Admissions

How to Apply

We’re glad you’re here!

When you join Bank Street, you step into a vibrant community of educators, leaders, and changemakers who are shaping the future of education through equity, inquiry, and meaningful relationships.

This is more than a graduate program. It’s a lifelong connection.

We strongly encourage you to submit your application as early as possible in order to guarantee the most timely admissions decision and the broadest consideration for scholarships and financial aid.

The Spring 2026 application is open.

Apply Now

Admissions Information

  • Application Process
    1. Review admissions criteria and application requirements. 
    2. Review program credit hours and tuition information.
      It is important to consider the program cost and begin financial planning early.
    3. Gather your transcripts, update your resume, select and notify your recommenders.
      Your recommenders will receive a formal request through the application system but it is important that you personally reach out to make sure they are able to complete this and in a timely manner.
    4. Create your account, write your reflective autobiography and submit your application.
      You will see the prompt for the reflective biography within the application system.
    5. Review your application checklist to ensure all required materials are submitted.
      You have the ability to send reminders to your recommenders through the application system if needed.
    6. Complete the FAFSA if you are planning to apply for financial aid.
      We encourage you to apply for financial aid at the same time you complete your admissions application to ensure you have all the information you need to decide if you will start graduate school at Bank Street.
    7. Complete an admissions interview.
      If the Admissions Committee wishes to proceed with your application, a faculty member from the program will contact you to schedule an interview.
    8. Receive your admissions decision, confirm your enrollment, and submit the enrollment fee.
      The enrollment fee is required to secure your place in the program and should be paid in the timeline indicated in your acceptance letter.
  • Deadlines

    We strongly encourage you to submit your application as early as possible in order to guarantee the most timely admissions decision and the broadest consideration for scholarships and financial aid.

    Spring 2026 Final Application Deadline: November 3, 2025

    Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once all required materials are received. Applicants eligible for admission will be interviewed. Please be as flexible as possible when scheduling your interview. Decision notifications are typically sent 10 business days after an application is complete.

  • Admissions Criteria

    *Please click on the Application Requirements tab above to see which application you should use (it depends on your start term). 

    Our office takes a holistic approach to the application process. We look forward to reading about how your experiences have shaped who you are and why now might be the right time to start your graduate school education.

    If you are interested in applying, we will be looking for a number of criteria, including:

    • A GPA of 3.0 (B average) or higher in a completed undergraduate degree program from a regionally accredited college or university
    • An aptitude for completing graduate-level coursework and academic projects of substantial scope and breadth, as well as a capacity for making positive contributions in your professional life
    • Sensitivity to others, flexibility, self-awareness, and a willingness and capacity to engage in self-reflection
    • Positive interpersonal skills in relationships with both children and adults
    • A healthy motivation and commitment to learning, children, and young adults

    If You’re Seeking Your First Certification

    If this is your first time seeking certification, you will need to meet breadth and depth distribution in the liberal arts and sciences, including depth of at least ten courses in one liberal arts and science major or area of concentration. If you are missing a course prerequisite, you will need to complete any undergraduate or graduate-level course in the subject(s) required within your first year at Bank Street. The Office of Graduate Admissions will send you information on which prerequisites you have yet to fulfill.

    If Your Program Requires Initial Certification for Admission

    A few of our professional certification, special education, and literacy programs require that you already hold New York State initial certification. If you are finishing an undergraduate education program in New York State, we will be looking at your TEACH record at the time of admission to track your progress toward certification.

    If you hold a certification from a state other than New York, you will need to apply for reciprocity and have your certification issued before starting your program. If your certification is not yet issued by the time you apply, we may admit you into one of our dual certification programs in general and special education until you can  procure your initial certification.

    Title IV | What is the New Title IV Regulation and Why is it Important? 

    This new federal regulation, 34 CFR 668.14(b)(32), which is in effect in mid 2024, requires all online educational programs leading to licensure, including all teacher and leader certification programs, only enroll students who plan to work in the state where their program leads to certification or in a state where there is reciprocity. Compliance with these regulations is essential for all educational institutions to continue to receive Federal financial assistance and to operate educational programs.

  • Application Requirements

    Please carefully read below to see which application you should choose.

    • Use the Certificate Application for the following:

      • Bilingual Extension Certificate
      • Childhood Special Education Advanced Certificate
      • Early Childhood Special Education Advanced Certificate
      • School District Leader
      • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Advanced Certificate
    • Use the Graduate Application if:
      • You are applying to a full master’s degree program (not listed above) for the first time, reapplying to a program, or seeking your second degree from us.

