Houghton education major working with student during Literacy Day.

Inclusive Childhood Education Major

Grow as a Christ-centered educator and learn to serve all elementary learners.

The Inclusive Childhood Education major prepares you to teach all learners in both childhood education (grades 1-6) and special education (grades 1-6). In your first year, youโ€™ll experience diverse field and coursework. Those experiences, paired with inclusive practices, will prepare you for the diverse needs of todayโ€™s classrooms. With the ongoing support from faculty mentors, you'll build a spiritual foundation that you can bring to any classroom.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BS

Concentrations: Art, Communication, English, Humanities, Global Studies, Math, Math & Science, Music, Science, Social Studies, Writing

Program Credits: 124

Explore Courses & Degree RequirementsTeaching CertificationMeet the Faculty

What will I learn?

Houghton education major student working with elementary student on Literacy Day.

Through Houghtonโ€™s degree in Inclusive Childhood Education you will:

  • Learn about theories, philosophies, strategies and methods designed to meet a wide range of learner needs in the elementary classroom
  • Immerse yourself in diverse field experience and coursework starting in your first year
  • Observe, learn, and teach in a spectrum of schools. Including opportunities in rural and urban schools, or abroad
  • Work towards 150 hours of field experience before student teaching. General and/or inclusive classroom settings
  • Collaborate on research with education faculty members. Present your findings at international, national and regional conferences
  • Dedicate your senior year to a full semester of student teaching either locally or beyond Houghton; urban, rural or international locations

Why study Inclusive Childhood Education at Houghton?

Experiential Learning

At Houghton, youโ€™ll have at least 100 hours of field experience prior to student teaching. Some of these opportunities may include:

  • Assisting with Math, Division, Literacy Days where groups of students come to campus
  • Summer AmeriCorps opportunities in Buffalo where you work with English Language Learners
  • Connecting with a teacher(s) for an entire year as part of your Junior Practicum
  • Service learning opportunities at organizations like Journeyโ€™s End Tutoring in Buffalo, Reading Club at King Center Charter School in Buffalo, or Allegany County Outreach

Inner City Immersion Experience

Experience teaching in an inner-city setting. Teaching in Urban America, is a two-week site experience in Buffalo, NY.

  • Observe and engage in a more diverse classroom setting
  • Discuss culture, poverty, privilege and race and their relationships with education
  • Engage in a service-learning project in the community
  • Explore the city of Buffalo

Intentional Mentoring by Faculty

At Houghton, your education professors serve as mentors throughout your coursework and fieldwork. They are committed to integrating theory, practice and Christian faith in their teaching

You will receive careful placement and personal oversight by full-time education faculty who know you well. All faculty have earned graduate degrees in specific areas of specialization and all have served as classroom teachers.

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses


EDUC 221 Educational Psychology

Examine the teaching and learning processes of individuals. Focus on learning theory, developmental theory, information processing, motivation, intelligence and child and adolescent development.

EDUC 221 Children's Literature

Explore various genres in literature for preschool and elementary children. This includes international and multicultural childrenโ€™s literature. Learn how to develop a criteria for selecting and evaluating literature. Also explore literary criticism and developmental and philosophical perspectives.

EDUC 320 Curriculum & Assessment in Inclusive Classrooms

Explore how to develop elementary curriculum and assessment. Discover how to create learning environments that support diverse learners in inclusive settings. Also examine the New York State and Common Core Learning Standards. In addition, learn differentiated instruction and assessment practices, lesson and unit planning, and responsive approaches to classroom management with attention to instructional technology.

Degree Options


BS - 124 credits

54 credits
Required Courses

70 credits
Elective courses + general education

BS Degree Requirements

Major Requirements


Inclusive childhood education students must choose either of the following:

  • A concentration in art*, communication, English, humanities, global studies, mathematics, mathematics/science, science, music*, social studies, or writing.
  • A second major selected from the following: art, biology (BA), chemistry (BA), communication, English, history, humanities, global studies, math, music (BA), physics (BA), political science, or writing.

*NOTE: Completion of a concentration or major in art (BA) or music (BA) in conjunction with the ICE major does not lead to certification to teach art or music.

How do I get my New York State teaching certification?

New York State Initial Teacher Certification

Upon completion of this program, you may apply for an Initial Teaching Certificate from New York State. In addition, you must complete the required New York State Teacher Certification Examinations appropriate to your desired teaching certificate(s).

More about NYS Teaching Certification

Steps to Professional NYS Certification

After completing your degree at Houghton and the required certification exams, you can begin working towards your professional teaching certification.

  • Pursue a Master's Degree
  • Gain Classroom Teaching Experience - 3 years or 540 days

Are there jobs in teaching?

Beginning in late 2017, job openings began to exceed hires in public education. Educators are needed in all areas of public education. For more details on the educator shortage and historical graphs, visit nea.org.

Chart Source: National Education Association
Data source: NEA analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, Seasonally Adjusted Data

Get started on your path to the classroom with TeachNY. This free resource from New York State will provide you with 1-on-1 expert advice and group coaching sessions all about becoming a certified New York teacher and exclusive scholarship and financial aid opportunities.

Houghton students throwing their graduation caps in the air on the steps of the Chapel.

96%

of Houghton students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

Class of 2023

View Alumni Success and Career Outcomes

Related Majors

Student teaching pointing at dry erase board.

Inclusive Adolescence Education

Undergraduate - BA, BS
Houghton education major working with high school student at computer.

Adolescence Education

Undergraduate - BA
Student standing and conducting an orchestra.

Music Education

Undergraduate - BMus

Ready for what's next?

Discover if earning your degree in Inclusive Childhood Education from Houghton University is right for you.


Questions?