--- title: "Education - Childhood/Special Education (Grades 1-6) - B.S./M.S. Ed." url: "/academics/programs/childhood-special-education-bs-ms-ed" type: program date: 2026-06-07 updated: 2026-06-15 --- # 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. [Request Information](/admissions/undergraduate/request-information)[Visit Manhattan University](/admissions/visit)[Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences](/academics/kakos) Image ![Therapist hands helping person with special needs make handmade souvenir using glue and paper](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/special-education-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=NlGo9rEX) B.S. M.S. 154 5 Years What Set's Us Apart what-sets 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. 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. Intro above Cards Cards (border around each item) white 0 Why Study Education at Manhattan? why-study 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. Image ![Teacher giving lesson to her students](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/childhood-education-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=EkR2rEP8) landscape white 0 Curriculum & Courses curriculum Heading 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. Hide filter UI Off light 0 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. Image ![Aerial photo of New York City](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-03/nyc-3200x1800.jpg?h=f0fb51a5&itok=p09sBu3Y) landscape dark 0 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. 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. Intro above Cards Basic (no borders) white 0 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 quote light 0 Heading 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. Hide filter UI Off white 0 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. [Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences](/academics/kakos) Image ![View of campus in the fall at Manhattan Univeristy](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-01/2025-campus-outside-1920x1080.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=Q1UZ7cv-) square dark 0 Program Costs & Aid program-costs ## 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. - [View Tuition & Fees](/admissions/financial-aid/tuition) - [Explore Financial Aid](/admissions/financial-aid/undergraduate) - [Learn More About Scholarships](/admissions/financial-aid/loans-grants/scholarships-and-grants) - [Learn About the Jasper Guarantee](/admissions/undergraduate/jasper-guarantee) 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](/admissions/financial-aid/) white 0 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. [Learn More About the Jasper Guarantee ](/admissions/undergraduate/jasper-guarantee) Image ![Manhattan University Admission counselors and students smiling during an open house event](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-03/3000x2000-admissions-open-house-2025.jpg?h=1cb48fc4&itok=37la0IHA) landscape light 0 Admission Information admission-info ## 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](/admissions/financial-aid/) ### International Students: Support available for visas, documentation, and English-language assessments. [Learn More about International Financial Aid](/admissions/international/financial-aid/) white 0 Content 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. [Apply Today](/admissions/apply) [Visit Manhattan University](/admissions/visit) [Request Information](/admissions/undergraduate/request-information) Image ![Aerial photo of Manhattan University](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-03/drone-2025-3200x2400.jpg?h=9b8bd6ff&itok=xYR2ar43) landscape Hide filter UI Off dark 0