Bilingual Early Childhood Education

This master’s program will prepare you to become an effective teacher using two languages of instruction in an early childhood setting including infant and toddler centers, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1 to 2. The program is offered in three languages: Spanish/English, French/English and Chinese/English.

Credits

For those without New York State (NYS) certification: 40-52 credits
For those with initial certification in Childhood Education, Special Education or TESOL: 33-44 credits
For those with initial certification in Early Childhood Education 30-36 credits

Certification

Early Childhood Education with Bilingual Education Extension

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

For applicants who do not hold NYS certification

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0
A liberal arts or sciences major or interdisciplinary concentration of at least 30 credits
An on-site writing sample in English and in Spanish, French or Chinese and an interview conducted in English and in Spanish, French or Chinese to demonstrate speaking, reading, and writing fluency
Two letters of recommendation
A statement of purpose
Supplemental Material: a translated statement of purpose in the language of instruction you intend to pursue

For applicants with initial certification in Childhood Education, Special Education or TESOL

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0 or a master’s degree with GPA of at least 3.5
NYS initial, professional, or permanent certification in Childhood Education, Common Branches Pre-K-6, Special Education, or TESOL
An on-site writing sample in English and in Spanish, French or Chinese and an interview conducted in English and in Spanish, French or Chinese to demonstrate speaking, reading, and writing fluency
Two letters of recommendation
A statement of purpose
Supplemental Material: a translated statement of purpose in the language of instruction you intend to pursue

For applicants with initial certification in Early Childhood Education

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0 or a master’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.5
NYS initial certification in Early Childhood Education
An on-site writing sample in English and in Spanish, French or Chinese and an interview conducted in English and in Spanish, French or Chinese to demonstrate speaking, reading, and writing fluency
Two letters of recommendation
A statement of purpose
Supplemental Material: a translated statement of purpose in the language of instruction you intend to pursue

To Apply

Applications are accepted each Fall and Spring semester.

To start your application, visit the Hunter College Online Application.

When applying to this program under Program of Study, select School of Education – Childhood & Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education: Bilingual Ext. (Birth-Grade 2)

CUNY Sponsored Application Fee

Applicants applying to this program by June 30, 2025, will have their application fee sponsored by CUNY.

Application Deadlines

Fall Start

March 15

Spring Start

October 15

Visit How to Apply for information about deadline extensions.

Related Programs

If you hold NYS teacher certification, you may be eligible for the Specialized Additional Teacher Certificate: Bilingual Education Extension for NYS Certified Teachers.

Contact an Admissions Advisor

edadmissions@hunter.cuny.edu

Program Coordinator

Brian Collins