of recommendation

Deadlines:

  • Early Action: November 15
  • Regular Decision: February 1

Admission and Application Process

International Students:

Support available for visas, documentation, and English-language assessments.

Learn More about International Financial Aid

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Prepare for the Real World

At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.

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