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Education Major (BS Degree)
Shape the Next Generation of Learners
Discover your potential as a teacher by earning your Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education at Iona University. Our education major takes an interdisciplinary approach, blending robust pedagogical theory and subject-matter expertise with real-world classroom experiences. Through this career-focused program, you cultivate your joy of lifelong learning while pursuing your New York teacher certification.
Iona University’s education degree program is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), ensuring academic standards and high-quality career preparation.
Why Major in Education at Iona?
Specialized Education Concentrations
To ensure you gain the expertise to work with students of varying ages—and to deepen your knowledge in a specific subject area—Iona offers two degree paths within our education major, including:
- Childhood Education: Specialize in educating young minds in grades 1-6.
- Childhood / Early Childhood Education: A dual certification that prepares you to work with diverse student populations from birth - grade 6.
Within these two degree programs, you can pursue a 30-credit content area concentration in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Biology, and Spanish.
Additionally, you can combine your bachelor’s degree with a Master of Science in Education (MSED) and earn advanced certifications in Special Education and Literacy, which will benefit you in the New York State Teacher Certification process.
Build Your Skills through Fieldwork
At Iona, classroom experience starts early. Beginning in your first two years, you’ll participate in guided fieldwork before advancing to student teaching. Exposure to diverse school settings strengthens your lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional skills—so you enter your final placement confident and prepared.
Pathway to New York State Teacher Certification
Iona’s New York State–approved Teacher Preparation Program prepares you to pursue initial NYS teacher certification after graduation. You’ll complete required coursework, field experiences, and student teaching aligned with state standards to build a strong foundation for licensure and long-term career success.
What You’ll Learn
In Iona’s Education major, you’ll build the knowledge and skills to teach children and adolescents in diverse classroom settings. Your coursework covers child development, subject-area expertise, educational foundations, and New York–specific standards. In turn, this prepares you for classroom placements, student teaching, and the path to New York State teacher certification.
Careers for Education Majors
Across the nation, passionate, well-prepared educators are essential to cultivating student success and building thriving communities. Your education degree from Iona University empowers you to bridge the gap between theory and practice, refine your pedagogical skills and inspire the next generation of learners—inside and outside the classroom.
The expertise gained with your BS in Education helps you advance your career as a:
- Child Life Specialist
- Curriculum Developer
- Education Coordinator
- Guidance Counselor
- Museum Educator
- Policymaker
- Principal
- Superintendent
- Teacher
Applying to Iona’s Education Major
Iona takes a holistic approach to admissions, reviewing more than just test scores. Whether you’re applying as a first-year or transfer student, we consider your achievements, goals, and potential. Our admissions team is here to support you—from application through your first day as a Gael.
Explore Undergraduate Admissions
Invest in an Iona Degree
At Iona University, we’re committed to making your bachelor’s degree in Education affordable. In fact, 99% of first-year students receive institutional scholarships or grant aid, helping lower the overall cost of attendance.
From understanding tuition and fees to securing merit-based awards, Iona’s Student Financial Services team offers personalized guidance to support you at every step of the way.
A Day in the Life of an Early Childhood Education Major
Join Ariana Rodriguez ’24 for an exclusive look into the Early Childhood Education program at Iona University. From the impact of student teaching to the adrenaline of performing with the Iona Dance Team, discover how Ariana is making her mark on campus.
What Iona Education Majors Have to Say
Peter-Christian Kirchgaesser ’25, Early Childhood/Childhood Education Major
"I’ve had a variety of wonderful experiences that allowed me to develop, expand my communication and social skills and gain valuable independent experience along the way. I am truly thankful for Iona University!"
Ariana Rodriguez '24, Education major
"Student-teaching at Iona University has made me realize that being an educator is where I am meant to be."
TeachNY: A Free Resource for Future Educators
Find everything you need to become a New York teacher in one place—and all for free. Sign up with TeachNY to access:
- 1-on-1 expert advice and group coaching sessions all about becoming a certified New York teacher.
- Custom tips, how-to guides, and resume templates for applying to Iona University.
- $100 fee reimbursements when it comes time to apply.
- Exclusive scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
- Unique resources for future educators of color.
Meet Iona’s Faculty
At Iona, you learn from the best. Our Education Department faculty members are eager to share their expertise and invest in your professional development.
Your Journey to Becoming an Educator Begins at Iona
Ready to lead a classroom of your own? Iona University’s Bachelor of Science in Education offers focused concentrations, real-world fieldwork, and preparation for New York State teacher certification—so you can graduate ready to teach.
Request information to learn more about Iona’s education major or begin your application.
Education Major FAQs
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in education takes about four years of full-time study to complete. This may vary depending on the program requirements, state requirements to become a teacher, and your personal academic journey.
At Iona, our BS in Education program also follows a four-year track. However, if you plan on advancing to graduate school, you can earn your bachelor’s degree with a Master of Science in Teaching (MST) with our 4+1 degree programs, offering a significant competitive advantage.
While you can begin teaching after completing your four-year bachelor’s degree, our program helps you proactively meet the New York State requirement to earn a master’s degree within five years of starting your career. Additionally, earning your MST degree in one year saves you both time and money, as select graduate courses are integrated into your undergraduate schedule at the lower undergraduate tuition rate.
Becoming a teacher involves a few integral steps, including:
- Completing your bachelor’s in education through an accredited teacher preparation program
- Gaining hands-on experience through real-world classroom experiences
- Taking state-specific certification tests (like NYSTCE in New York)
- Submitting your credentials to the NYS Education Department to secure your licensure.
Yes, pursuing a bachelor’s in education can be academically rigorous and time-intensive, but in ways that differ from those in other fields. You explore the complexities of human cognitive, social, and emotional development, how this shapes how students learn, and how to teach effectively.
As an education major at Iona, you are required to grow in three core ways:
- Dual Expertise: You develop deep knowledge in a subject area (such as Math, English, or Science) while simultaneously mastering instructional methods.
- Extensive Fieldwork: Classroom observations and student teaching require strong time management, professionalism, and adaptability.
- Certification Preparation: You prepare for the New York State certification exam requirements, which demand critical thinking and reflective practice.
While a bachelor’s degree in Education will challenge you academically and push you to grow, you have the full support of Iona’s faculty and staff, access to student-focused resources, and a close-knit community committed to your success.
Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You
Visit Campus
Our scenic campuses, located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, truly do offer the best of both worlds.
Let us show you around, answer your questions and give you a feel of our tight-knit community.
Apply Today
If you're considering applying to Iona, you're not alone! Since 2019, our new-student enrollment is up nearly 40%. Additionally, 99% of our first-year students receive institutional scholarships or grant aid.
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