Education - Childhood/Special Education (Grades 1-6) - B.S./M.S. Ed.

Earn two degrees and a dual teaching certification in five years, and bring your subject to every learner.

Elementary school is a critical time to instill a love of learning and prepare children of all abilities for academic success. This seamless five-year program lets motivated childhood education majors begin graduate study early, graduate with both a bachelor's and a master's degree, and qualify for dual New York State certification in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities, Grades 1-6.

Credit Hours
154
Time to Complete
5 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 five-year Childhood/Special Education program at Manhattan University prepares motivated students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree while qualifying for dual New York State certification. Students begin graduate coursework as undergraduate seniors, gain extensive classroom fieldwork across the diverse schools of the New York City metro area, and learn from faculty deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of educators.

Two Degrees in Five Years

Begin graduate coursework as an undergraduate senior, then complete your master's in a single additional year, earning both degrees on an accelerated timeline.

Dual State Certification

Graduate prepared for New York State certification in both Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities, opening the widest possible range of teaching roles.

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.

Expert Faculty Mentorship

Learn from experienced educators who blend academic rigor with real-world application and guide each student through certification exams and classroom practice.

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.

Teach While You Study

After undergraduate certification, qualify to teach general education grades 1-6 for a salary while completing the final year of your master's degree.

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?

This program is tailored for students eager to begin their teaching careers and accelerate their graduate studies. You will enroll in four graduate-level courses as an undergraduate senior, then complete your master's degree with one additional year of study. Along the way, you will build the skills, knowledge, and classroom experience to teach and assess students of all abilities, and those from diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds, with confidence and care.

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Teacher giving lesson to her students
Curriculum & Courses

Curriculum & Courses

Explore coursework that builds the pedagogical foundations, special education expertise, and classroom-ready skills you need to teach students of all abilities across grades 1-6.

  • Approaches to Education for Diverse Learners
  • Methods of Educational and Psychological Research
  • Nature and Needs of the Exceptional Individual
  • Literacy Instruction for Diverse Learners
  • Approaches to Teaching Literature for Diverse Learners
  • Mathematics Instruction for the At Risk and Disabled
  • Integrated Learning: Social Studies and Language Arts Instruction
  • Psycho-Educational Assessment for the Disabled Student
  • Seminar and Practicum in Teaching: Diverse Learners

All future childhood education teachers complete a concentration of at least 30 credits in one of the following areas: Biology, Chemistry, English, General Science, Mathematics, Psychology, Social Studies, or Spanish and Latin American Studies. To view the full curriculum, please visit Manhattan University's academic catalog.

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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/Special Education: Teach Every Learner.

The five-year Childhood/Special Education program prepares you to teach, assess, and advocate for students of all abilities. You will graduate with two degrees, dual New York State certification, and the classroom experience to make an immediate difference in the lives of children.

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.

Foundations in Special Education

Build deep knowledge of the historical, legal, and ethical foundations that shape special education and the rights of students.

Extensive Classroom Fieldwork

Complete supervised fieldwork and a full-semester special education internship in real schools across the New York City metro area.

Dual Certification Ready

Graduate prepared for the NYSTCE and CST exams that lead to New York State certification in two high-demand teaching areas.

What truly set this program apart was the unwavering support and guidance provided by experienced professors who are not only experts in their fields but also deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of educators. Their wealth of experience enriched my learning journey, helping us refine our teaching methods and encouraging us to explore innovative approaches to education. By effectively blending academic rigor with real-world application and test preparation, the program prepared me as thoroughly as possible to succeed in my career and excel on certification exams. "

Ashley Flores

'22, '23 Special Education Teacher for NYCDOE at P.S. 91

Potential Careers

Graduates are prepared for New York State certification in both childhood and special education, qualifying them to teach and support students of all abilities across grades 1-6 in public, private, and specialized school settings.

  • Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Teacher Assistant
  • Instructional Coordinator
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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 or Special 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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