---
title: "Education - Childhood / Special Education (Dual Degree)"
url: "/academics/programs/education-childhood-special-education-dual-degree"
type: program
date: 2026-06-07
updated: 2026-07-16
---
# Education - Childhood / Special Education (Dual Degree)
# Education - Childhood / Special Education (Dual Degree)
**Earn dual certification to teach and support every learner in grades 1-6.**
Elementary school is a critical time to instill a love of learning, and great teachers ignite that interest in children of all abilities. This dual-certification program prepares you to teach in both general and special education classrooms, leading to New York State initial certification in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities, grades 1-6, so you graduate ready to reach every student.
[ Request Information ](/admissions/undergraduate/request-information)
[ Visit Manhattan University ](/admissions/visit) [ Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences ](/academics/kakos)
Credit Hours127
Time to Complete4 Years
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This program is part of [Education](/academics/kakos/departments/education)
What Set's Us Apart The Manhattan University Difference
## What Sets Us Apart
The dual Childhood/Special Education program at Manhattan University prepares you to teach and support learners of all abilities in grades 1-6. You will earn dual New York State certification in childhood and special education, build a foundation in curriculum and inclusive teaching, and gain extensive classroom experience across the diverse schools of the New York City metro area.
Dual State Certification
Graduate recommended for New York State initial certification in both Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities, grades 1-6, in a single four-year degree.
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.
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.
Teach Every Learner
Learn to plan and adapt instruction for general and special education students alike, reaching children of all abilities in inclusive classrooms.
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.
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.
Why Study Education at Manhattan? Image
The Manhattan Advantage
## Why Study Childhood/Special Education at Manhattan University?
Teachers play a crucial role in the lives of developing children, serving as mentors, advocates, and guides as well as educators. This dual program gives you the academic and practical skills to succeed in both general and special education classrooms, leading to certification to teach all subjects in grades 1-6 and to support students of all abilities. It is one of the most challenging and rewarding paths you can pursue, giving you the ability to impact lives for generations.
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Curriculum & Courses
Concentrations Specialize Your Degree
## Choose Your Concentration
Every student in the dual Childhood/Special Education program specializes in an academic concentration, pairing pedagogical training with deep knowledge in a subject you love. Explore the nine concentration areas below.
[](/academics/programs/biology)
[Biology
](/academics/programs/biology)
Build a strong foundation in the life sciences to bring living systems and discovery into the elementary classroom.
Explore Biology Program
[](/academics/programs/chemistry)
[Chemistry
](/academics/programs/chemistry)
Explore matter, reactions, and the scientific method to spark early curiosity about how the world works.
Explore Chemistry Program
[](/academics/programs/english)
[English
](/academics/programs/english)
Develop expertise in literature and writing to nurture strong readers, writers, and communicators.
Explore English Program
General Science
Gain broad knowledge across the sciences to teach engaging, inquiry-based lessons in every subject.
[](/academics/programs/general-studies)
[General Studies
](/academics/programs/general-studies)
Build a broad, interdisciplinary foundation across the liberal arts to teach a wide range of elementary subjects.
Explore General Studies Program
[](/academics/programs/mathematics)
[Mathematics
](/academics/programs/mathematics)
Strengthen your command of mathematics to build students' confidence and reasoning from the ground up.
Explore Mathematics Program
[](/academics/programs/psychology)
[Psychology
](/academics/programs/psychology)
Understand how children think, learn, and develop to better support every student in your classroom.
Explore Psychology Program
[](/academics/programs/history)
[Social Studies
](/academics/programs/history)
Examine history, civics, and culture to help students understand their place in the wider world.
Explore Social Sciences & History
[](/academics/programs/spanish)
[Spanish
](/academics/programs/spanish)
Build language fluency to connect with diverse learners and teach in multilingual classrooms.
Explore Spanish Program
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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 students 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 dual Childhood/Special Education program prepares you to teach, assess, and advocate for students of all abilities. You will graduate with dual New York State certification, deep pedagogical training, and a full year of real classroom experience that prepares you to lead general and special education classrooms alike.
Inclusive Teaching Expertise
Learn to design and deliver instruction that reaches students with and without disabilities in diverse, contemporary elementary classrooms.
Assessment and Instruction Skills
Develop the ability to assess learning, plan effective lessons, 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.
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.
Dual Certification Ready
Graduate recommended for New York State initial certification in both childhood and special education, qualifying you to teach grades 1-6.
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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)
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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.
- [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/)
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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.
[ Learn More About the Jasper Guarantee ](/admissions/undergraduate/jasper-guarantee)
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Admission Information ## Admissions Information
**Start Your Journey in Childhood/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/)
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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.
[Visit Manhattan University](/admissions/visit)
[Apply Today](/admissions/apply)
[Request Information](/admissions/request-information)
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