Early Childhood Ed (Birth-Grade 2) and Childhood Ed (Grades 1-6), B.A. Dual Certification Program in

The undergraduate dual certification program in early childhood education and childhood education leads toward New York state initial teacher certification, valid for early childhood education (birth-grade 2) and childhood education (grades 1-6). Students combine major study in a liberal arts or sciences area with a co-major in early childhood education and childhood education. The program is designed to blend on-campus preparation with field experiences in a variety of school settings, culminating in full-time student teaching. Literacy, multicultural education, and information technology are integrated throughout all aspects of the program. The program conforms to the standards and guidelines of the New York State Learning Standards for Early Childhood Education and Childhood Education.

Program Requirements: B.A. Dual Certification Program in Early Childhood Education and Childhood Education and a Liberal Arts Co-major

Students select a B.A. degree program from Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (excluding fine arts, dance, drama, music and speech-language-hearing sciences) or a B.A. degree program in Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies from the School of Communication. After completing 45 semester hours of college course work, students choose the dual certification program as a co-major. Hofstra’s undergraduate dual certification program is a New York state-registered program. Students who successfully complete the program and who obtain passing scores on the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) will qualify for New York State Initial Teaching Certification.

For more information on program requirements and for the most up-to-date information, please visit the Hofstra Bulletin.

Admission Criteria for the Dual Certification Program

After completing 45 semester hours of liberal arts and sciences college course work, students may apply for admission to the School of Education, Health and Human Services through the Department of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership in Hagedorn Hall. Admission to a B.A. degree program in the Department of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

A passing score on the Hofstra Writing Proficiency Exam;
An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher on all course work;
A GPA of 2.75 or higher in liberal arts and sciences course work;
Two letters of reference addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession;
A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale;
An interview with the Program Director.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

For more information about the program, please contact:
Professor Myrna Fischbach
Adjunct Instructor of Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership
Phone: 516-463-4799
Email