    Which Application Should I Complete?

    Term Semester Start Early Submission Date Application Type Financial Aid (FAFSA)
    Spring 2026 Tuesday, January 20, 2026 November 3, 2025 2025-26 Graduate or Certification Application 2025-26 FAFSA

    Application Requirements

    For most programs, complete applications require:

    • Non-refundable application fee ($65)
    • Two letters of recommendation*
    • A reflective autobiography* (a minimum of 750 words)
      • You will encounter the prompt to the autobiography after filling out the “Personal Background” and “Academic Program Selection” portions of the application. Please ensure these sections are filled out fully before proceeding with the application.
    • Résumé
    • Official transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (degree earned or not):
      • If you are applying to our MSEd or MS programs, your undergraduate transcripts will need to show a degree conferral from a regionally-accredited institution. For those applying to our EdM programs, both your undergraduate and graduate transcripts will need to show degree conferrals from regionally-accredited institutions.
      • Transcripts from US institutions:
        • Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to your file in order to conduct a cursory review and provisional admission decision, but official transcripts will be needed in order to be formally admitted.
        • After admission, provide official electronic transcripts directly from each institution to gradadmissions@bankstreet.edu.
        • If a paper transcript is the only option, it must be sent directly from the institution to Bank Street, and not delivered or forwarded by you. Please have the institution send the approved paper transcript to:
        • Bank Street Graduate Admissions Office
          610 West 112th Street
          New York, NY 10025
      •  Transcripts from international institutions:
        • All international transcripts must go through a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES approved organization for admissions consideration. These are third party evaluation organizations. Please note the process can take several weeks. You are encouraged to start this process early.
        • Undergraduate coursework must be the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree.
      • Admissions Interview (required for most programs)
      • Certification documentation, if required for your desired program.

    Please review the Program-Specific Requirements tab on this page for any additional requirements based on your program of interest.

    *Requirements may differ for applicants to non-degree certification sequence programs, readmission candidates, and those applying for a second degree. Leadership candidates, working teachers, and Child Life applicants will need at least 1 (one) reference letter from a specific type of reference (outlined in the application).

    When submitting a graduate school application, you will also want to submit your FAFSA shortly after in order for us to issue you a financial aid package if admitted. For more details, visit the Financial Aid page

    Start Application Continue Application

  • Program-Specific Requirements

    In addition to the main admissions criteria, there may be additional requirements needed, depending on the program you are choosing to apply for. The following chart outlines our programmatic offerings as well as any additional materials or eligibility requirements needed to apply. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for any of our programs, contact us at 212-875-4404 or gradadmissions@bankstreet.edu.

    As you go through the admissions requirements, please note the following:

    • Certification Eligibility: All teacher and leader certifications are issued by New York State. More information about professional certification eligibility and requirements can be found on our Certification page
    • Entry Term: Our academic calendar outlines the dates for our Fall, Spring, Summer 1, and Summer 2 terms can be found on our Academic Calendar page
    • Additional Admissions Requirements: Beyond the general admissions criteria, take note of any additional liberal arts and science prerequisites, letters of reference, certifications, and other requirements.

