Master of Science
Childhood Education (On Campus + Online)
Engage Children in Meaningful and Relevant Classroom Learning
Build on your experience and knowledge and become a more effective elementary school teacher of students in grades 1-6.
The master's in childhood education provides you with advanced instructional techniques that enable children to improve their literacy language, listening, and learning skills while broadening their understanding of math, science, and social studies concepts. Our coursework emphasizes student engagement to build conceptual knowledge through strategic and targeted instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. The program includes focused coursework on literacy development and instruction.
Increase your understanding of current education standards, technology, classroom strategies, and assessment methods, and learn how to identify and intervene when students encounter challenges.
If you hold initial New York State (NYS) teacher certification in childhood education, or if you already hold permanent NYS teacher certification in another content area, the master's in childhood education enables you to pursue professional certification to teach grades 1-6. To enter the program, you must possess initial teaching certification in childhood education.
Program of Study
This curriculum is regularly updated to include current best practices of professionals working in the field. Coursework can be completed part-time online or part-time or full-time on campus.
Core Courses
- Classroom Literacy Instruction
- Children's Literature
- Strategic Intervention to Prevent Literacy Difficulties
- Literacy in Society
- Teaching Writing, B-6
- Teaching Social Studies, B-6
- Data-Based Decision Making in Literacy Assessment, Policy, and Practice
- Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
- Science for Children
Elective Courses (choose one)
- Language Acquisition
- Integrated Literacy Instruction, B-6
- Media Literacy
- Early Literacy Development, B-2
- Literacy for English Language Learners
- Assessment in Education
- OR Approved University course as advised
Program Highlights
TEAC Program Accreditation
This teacher preparation program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) for the ten-year period of April 30, 2011 to April 30, 2021.
To pursue professional certification once you complete the program, you must request the University recommend you to the New York State Department of Education.
Median Annual Salaries: Albany, NY
- Elementary Teacher: $63,277
- Middle School Teacher: $60,327
Source: salaryexpert.com
Education courses at the University at Albany enabled me to improve my teaching practice to the point that I received the prestigious New York State Excellence in Teaching Award.
– Alyssa Stoller, MS in Childhood Education, 2019
The School of Education has been delivering exemplary online courses for more than 20 years. In 2019, UAlbany online graduate programs in education were ranked 8th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
You can earn your master’s degree part-time or full-time through online courses and/or campus-based evening and summer classes that work with your schedule.
In this designated OpenSUNY+ program, you also have access to comprehensive support services including a 24/7 help desk, online tutoring, and personal advising.
Careers and Advisement
The Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center is the central office on campus serving undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students interested in pursuing careers in education and programs leading to teacher certification.
Please call or email to schedule an appointment.
Graduate Advisement:
Email Graduate Advisement
(518) 442-3529