Elementary & Early Childhood Education

Powdermaker Hall - Room 054

Telephone: 718-997-5300
Fax: 718-997-5325

Dr. Mary Bushnell Greiner

The Queens College Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education  offers both undergraduate and graduate programs leading to NYS teacher certification.

Undergraduate Program

The Undergraduate Program for NYS Initial Certification in Childhood Education is designed to prepare professionals who honor student diversity by providing opportunities for multiple forms of learning and expression. Students study the contexts as well as the processes of learning. Field assignments are embedded in each course syllabus, and are incorporated
into class discussions. Students complete the first three courses in the program (EECE 201, 310, and 340) prior to applying for admission to the intensive professional preparation/certification sequence. The professional preparation sequence begins in the upper junior semester as students are completing their liberal arts co-major. It is organized in a cohort model, in which students and faculty work together both on campus and in the field.

Students interested in becoming elementary school teachers should contact the Department as early as freshman year for information about program requirements and procedures. Queens College has a Jointly Registered Program for Elementary Education majors with Queensborough and LaGuardia Community Colleges. Upon transfer to Queens College, students should contact the Department during their first semester at Queens.

Graduate Programs

The Department of Elementary & Early Childhood Education (EECE) offers graduate programs leading to New York State certification in Childhood Education, Grades 1–6 and Early Childhood Education, B–2. The programs prepare teachers to support learning and development within the family, culture, and community contexts of students and schools. EECE programs share a commitment to educational practices that honor linguistic and cultural diversity, and integrate technology and instruction to enhance learning.

The Department offers a 39-credit program leading to the Master of Science in Education degree (MSED) for students who have completed a teacher certification program in elementary/early childhood and currently hold a provisional or initial teaching certificate.

For students who did not complete an elementary education certification program as undergraduates, EECE offers a 45-credit program leading to the Master of Arts in Teaching degree (MAT). Courses are generally offered in the late afternoon and evening. Part-time students normally register for 6 credits each semester. A typical full-time program would be 12 credits each semester and 6 credits in the summer.