    Admissions Requirements by Program

    Program Certification Eligibility Entry Term Additional Admissions Requirements
    Advanced Certificate: Childhood Special Education (non-degree) Initial certification in:
    Students with Disabilities (grades 1–6)    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must have a master’s degree in education with a 3.0 GPA or higher from an accredited institution of higher education.
    Applicants must already hold a valid New York State certification in General Education at the Early Childhood or Childhood level.
    Advanced Certificate: Early Childhood Special Education (non-degree) Initial certification in:
    Students with Disabilities (birth–grade 2)    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must have a master’s degree in education with a 3.0 GPA or higher from an accredited institution of higher education.
    Applicants must already hold a valid New York State certification in General Education at the Early Childhood or Childhood level.
    Advanced Certification: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Initial certification in:
    English to Speakers of Other Languages (pre-K–12)    		 FALL Applicants must have a master’s degree in education with a 3.0 GPA or higher from an accredited institution of higher education. Applicants must hold a valid New York State initial/professional teaching certification in early childhood, elementary or childhood, middle childhood, secondary or adolescent education, literacy or special education.
    Applicants must also have at least 12 semester hours or the equivalent of study of a language other than English.
    Bilingual Extension Certificate Bilingual Extension FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must already hold a valid New York State certification in General Education at the Early Childhood or Childhood level.
    Child Life (online) Certified Child Life Specialist FALL To apply for a practicum and internship, you must accumulate 100 hours of work with ill children in a healthcare setting. This can be volunteer or paid. You don’t need these hours to apply to our program.
    A letter from a CCLS is not required, but highly recommended.
    3.0 GPA or higher.
    Child Life – Advanced Track (online) N/A FALL Candidates must be employed as a Child Life Specialist in a hospital or health care setting and hold certification as a CCLS.
    At least one letter of recommendation must be from a Child Life Specialist (most likely your current supervisor).
    Childhood General Education (Grades 1-6) Initial certification in:
    Childhood (grades 1–6)    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2
    Childhood Special & General Education / Dual Degree with Columbia University School of Social Work Initial certifications in:
    Childhood (grades 1–6)
    Students with Disabilities (grades 1–6)    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must apply separately to Columbia’s program and be admitted into both.
    Childhood Special and General Education (on campus and online) Initial certifications in:
    Childhood (grades 1–6)
    Students with Disabilities (grades 1–6)    		 FALL
    SPRING (On-Campus Only)
    SUMMER 1 (On-Campus Only)
    SUMMER 2 (On-Campus Only)
    SUMMER LONG (Online Only)
    Childhood Special Education (on campus and online)* Professional certification in the area of an applicant’s initial certification
    Initial/professional certification in:
    Students with Disabilities (grades 1–6)    		 FALL (On-Campus and Online)
    SPRING (On-Campus and Online)
    SUMMER 1 (On-Campus Only)
    SUMMER 2 (On-Campus Only)
    SUMMER LONG (Online Only)    		 Applicants must already hold a valid New York State certification in General Education at the Early Childhood or Childhood level.
    Childhood Special Education / Dual Degree with Columbia University School of Social Work Professional certification in the area of an applicant’s initial certification
    Initial/professional certification in:
    Students with Disabilities (grades 1–6)    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must also apply separately to Columbia’s program and be admitted into both.
    Applicants must already hold a valid New York State certification in General Education at the Early Childhood or Childhood level.
    Cross-Age: Early Childhood and Childhood General Education Initial Certification in:
    Early Childhood (birth–grade2)
    Childhood (Grades 1–6)    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2
    Childhood General and Special Education Residency Initial certifications in:
    Childhood (grades 1–6)
    Students with Disabilities (grades 1–6)    		 SUMMER 2
    FALL
    Dual Language/Bilingual Childhood General Education Initial certifications in:
    Childhood (grades 1–6)
    Bilingual Extension    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must be fluent in Spanish or Mandarin and have the aptitude to complete graduate-level coursework in Spanish or Mandarin.
    Dual Language/Bilingual Childhood Special and General Education Initial certifications in:
    Childhood (grades 1–6)
    Students with Disabilities (grades 1–6)
    Bilingual Extension    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must be fluent in Spanish or Mandarin and have the aptitude to complete graduate-level coursework in Spanish or Mandarin.
    Dual Language/Bilingual Childhood Special Education Professional certification in the area of an applicant’s initial certification
    Initial/professional certifications in:
    Students with Disabilities (grades 1–6)
    Bilingual Extension    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must be fluent in Spanish or Mandarin and have the aptitude to complete graduate-level coursework in Spanish or Mandarin.
    Applicants must already hold a valid New York State certification in General Education at the Early Childhood or Childhood level.
    Dual Language/Bilingual Early Childhood General and Special Education Initial Certifications in:
    Early Childhood (birth–grade 2)
    Students with Disabilities (birth–grade 2)
    Bilingual Extension    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must be fluent in Spanish or Mandarin and have the aptitude to complete graduate-level coursework in Spanish or Mandarin.
    Dual Language/Bilingual Early Childhood General Education Initial Certifications in:
    Early Childhood (birth–grade 2)
    Bilingual Extension    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must be fluent in Spanish or Mandarin and have the aptitude to complete graduate level coursework in Spanish or Mandarin.
    Dual Language/Bilingual Early Childhood Special Education Professional certification in the area of an applicant’s initial certification
    Initial/professional certifications in:
    Students with Disabilities (birth–grade 2)
    Bilingual Extension    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must be fluent in Spanish or Mandarin and have the aptitude to complete graduate-level coursework in Spanish or Mandarin.
    Applicants must already hold a valid New York State certification in General Education at the Early Childhood or Childhood level.
    Early Childhood Leadership School Building Leader (SBL)
    Children’s Program Administrator Credential (CPAC)    		 FALL Applicants must have three years of head teaching/pupil personnel experience.
    Early Childhood General Education (Birth- Grade 2) Initial certification in:
    Early Childhood (birth–grade 2)    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2
    Early Childhood General Education – Advanced Standing Initial certification in:
    Early Childhood (birth–grade 2)    		 SPRING Applicants must be a lead teacher working with children from birth through second grade in a publicly funded program.

