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Long Island school districts are partnering with universities, including Adelphi, to combat a shortage of substitute teachers.
Childhood Education
Earn your certification in childhood education with exceptional student teaching opportunities and experiences.
Why Study Childhood Education?
A master’s in childhood education examines the foundations of childhood education and will teach you how children develop intellectually, socially and emotionally. You’ll learn how to teach elementary students in the areas of English language arts, math, science and social studies, gaining both a greater knowledge of the content in each discipline and practicing practical ways to teach these subjects.
Why Earn Your Master’s in Childhood Education at Adelphi?
- Receive rigorous preparation in observation and student teaching opportunities through our strong partnerships with local school districts, where Adelphi education students are in demand, and have an excellent reputation.
- Become an empathetic and effective educator as you gain an understanding of the issues of equity and justice that impact our schools.
- Earn your degree at a pace that works for you, with options for full- and part-time enrollment and convenient evening classes.
Note that this program is for students who do not currently hold certification in elementary (childhood) education.
90%*
* based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
of our master’s graduates say that Adelphi University increased their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of professionals in their field
based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
Certification Opportunities
Successful graduates of this program are certified to teach grades 1–6. After completing the program, you may choose to pursue additional advanced certifications in:
- TESOL
- Literacy Education (Birth-Grade 6 & Grade 5-12 )
- Special Education Programs
- Special Education (Advanced Certificate in Autism and Severe or Multiple Disabilities)
- Middle School Extension
- Educational Theatre
Qualified candidates certified in areas other than elementary education may enroll in this program to earn a second teaching certificate and fulfill the graduate degree requirement for professional (permanent) certification in both areas.
The MA in Childhood Education program helped me to become both a better student, as well as a better teacher. Over the last two years, I’ve had incredibly involved professors and advisers who have guided me in making lifelong connections with both students and teacher mentors in local school districts.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
Student teaching is a central component of Adelphi’s master’s in childhood education. Because of our partnerships with K–12 schools in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City, in addition to our close ties with Teach America, we offer fieldwork in many different school districts and learning institutions, such as:
- Francis Lewis High School
- Benjamin N. Cardozo High School
- Queens High School of Teaching
- Sewanhaka Central High School District
- Uniondale Union Free School District
Adelphi education students can complete fieldwork and student teaching in a variety of learning settings.
Program Info
Courses & Requirements
Application Requirements
Applicants for this program must have a completed bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and should submit the following application requirements:
- Graduate application and $60 fee
- Online survey completed by two recommenders
- Personal essay (500 words)
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
Admissions
Awards & Recognition
Colleges of Distinction: Education
Adelphi has been recognized among the Best Colleges in Education for 2024–2025 by the Colleges of Distinction organization for our excellence in teaching.
Top Ranked in Education
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Adelphi is the highest-ranked university on Long Island in the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges. It also ranks #7 in New York, with outstanding scores for student outcomes including graduation rate and salary impact.
Ranked one of the best
Abound
Adelphi has been recognized among the nation’s top professional graduate degree programs by Abound: Grad School for providing affordable and flexible options, accessibility to professors and campus support services, opportunities to accelerate graduation, and prep for sustained career growth.
A Top Grad School
U.S. News & World Report
Adelphi University has been named a Best College among National Universities for seven consecutive years. Adelphi remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island.
A Best College
Princeton Review
The Princeton Review has ranked Adelphi University among the Best Northeastern Colleges based on academic offerings and career preparation for students, campus policies, initiatives and activities.
Best Northeastern College
Colleges of Distinction: Equity & Inclusion
Adelphi has been honored for initiatives to become an increasingly welcoming, inclusive community for students and faculty.
Top Ranked in Equity & Inclusion
Times Higher Education
Adelphi ranked in the top 4 percent of universities in the nation by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, receiving the highest scores in academic reputation and international outlook.
Global Recognition
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Location
Nexus Building First Floor
Hours
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