Overview

The Early Childhood Education - Initial Certification and Bilingual Extension M.A. at Columbia University is designed for educators dedicated to the development of young multilingual children. This comprehensive programme focuses on urban teaching environments, placing a strong emphasis on social justice, multiculturalism, and bilingualism. Students are prepared to support families and communities through a curriculum that balances pedagogical, sociological, and political perspectives.

The programme is specifically tailored for students who are already bilingual and biliterate in Spanish, French, Chinese, or Korean. By integrating early childhood education with bilingual specialisations, the curriculum ensures that graduates are equipped to lead in diverse classrooms.

Why Early Childhood Education - Initial Certification and Bilingual Extension at Columbia University?

The programme stands out for its commitment to urban education and its focus on critical social justice. Students benefit from the extensive resources of a world-renowned institution while engaging in specialised training for bilingual settings. The curriculum is uniquely structured to provide both New York State Initial Certification (Birth-Grade 2) and a Bilingual Extension, making graduates highly versatile in the job market.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 19179 per semester
National fee: USD 19179 per semester
Local fee: USD 19179 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Diverse early childhood classrooms
Student teaching in early childhood setting
Infant and toddler development and practice
Differentiation and inclusion in early childhood classrooms
Child development and intersectional identities
Home/school/community partnerships
Integrated curriculum in early childhood education
Play, language, and early childhood curriculum
Foundations of bilingual/bicultural education

Careers with Early Childhood Education - Initial Certification and Bilingual Extension

Graduates are prepared for roles as lead teachers in bilingual and dual-language early childhood settings, ranging from birth through second grade. The programme equips professionals to work in urban public schools, private institutions, and community-based organisations. Beyond the classroom, the degree supports careers in educational leadership, advocacy for multilingual learners, and curriculum development focused on multicultural education.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Differentiation and inclusion in early childhood classrooms
Child development and intersectional identities
Home/school/community partnerships
Integrated curriculum in early childhood education: curricular inquiry and design
Integrated curriculum in early childhood education: diversity, equity, and technologies
Play, language, and early childhood curriculum
Language and teaching in the primary reading/writing classroom
The artistic Lives of young children
Foundations of bilingual/bicultural education

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

39 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Early Childhood Education View 846 other Masters in Language Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
$75 Application Fee
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation, Preference that one (1) be academic

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

38358 USD / year

≈ 38358 USD / year
Out-of-State

38358 USD / year

≈ 38358 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

38358 USD / year

≈ 38358 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Early Childhood Education - Initial Certification and Bilingual Extension.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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