    Applicants must have a minimum of three years of teaching experience as an assistant, associate, or lead teacher.
    Early Childhood Special & General Education / Dual Degree with Columbia University School of Social Work Initial certifications in:
    Early Childhood (birth–grade 2)
    Students with Disabilities (birth–grade 2)    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must also apply separately to Columbia’s program and be admitted into both.
    Early Childhood Special and General Education (on campus and online) Initial certifications in:
    Early Childhood (birth–grade 2)
    Students with Disabilities (birth–grade 2)    		 FALL
    SPRING (On-Campus Only)
    SUMMER 1 (On-Campus Only)
    SUMMER 2 (On-Campus Only)
    SUMMER LONG (Online Only)
    Early Childhood Special Education (on campus and online)* Professional certification in the area of an applicant’s initial certification
    Initial/professional certification in:
    Students with Disabilities (birth–grade 2)    		 FALL (On-Campus and Online)
    SPRING (On-Campus and Online)
    SUMMER 1 (On-Campus Only)
    SUMMER 2 (On-Campus Only)
    SUMMER LONG (Online Only)    		 Applicants must already hold a valid New York State certification in General Education at the Early Childhood or Childhood level.
    Early Childhood Special Education / Dual Degree with Columbia University School of Social Work Professional certification in the area of an applicant’s initial certification
    Initial/professional certification in:
    Students with Disabilities (grades 1–6)    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must also apply separately to Columbia’s program and be admitted into both.
    Applicants must already hold a valid New York State certification in General Education at the Early Childhood or Childhood level.
    Future School Leaders Academy School Building Leader
    School District Leader    		 EVERY OTHER FALL (Next cycle will be Fall 2027) Applicants must have three years of head teaching/pupil personnel experience.
    Letters of recommendation must come from the superintendent of your district and from the principal or director of your school.
    Applicants must already have a master’s degree in education.
    Infant & Family Development & Early Intervention / Early Childhood Special and General Education Initial certifications in:
    Early Childhood (birth–grade 2)
    Students with Disabilities (birth–grade 2)    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2
    Infant & Family Development & Early Intervention /Dual Degree with Hunter School of Social Work N/A SUMMER 2 Applicants must also apply separately to Hunter’s program and be admitted into both.
    Infant & Family Development & Early Intervention: Non-Certification Track N/A FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2
    Infant & Family Development & Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Professional certification in the area of an applicant’s initial certification
    Initial/professional certification in:
    Students with Disabilities (birth–grade 2)    		 FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2    		 Applicants must already hold a valid New York State certification in General Education at the Early Childhood or Childhood level.
    Leadership in Mathematics Education School Building Leader (SBL) SUMMER 2 Applicants must have three years of head teaching/pupil personnel experience.
    One letter of recommendation must come from a supervisor (Assistant Principal, Principal, Site Director, Head of School, etc.).
    Museum Studies: Learning and Engagement in Museums and Cultural Organizations N/A FALL Demonstration of involvement or connections with a museum, library, community or cultural (non-profit) organization, either through full-time, part-time, or as-needed employment, or through volunteer work, undergraduate coursework related to education in the arts/museums, classroom teaching or internship experiences that includes a history of interactions with museums or cultural organizations, or a combination of the above.
    Progressive Leadership Program (online) School Building Leader (SBL) FALL Applicants must have three years of head teaching/pupil personnel experience.
    One letter of recommendation must come from a supervisor (Assistant Principal, Principal, Site Director, Head of School, etc.).
    Reading & Literacy: Inclusive Teaching Professional certification in the area of an applicant’s initial certification
    Initial/professional certification:
    Literacy-All Grades (Pre-K–12th Grade)    		 SPRING Applicants must already hold a valid New York State certification in General Education at the Early Childhood or Childhood level.
    Studies in Education N/A FALL
    SPRING
    SUMMER 1
    SUMMER 2
    Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Initial certification in:
    English to Speakers of Other Languages (pre-K–12)    		 FALL Applicants must have at least 12 semester hours or the equivalent of study of a language other than English.

    *Online programs in our single-certification special education programs in early childhood or childhood start in the Spring or Summer terms of any given year, contingent upon the size of our dual-certification fall cohort.