Utica College

Programme overview

The Early Childhood and Childhood Education (Psychology Child Life) major is a Bachelor of Science program that leads to dual certification to teach children from Birth through Grade 6 in New York State. Teacher candidates complete a concentration in psychology-child life (PCL) alongside subject and pedagogical coursework so they are prepared to teach to the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards and to support students and their families.

What you'll study

Coursework covers liberal arts and sciences foundations plus professional education preparation. Topics and domains explicitly included are artistic expression; communication; information retrieval; history and social sciences concepts; humanities; a world language other than English; scientific and mathematical processes; and written analysis and expression. In addition to subject-matter and pedagogical courses, students complete the psychology-child life concentration to develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions for supporting children and families.

Entry requirements

The program is offered through Utica University's Educator Preparation Program as an undergraduate major leading to the B.S. Teacher candidates enroll at the Utica campus. Specific admissions criteria are handled by the Office of Admissions.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work as certified teachers for children from birth to grade 6 in New York State, and the program also positions alumni for further graduate study in education. Utica alumni have gone on to roles as classroom teachers and school administrators throughout New York and beyond.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

As an undergraduate education program, students should explore institutional scholarships, financial aid through the university, and program-specific awards via the Office of Admissions. Graduate study and education master’s programs are additional funding and career-advancement pathways for alumni.