Mercy College

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational courses in child development and pedagogy with specialised coursework in STEM teaching methods for young learners. You will study how children learn cognitively, socially and emotionally across early childhood and elementary years, and learn to design inquiry-based, developmentally appropriate STEM experiences.

• Core education studies: child development, foundations of education, classroom management, assessment for learning, literacy development and inclusive pedagogy.
• STEM concentration: hands-on methods for teaching science and engineering design, mathematical thinking for young children, integrating technology in the classroom, and project-based learning in STEM.
• Professional practice: lesson planning, classroom observation, differentiated instruction, assessment strategies and family–school partnerships.
• Practicum and student teaching: multiple in-school clinical placements across early childhood and elementary settings, culminating in a supervised full-term student teaching placement.
• Electives and workshops: options often include early literacy interventions, digital tools for instruction, outdoor and environmental education, and special educational needs in STEM contexts.

The programme emphasises active learning: workshops, lab-based activities, collaborative projects and scaffolded field experiences that prepare graduates to teach STEM content in developmentally appropriate ways.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically required to have a recognised secondary-school qualification and meet the college’s general undergraduate admission standards. Specific expectations commonly include a solid academic record with strengths in English and mathematics.

• Completed secondary-school diploma or equivalent.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating readiness for undergraduate study; a minimum GPA may be specified by the admissions office.
• Personal statement outlining interest in teaching and working with young children.
• References or letters of recommendation, often including an academic or work reference.
• Some programmes ask for a short interview or an observational experience in an early-years or elementary classroom as part of the selection process.
• Successful candidates must satisfy background-clearance requirements and health and immunisation checks prior to placement in partner schools; certifications such as CPR/First Aid may be required before practicum.

Prospective students with prior college coursework, relevant work or volunteer experience with children, or completed teacher aide certificates may be considered under transfer or non-traditional admission routes. Specific certification pathways and regulatory requirements for state teacher licensure are administered separately from the degree and may require additional assessments or paperwork.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in early childhood and elementary education, particularly where strong STEM teaching skills are valued. Common career paths include:

• Early childhood teacher or elementary classroom teacher in public and independent schools.
• STEM curriculum coordinator or instructional coach supporting teachers in implementing inquiry-based science and maths.
• Program coordinator in after-school, museum or community education settings that emphasise STEM learning.
• Educational materials developer or instructional designer creating age-appropriate STEM resources and digital content.
• Paraprofessional, early intervention specialist or specialist working with diverse learners (with additional qualifications as required).

Graduates may also continue to postgraduate study in education, curriculum and instruction, educational technology, or special education to expand career options or pursue certification and leadership roles.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a practitioner-focused education programme with close links to local schools, enabling substantial supervised classroom experience. Students benefit from smaller class sizes, faculty who bring classroom experience to coursework, and accessible academic advising and career services.

• Practical placements: partnerships with local early childhood centres and elementary schools provide staged practicum opportunities.
• STEM resources: access to campus labs, maker-space activities and technology tools to support hands-on curriculum development.
• Support services: mentoring, tutoring and career preparation that help students transition into professional teaching roles.
• Community engagement: opportunities to work on community-based projects, outreach and family engagement initiatives that strengthen classroom practice.

The programme is designed to balance theory and practice so graduates are classroom-ready and equipped to promote strong STEM foundations in young learners.