Dual Certification: Childhood Education (1-6) and Childhood Education/Special Education (1-6)

Marist is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Marist is working toward accreditation of its educator preparation programs under the AAQEP standards with an anticipated Quality Assurance Review in Fall 2023.

The Psychology/Special Education program leading to Childhood/Students with Disabilities certification has achieved the status of "Nationally Recognized" by the Association of Childhood International (ACEI) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Dual Certification

Distinctive Features of the Program:

• Major in Psychology with a foundation in childhood development and exceptionalities
• Dual certification in both Childhood Education (1-6) and Special Education (1-6)
• Opportunity to study abroad or participate in an extension course in Hawaii
• Close advisement with faculty mentor
• Grounding in theory-to-practice and evidence-based approached 
• Extended clinical experiences in a variety of settings for enriched preparation

Admission to the Program

(Note: Those pursuing a certificate to become a teacher are called candidates.)

Candidates may declare a major in one of the teacher education programs in several ways. Students accepted to Marist under the standards of the Admissions Office may declare the Childhood/Students with Disabilities Program upon matriculation to the College. 

Candidate who entered the College undeclared or enrolled in another major may also change to the Childhood/Students with Disabilities Program. To do so, candidates must contact the Assistant Dean for Teacher Education, who reviews their academic progress to date and discusses a proposed plan moving forward. If accepted, candidates must complete the major declaration form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. Candidate are encouraged to do so during their first year of study, to account for the rigorous demands of the teacher education programs. 

Candidates enrolled in one of the teacher education programs are regularly monitored for successful progress with respect to both academic and dispositional expectations, in both course and field contexts. 

• BS Psych & Dual Cert. Recommended Program Sequence: Studying Abroad
• BS Psych & Dual Cert. Recommended Program Sequence: Not Studying Abroad

Students who have declared their major in a prior year should consult the appropriate catalog.