Online Graduate Programs

Do you want to teach preschool, kindergarten, or elementary school, or grow as a school leader? Bank Street’s online graduate programs prepare educators for certification in general or special education, as well as for school building leadership. Through flexible, interactive online learning, you’ll develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to support diverse learners, lead inclusive classrooms, and positively shape your school community.

Grounded in Bank Street’s developmental-interaction approach, our programs prepare educators to build strong relationships and create responsive learning environments. Whether you’re teaching in early childhood or elementary settings, or preparing to become a school leader, you’ll connect theory to practice through meaningful coursework and fieldwork experiences.

Join a Community that Grows with You

At Bank Street, relationships are central to the learning experience. You’ll build lasting connections with faculty and peers while developing the tools to advance your career and make a meaningful impact in your school and community.

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What Program Is Right for You?

Bank Street offers a variety of special education programs, including cross-disciplinary options and specialized programs tailored to certain age groups and language variations, and that match your professional goals. 

Early Childhood Education

Prepare to support infants, toddlers, and young children with disabilities in inclusive early learning environments. These programs focus on developmentally responsive, relationship-based teaching and provide students with individualized supports that foster participation, growth, and belonging from the earliest years.

Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) —MSEd

Early Childhood Special Education (Birth–Grade 2) —MSEd

Early Childhood Special Education Advanced Certificate (Birth–Grade 2) —Non-Degree

Elementary Education

Prepare to teach grades 1–6 by understanding children as active learners who grow through inquiry, collaboration, and reflection. In our Elementary Education programs, you strengthen your skills in child development, curriculum design, observation and assessment, and inclusive, culturally responsive teaching, while connecting theory to practice through conference groups and supervised fieldwork.

Elementary (Childhood) Education (Grades 1–6)–MSEd

Elementary (Childhood) Special Education (Grades 1–6)–MSEd

Elementary Special and General Education Dual Certification (Grades 1–6) –MSEd

Student teachers work with students for hands-on teacher training

Leadership

Ready to take your impact beyond the classroom? Our online leadership programs prepare educators to become school building leaders who guide teachers, shape school culture, and advance equity.

Early Childhood Leadership – MSEd

Leadership in Mathematics Education – MSEd

Progressive Leadership – MSEd, EdM

Graduate student speaking to instructor

Child Life

Bank Street’s Child Life master’s program prepares students for the role of Child Life Specialist and to advocate for children and families through expert training in child development, therapeutic play, and family-centered care. Alongside this rigorous preparation for certification, students are supported every step of the way and become part of a collaborative community that extends well beyond graduation.

Child Life – MS

Child Life grad student works with child

What It Means to Learn Online at Bank Street

Online learning at Bank Street is interactive, relational, and practice-based. You’ll learn alongside a cohort of peers, engage in meaningful discussion and collaboration, and receive individualized support from faculty.

Coursework is directly connected to fieldwork, with mentorship provided through video and/or real-time observation and regular one-on-one meetings—so you can continuously grow your teaching practice while balancing work and life.

In our online teaching programs, you’ll:

  • Engage in flexible inquiry-driven coursework grounded in reflection and collaboration that blends synchronous and asynchronous learning
  • Build a strong foundation in child development, supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth
  • Develop inclusive, equitable teaching practices that support students with diverse strengths and needs
  • Apply your learning in real classroom settings with ongoing faculty mentorship and feedback
  • Study alongside peers in a cohort and participate in faculty-led peer conference groups that connect theory and practice

In our online leadership programs, you’ll:

  • Deepen your understanding of adult development and coaching to effectively mentor colleagues and lead high-impact professional development
  • Bridge theory and practice through applied school-based projects and fieldwork that transform your school into a laboratory for progressive innovation
  • Refine your strategic management skills to build a roadmap for high-quality instruction, assessment, and school culture within your school
  • Develop a reflective leadership style grounded in collaboration, adaptability, and equity

Why Bank Street?

All Children Benefit

Bank Street believes that teaching is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Our graduates understand and value every child and are able to individualize instruction to meet learners at their own unique pace. All coursework takes place virtually and is designed to be immediately applicable to students’ professional settings. Classes emphasize the integration of theory and practice, equipping students with the tools to support equitable, effective teaching and leadership.

Prepared for the Long Run

Bank Street is proud that 87% of its graduates remain in the field of education and 87% feel more confident in their specialty than comparison professionals.

A National Reputation

Our graduates are highly regarded by schools, educational organizations, and other places of learning across the country. A degree from Bank Street is a transformative investment in your values and ambitions, helping you stand out as a forward-thinking educator and leader who is confident, well-prepared, and ready to thrive.

Faculty member and student looking at a computer

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

Bank Street Graduate School of Education offers a robust financial aid program designed to make a high-quality education accessible and affordable. Most incoming students earning up to $80,000 annually—or more for those with families—are likely to qualify for a need-based scholarship, helping to keep our tuition competitive with other private graduate schools in the New York region. By submitting your FAFSA early and applying for aid alongside your admission application, you can explore a wide range of scholarship opportunities tailored to your background and goals.
Learn More About Financial Aid
Robin Hummel
A Thoughtful Online Model
The Bank Street online model creates a sense of community. Online can be perfunctory, but that’s not what this is. We took our time launching our virtual model, making sure we maintained the essence of what a Bank Street education is.
Robin Hummel
Co-Director of Online Teaching and Learning; Course Instructor