COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Childhood Education at UAlbany prepares students for a professional career teaching young children and elementary students through a combination of academic study and extensive classroom experience. The program requires a total of 93 credits and is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills needed for effective instruction in diverse learning environments. Core coursework, totaling 45 credits, covers essential areas such as foundations of education, teaching as a profession, educational psychology, child development, assessment practices, special education, literacy instruction, STEM education, social studies, and instructional methods and curriculum development. These courses help students understand how children learn and how to design effective, inclusive, and engaging classroom experiences. In addition to the core, students complete 30 credits in concentration courses focused on elementary education subjects including science, social studies, English language arts, mathematics, fine arts, and related electives, with at least 15 credits at the upper-division level to ensure deeper subject mastery. A major component of the program is fieldwork and student teaching, which accounts for 18 credits and places students directly in classrooms from birth through Grade 6. These hands-on experiences allow students to apply instructional strategies, develop classroom management skills, and gain confidence under the guidance of experienced educators. To remain in the program, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.85. Overall, the program integrates academic learning, subject expertise, and real-world teaching experience to prepare graduates for certification and successful careers in early childhood and elementary education.