- Intensive, 13-month program (late May through late June of the following year) approved by and registered with the New York State Education Department. Begin the graduate program one summer and be fully eligible for graduation, initial certification, and a teaching position by the following summer.
- Access to graduate assistantships and scholarships to offset the cost of attendance.
- Pursue your studies in small class sizes, which allow for academic, research, and community-based collaborations among faculty and students.
- Participate in field experiences in multiple, diverse sites, including our partnership school, Washington Heights Academy.
- Complete a teacher inquiry project prior to graduation.
- Take advantage of certification reciprocity agreements with more than 30 other states and jurisdictions.
- Be employed, likely prior to graduation. Our graduates teach in rural, urban, and suburban school districts in New York, surrounding states, and around the country (for instance, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, North Carolina, and Virginia).
Impact the classrooms and leaders of tomorrow as a grade 1–6 teacher
The 13-month M.S. in Childhood Education program equips you with robust knowledge and classroom experience, so you’ll be well prepared for job openings for the upcoming school year.
Make a Difference Teaching Young Children
In just 13 months, prepare for a lifelong career in teaching elementary school children by completing your master's degree and graduating eligible for initial New York State certification for grades 1-6. The Ithaca College master of science (M.S.) in childhood education is an intensive 38-credit program, that allows for academic, research, and community-based collaborations among faculty and students.
Join a cohort of approximately 15 students to begin the program in late May and continue through late June of the following year. Study includes core courses in educational theory, elementary curriculum, and instruction. Hands-on field experiences in varied school and community settings begin from your first summer in the program.
Highlights of our Master of Science (M.S.) in Childhood Education Graduate Program
Apply Today!
The application cycle for entry in 2026 is now open! Apply by March 1 for scholarship consideration or May 1, the regular application deadline.
Admission Prerequisites
Education and discipline-specific course requirements to complete prior to enrollment.
Graduate Visit Opportunities
Connect with our faculty and students in-person or virtually to learn more about the M.S. in Childhood Education. We can't wait to meet you!
Course Descriptions
Learn more about the content of each of the courses you will complete as a graduate student.
Semester-by-Semester
Get a sense of your semester-by-semester experiences while in the graduate program.
Interested in Learning More About our M.S. in Childhood Education?
If you would like more information on applying to the M.S. in Childhood Education program or if you would like to be notified when graduate applications open for entry in 2027 (or beyond!), please complete our graduate interest form.
Contact Us
Dr. Ellie Fulmer and Dr. Peter Martin
Chairs, Graduate Programs in Education