BA Health and Human Services/EdM Early Childhood/Childhood Education
Teach, support and inspire young learners
This combined degree provides a faster path to becoming a certified teacher. You'll build a strong foundation in child development, family systems and human services before advancing into graduate-level teacher preparation, where you'll gain extensive classroom experience and become eligible for New York State teaching certification
On this page:
- Complete both your bachelor's and master's degrees in five-years (3+2), one year less than the traditional route
- For the BA, choose a concentration in Child and Family Studies and establish a foundation in child development, child mental health and family systems
- Upon completion of the EdM, become eligible for New York State initial and professional teaching certification (Birth–Grade 6)
This program develops four core competencies that prepare you to be an exceptional educator:
Child Development Expertise
Deep knowledge of early childhood development, language acquisition, family structures, and evidence-based teaching practices.
Social Science Research Skills
Understand problems affecting children and families and develop the analytical tools to evaluate programs and interventions.
Clinical Experience
Placements and internships in WNY early childhood centers and schools are available throughout the program — not just at the end.
One-Year Teaching Residency
Co-teach with a mentor teacher in a real classroom during your final year of the EdM, gaining the confidence and credentials to lead your own.
Students may indicate interest in this program while completing the undergraduate application.
Graduates of the BA/EdM program are prepared to work as:
- After-school program coordinator
- Child mental health specialist
- Child protective services worker
- Community education coordinator
- Curriculum developer
- Developmental disabilities specialist
- Early childhood educator
- Educational researcher
- Elementary teacher
- Nonprofit and human services leadership
Have questions? Please contact us by emailing ssicdp@buffalo.edu or call our main office at (716) 645-2247