Childhood Education
Program Note
Due to upcoming changes to the Childhood Education (QUEST) program, we will be pausing major declarations for Spring 2026 and will not be accepting new applicants. Major declaration will resume for Fall 2026.
Prospective students are encouraged to consider applying for a future term and connect with our UTEP advisor to determine the next best pathway for you. For questions or additional guidance, please contact utep@hunter.cuny.edu.
Program Overview
Effective childhood education–education that empowers and elevates children of all backgrounds and abilities–depends on student-centered teaching methods, individualized approaches, cultural responsiveness, and specialized pedagogies based in research, theory, and practice.
As a Childhood Education major, you will be “embedded” in schools from the very beginning of the program. Not only will you gain a wealth of clinical and field experience, you will also learn from expert faculty who care about you as a learner and future teacher. Hunter’s Childhood Education program (also known as QUEST) will prepare you to work in a variety of elementary school settings with all types of learners.
The Childhood Education (QUEST) program is currently undergoing revisions, therefore, we will not be accepting new applicants for Spring 2026.
Prospective students are encouraged to consider applying for a future term and connect with our UTEP advisor to determine the next best pathway for you. For questions or additional guidance, please contact utep@hunter.cuny.edu.
Credits
42 to 45 credits completed over 4 or 6 semesters
Certification
Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
Eligibility Requirements to Declare Your Major
- Attend a UTEP Information Session
- Complete the Education Major Interest Form (emailed after the UTEP Information Session)
- An interview with faculty may be required
- 30 credits in liberal arts and sciences (Prospective Childhood Education students may complete the major interest form after earning at least 15 credits.)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Evidence of advanced writing ability through a review of English Composition and writing-intensive coursework
- Declaration of appropriate liberal arts and sciences major that leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree
Eligibility and Capacity
Seats in our Education majors are limited. Unfortunately, not all eligible students are offered a seat in an education major.
Candidates who are not able to pursue an education major are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with a Graduate Admissions Advisor or email edadmissions@hunter.cuny.edu and prepare to submit an application to a master’s degree program.