Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), M.S.

The master’s degree in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6, Preparation) prepares graduates to work with diverse groups of students in elementary school settings.

FULL tuition scholarships + living expenses for diverse future teachers in this and other select master’s programs through the Baldanza Fellows Program.

This program provides students with the latest research and tools on teaching children in grades 1-6 in inclusive settings. You’ll learn how to design inclusive, culturally relevant pedagogy for all students in 21st century classrooms. Graduates meet the academic requirements for initial and professional New York State teacher certification in Childhood Education (grades 1-6).

Suggested Application Deadline: January 15 | More admissions information

Why Childhood Education at Syracuse University?

• Complete your degree in 16 months of full-time study—no existing teacher certification required!
• Learn from faculty who define inclusion broadly, developing teachers ready to work with the full range of learners in schools, including students with disabilities, students who are not native English speakers, LGBTQ youth, and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Be prepared to teach in K-6 and K-8 school settings, providing both general education and specific content knowledge instruction for all students.
• Participate in clinical simulations, standardized simulations of common interactions in classroom and school environments to help you identify your strengths and develop your professional skills.
• Have at least four field placements in a diverse range of settings, including full-time teaching placements in our urban and suburban partner schools.
• Engage in rigorous professional preparation courses with a student cohort that progresses through the program together, providing opportunities to create lifelong colleagues.
• Take part in School of Education short-term study abroad trips or semester-long programs around the world. School of Education students are also eligible for exclusive funding to support study abroad experiences.

Our graduates are in K-12 schools and other youth contexts including:

• Elementary classroom teachers
• Teacher leaders, department chairs, and school administrators
• Research and advocacy organizations
• Community centers, agencies, and non-profit organizations
• Further studies including Educational Leadership, Special Education, Literacy Education, Teaching and Curriculum, or another area of interest.

Program Contacts

Breana Nieves Vergara, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions

bknieves@syr.edu|315.443.2505

Lauren Gill, Career and Certification Counselor

lcschmid@syr.edu|315.443.2956

George Theoharis, Professor

gtheohar@syr.edu|315.443.9080

Christine Ashby, Professor; Director, Center on Disability and Inclusion

ceashby@syr.edu|315.443.8689