Integrated Elementary and Special Education
In this program you can earn two certifications in four years, which significantly opens doors to more career options. You'll be eligible for certification in elementary education and special education.
The BA with a Montessori Concentration is designed for students who have previous college experience and who wish to finish a bachelor's degree.
Bachelor of Arts
121
The Bachelor of Arts in University Studies with a Montessori Concentration is for students who have previous college experience and want to finish a bachelor's degree. You can complete the program on a part-time or full-time basis, and many of the courses may be taken online.
Only at UHart can you earn three credentials in as little as one year:
The Bachelor of Arts in University Studies with a Montessori Concentration is a 121 credit program:
Courses are offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters to help you complete your degree faster. The Montessori concentration credits are completed on campus at the University of Hartford. Many of the general education and elective courses can be completed online.
Successful completion results in:
The program combines UHart's curriculum with Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) teacher training, enabling you to earn an internationally-recognized AMI diploma. It is a partnership with the Montessori Training Center Northeast (MTCNE), an AMI-teacher training center managed by the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC).
To request information about this program, please complete the inquiry form. Under "Academic Interest," choose either:
Montessori teachers are in high demand worldwide. There are about 4,500 Montessori schools in the U.S., both public and private, and more than 20,000 worldwide. Hundreds of job postings for trained Montessori teachers go unfilled each year.
As part of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Bold Goal we hope to increase AMI-trained teachers significantly over the next few years. The University of Hartford and Montessori Training Center Northeast will prepare more AMI teachers to work in current and anticipated new Montessori teacher positions.
Montessori teachers are committed to the development of the whole child and helping children and young people understand their place and contributions in our global community. Dr. Montessori saw education as more than simply passing on knowledge and skills but rather as a social reform movement leading to a better world for generations to come.
Visit montessoriguide.org for more information and videos about the Montessori approach to education.
BA in University Studies, Montessori Concentration, '19
Mackenzie Ford was able to transfer from community college in Virginia to earn her bachelor's degree at UHart and pursue her interest in becoming a Montessori teacher. Mackenzie started a full-time teaching job the day after commencement.
It’s a great program. The online portion makes it accessible and flexible, and attending the in-person Montessori training is well worth the sacrifice."
To earn the Montessori education concentration, students will complete the equivalent of one year of AMI teacher training at the Montessori Training Center Northeast located at the University of Hartford. This training is delivered in person and requires residency. AMI training includes lectures, practice with materials, readings, papers, albums, four observation weeks, four to six practice weeks, written exams, and oral exams as the student delves into Montessori education.
There are three Montessori format options:
The most up-to-date course schedules may be found on the MTCNE website.
Financial aid and tuition assistance are available to those who qualify. To get started with the financial aid process, please fill out the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov using the University of Hartford school code 001422.
In addition, Montessori scholarships are available through the generosity of the James Walton Montessori Scholarship Fund. To be considered for the Walton Montessori Scholarship, please complete these three items:
For more information about these scholarships, contact Paige M. Bray, director of Montessori Studies, at bray@rafihikes.com.
Students in the Bachelor of Arts in University Studies programs may apply at any time as we have rolling admissions at the University of Hartford. Aim to apply at least two months prior to the start of the semester in which you'd like to enroll. Check the Academic Calendar to find out when the next semester begins.
If you are an international student, please contact our International Admission office to learn about any additional requirements that may affect you.
Yes! Financial aid and tuition assistance is available to those who qualify. If you would like to get started with the financial aid process, please fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov using the University of Hartford school code 001422.
In addition, Montessori-specific scholarships are available through the generosity of the James Walton Montessori Scholarship Fund. For more information about these scholarships, contact Paige M. Bray, Director of Montessori Studies, at:
No, your AMI training is included in the cost of tuition.
For students continuing or finishing a bachelor's degree:
121 credit Bachelor of Arts program
Successful completion results in:
Eligibility for CT State Teaching Certificate, Teaching Endorsement #511 or #512.
For students continuing or finishing a bachelor's degree and bringing transfer credits, you can complete the program part-time or full-time in four years or less.
Yes. When you successfully complete this program, you will have a bachelor’s degree with Montessori education concentration, an AMI Diploma (Primary or Elementary), and one of the following depending on your program: CT State Teaching Certificate Early Childhood, Elementary, or Montessori Endorsement.
Yes. A very generous number of credits are accepted as transfer credits for the Bachelor of University Studies with a Montessori concentration. The program is designed for students who have previous college experience and are interested in finishing a baccalaureate degree.
No, they cannot be transferred to another university.
No. This program is designed for those who do not yet have a bachelor’s degree. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can take the AMI training as a stand-alone or combine the training with a University of Hartford Master of Education degree. To learn more, visit our Master of Education with Montessori Concentration page.
Yes, the AMI Montessori training takes place on site in Hartford. However, many of the general education and elective courses for the Bachelor of Arts in University Studies are offered online.
Yes. Students matriculated into the program are eligible for University housing. Non-matriculated students are responsible for their own housing.
Paige M. Bray
Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education
Director of Montessori Studies
Department of Education
860.768.4553
medmtcne@rafihikes.com
Accreditation and State of Connecticut Certification
Certification programs in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions are accredited based on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) through the CAEP Accreditation System (CAEP), as well as the State of Connecticut Department of Education. The Educational Testing Service's Praxis II exam is utilized for certification of teachers in Connecticut. See Pass rate.
Professional Licensing Disclosure
Visit Out-of-State Educators to see the Connecticut State Department of Education reciprocity agreement. The NASDTEC website details the interstate reciprocity agreement across states.
In this program you can earn two certifications in four years, which significantly opens doors to more career options. You'll be eligible for certification in elementary education and special education.
In this program you can earn two certifications in four years, which significantly opens doors to more career options. You'll be eligible for certification in elementary education and special education.
Our bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education will give you the knowledge and training to pursue a variety of careers in public and private schools as well as childcare centers and community programs.