Early Childhood Education, BS Curriculum

Liberal Arts and Education
Academic Affairs

• Program Type: Baccalaureate
• Requirements for this program are current for Spring
• Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120 to 125
• Required credits within the major:72 to 82
• Degree: Bachelor of Science

The B.S. degree in early childhood education is a career-oriented program that prepares students to earn their Minnesota teacher's license, a professional licensure that allows teaching young children from birth through third grade.

Graduates of this teacher education program design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children in a variety of early childhood settings. They are prepared to work collaboratively with families and in the community. Significant opportunities for professional positions exist in these educational programs: infant and toddler care and education, preschool programs, K-3 classrooms, Head Start, and early childhood family education.

This degree program has four academic core areas of required coursework--education core, early childhood and family core, infant and toddler education core, and preprimary education core--and two areas of emphasis--primary education and program management.

Students who expect to apply for teacher licensure must complete the primary education emphasis. Graduates with the primary education emphasis demonstrate competencies as described in the MN Board of Teaching, Rules 8710.3000, Standard for Teachers of Early Childhood Education (ECE) and in MN Rules 8710.2000, Standards for Effective Practice for all Teachers. See program outcomes listed in the sub-plan descriptions below.

Program Delivery

This program is available:

• via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)

Admission Requirements

A GPA above 2.0 is preferred for the following:

1. Earn a minimum GPA of 2.50 overall.
2. Take the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examination (MTLE), Basic Skills tests.
3. Purchase personal Liability Insurance: can be obtained inexpensively through an annual student membership in Education Minnesota.
4. Successful completion of ED 2200, Foundations of Education.
5. Complete and submit Teacher Education Application Packet.

For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.

General Requirements

All students are required to complete general University and college requirements. For more information, see the graduation requirements.

Program Requirements

Students must complete 40 upper division credits. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 throughout their enrollment in the program and must earn a C- or better in all program required courses plus ART 2000 and ECE 2100.

Program Sub-plans

Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.

Program Management

The program management emphasis is for students who wish to increase their academic preparation for supervisory, management, and/or leadership roles in child care and education programs.

Program outcomes: graduates will

• promote child development/learning
• encourage infant/toddler development/learning
• facilitate preprimary-aged children's development/learning
• assist in building family relationships
• document and assess to support young children
• become a reflective professional
• demonstrate ability to perform tasks associated with planning, organizing, staffing, leading, monitoring and controlling for quality in childcare programs

The emphasis requires 20 credits without Board of Teaching licensure.

Primary Education

The primary education emphasis is for students who wish to teach in public school classrooms with kindergarten through third grade, as well as early childhood education programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Program outcomes: graduates will

• promote child development/learning
• encourage infant/toddler development/learning
• facilitate preprimary-aged children's development/learning
• facilitate primary-aged children's development/learning
• assist in building family relationships
• document and assess to support young children
• become a reflective professional

The emphasis requires 25 credits and completes requirements for Board of Teaching licensure.