Childhood Education Prerequisites

Applicants to the M.S. in Childhood Education program are expected to have satisfactorily completed general education coursework in the humanities and sciences as part of an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university. 

The Childhood Education graduate program has two specific prerequisites in the field of education, and – beginning with the Summer 2009 program – one prerequisite in mathematics. 

In addition, as per New York State Education Department guidelines, initial certification requires the completion of two college-level courses in a language other than English or evidence of proficiency in a language other than English (i.e. a placement or proficiency exam).

Prerequisite Coursework: Education

Two prerequisites in the field of education are required, either the following two Ithaca College courses or their equivalents: 

• EDUC-34000 Social and Cultural Foundations of Education
• EDUC-21910 Early Field Experience: Theory and Practice (includes 50 hours of field experiences in school settings) 

Applicants may submit evidence of equivalent coursework taken at other accredited institutions, as well as satisfactory completion of 50 hours of course-connected field experiences. 

Applicants who have not completed the prerequisites are sometimes admitted provisionally, with the understanding that any remaining prerequisites will be completed according to a plan developed by the program chair.

Prerequisite Coursework: Mathematics

Effective for the 2009-2010 Childhood Education program, applicants will be required to have completed the following Ithaca College undergraduate course (offered during the spring semester each year) or its equivalent:

• MATH-29000 Mathematics for Childhood Education

Ithaca College undergraduates interested in the Childhood Education graduate program should plan to enroll in MATH 29000 during the spring semester of the senior year, just prior to the summer start of the Childhood Education program. Potential program applicants who live locally are also encouraged to register for this prerequisite course. Other applicants may submit evidence of an equivalent course taken at another accredited institution, or can discuss an alternative plan for course completion with the program chair.

Applicants who have questions regarding their eligibility for admission to the Childhood Education program are encouraged to contact Dr. Linda Hanrahan, Chair, Graduate Programs in Education.