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Childhood (1-6) & Special Education (All Grades)

Program Highlights

PARTICIPATE IN A CLASSROOM
Get real-world experience working with students and teachers in local classrooms all throughout your program.

LEARN AND APPLY CURRENT RESEARCH
Implement evidence-based practices to create authentic and inclusive learning environments.

SAVE TIME AND MONEY
Prepare for professional New York State teacher certification through Roberts' graduate programs in Literacy or Special Education.

Want more information about this major?

Download a program guide with detailed information on the department, major and outcomes!

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One thing I love about Robert's undergrad program is how incredibly practical the courses are. Almost every class gave me hands-on experience practicing the concepts I was learning about.

Lily Sluk ‘22, ‘24 (Childhood and Special Education, Literacy)

How Much Will I Pay?

two students standing in the sun

Total Program
Sticker Price for 2026-2027:

$55,781


Last year

100%

of full-time freshmen students who applied 
for a scholarship received one

$23,345

average grants & scholarships package
for incoming freshman students last year

Courses and Requirements

View major requirements and more.

Career Outlook

Here are just a few successes our graduates have achieved:

Student Teaching Placements

  • Webster Central School District (CSD)
  • Greece CSD
  • Rochester CSD
  • Pittsford CSD
  • Churchville-Chili CSD
  • Brockport CSD
  • Hilton CSD
  • Byron-Bergen CSD
  • Spencerport CSD
  • Kendall CSD
  • Penfield CSD
  • Rush-Henrietta CSD
  • Private schools and agencies such as Charles Finney, Mary Cariola Children’s Center, Hillside Children’s Center, Cornerstone Christian Academy, McQuaid, and more!

Careers

  • Elementary education teacher (grades 1-6)
  • Special education teacher

Roberts’ Graduate Teacher Education Professional Programs

What Will I Learn?

You will choose one of the following concentrations for certification:
  • Historical and Social Sciences
  • Language Arts
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Math, Science & Technology – Emphasis on Math
  • Math, Science & Technology – Emphasis on Science
  • Social Studies

You’ll study:

  • Deeper knowledge in your concentration area
  • The foundations and history of special education
  • Lesson planning and implementation
  • How to manage the learning environment
  • Planning and analyzing interventions
  • How to create an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom

Minor Options

Minor Requirements

Students wishing to graduate with a minor must complete at least 18 semester hours in a selected
discipline. Specific minor requirements are listed within the departmental sections of this catalog. In
order to earn a minor when some of the coursework is also required by their major, students must take
at least nine hours unique to the minor. In order for a transfer student to earn a minor offered by Roberts, the student must earn at least nine hours at Roberts.

  • PHST 1300
  • PHST 2020
  • PEDU 1500
  • PEDU 2250
  • PEDU 2350
  • PEDU 2500
  • PEDU 4500
  • PSYC 2030

  • PEDU 2250
  • PEDU 2350
  • PEDU 2500
  • PEDU 4500
  • PHST 2010

  • TEDU 1850 and TEDU 1950
  • PSYC 2030 or TEDU 2600
  • TEDU 2350 and TEDU 3600 and TEDU 3600 OPE
  • One from the following:
    • TEDU 2550, TEDU 2940, TEDU 3450, TEDU 3650, TEDU 3900, COMM 3306

Additional TEDU and PEDU courses taken by students who were previously majoring in Education may be used as the elective courses in the minor upon approval of the department. 

  • TEDU 2350, COMM 2206, COMM 3308, TEDU 3820, TEDU 3820 OPE
  • One of the following with corresponding OPE (3 Hours):
    • TEDU 3580, TEDU 3590, TEDU 3940
  • One of the following (3 Hours):
    • TEDU 1850, TEDU 2550, TEDU 3600, COMP 3410, COMM 3301, LITR 2070, CGEO 2100, THEO 3050, SOCS 2050, PSYC 2030, PSYC 3050

Education majors will take 6 credit hours of electives not already required by their program 

Teacher Education Summer Camp

Spend a week learning about teaching children. You'll walk the path of a teacher, planning fun lessons and activities, and then implementing those activities with children.

Scholarships may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree. The type of degree they get is flexible – whether it be in elementary education, their intended field of teaching, or a more focused education degree like the Childhood & Special Education degree here at Roberts where you can hone in on a specific subject area with a concentration.

Many teachers do go on to obtain a master’s or even doctorate degree, as well. Some states such as New York, Maryland, and Connecticut actually require teachers to obtain their master’s degree in teaching or education in a certain amount of time to maintain their teacher’s license. Along with that, many districts pay teachers who obtain their master’s degree more than those who don’t.

Special education is specially designed instruction for educating students with disabilities, individual differences, and special needs. Because each student learns differently, there is a wide range of accommodations involved in special education.

At Roberts, we value special education and creating learning environments where every student can thrive. As a Childhood and Special Education student, you’ll take courses such as Foundations of Special Education, Creating Inclusive Learning Communities, and Assessment for Special Education.

According to the US Bureau of Labor, the median annual wage for elementary school teachers in 2021 was about $61,350.

Naturally, the numbers will differ by area, type of school, and position.

Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.

Yes! At Roberts, we’re dedicated to supporting you. Our Office of Student Financial Services is here to help you make the most of every financial aid opportunity available.

We provide financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students, so you can focus on following your calling with confidence.

Roberts' Strategic Pillars

Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Programs In Rochester, NY

ANCHORED IN CHRISTIAN FAITH

You’ll be spiritually prepared for engagement in a diverse world.

CUSTOMIZED EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS

Whatever your interests and circumstances, you’ll be equipped for your one-of-a-kind vocation.

READY TO
LEAD

You’ll be ready to lead, making meaningful contributions in your profession.

FLOURISHING PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES

Empowered to act in local and practical ways, you’ll make a difference in the communities where you live and work.