Early Childhood Education student with elementary student

Accelerated Early Childhood Education Degree

B.S.Ed. and M.S.

Gain professional skills in early childhood education in the most efficient way possible through our 100% online accelerated degree program.

In this online accelerated degree program, you'll complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just 5 years. You'll transform into an observer, learner and independent decision-maker with an effective teaching style for children.

Program type:
Accelerated (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
5 years
Credit hours:
120 (bachelor's) 30+ (master's)

Why earn an accelerated early childhood education degree online?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

Students seeking the accelerated degree may apply to the School of Graduate Studies after completing 60 credits.

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
June 1* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Nov. 1* | Dec. 1
Summer:
April 1* | May 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

With the online accelerated degree program, you'll gain a bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Special Education minor and master’s in Early Childhood Education. Upon degree completion, you will have completed an important step towards licensure in North Dakota in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. You'll become a leader in early childhood education as a teacher, mentor, curriculum specialist, early interventionist, or administrator.

As you earn your online early childhood education degree, you'll focus on children in the context of family, culture and community. You'll explore developmentally appropriate practices, emergent curriculum, descriptive assessment, and problem-solving approaches to resolving conflict and choices for children. As a student you will experience scholarly application for practitioners and may continue your education to pursue a Doctorate of Education.

Indigenous Teacher Education (ITE) Specialization

With a specialization in ITE, you will be prepared to teach all subject areas to Indigenous students in Lakota and Dakota languages. You’ll study:

  • Lakota or Dakota language proficiency in ages 0-8 years
  • Indigenous methods and teach curricula that focuses on Indigenous ways of knowing
  • Indigenous pedagogy and experiential learning that ties language and culture to ancestral land-based practices
  • Social emotional learning practices within all curricula including differentiated instruction and equity-based teaching and learning strategies
  • Best practices in Indigenous curricula, instruction, digital technology, and assessment strategies

How does an accelerated early childhood education degree program work?

Early Childhood Education B.S. + Special Education Minor + Early Childhood Education M.S.

The online accelerated degree programs for the M.S. or M.Ed. in Special Education allows those with an associate’s degree in education or currently enrolled undergraduate students at UND an opportunity to complete the requirements for both degrees at an accelerated pace. Undergraduates with 60 credits or those currently in an Education degree program are eligible for consideration for the accelerated degree program.

All requirements for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees must be met. Students may double count up to 12 graduate-level credits towards the requirements for their undergraduate degree and their M.S degree requirements. Accelerated degree students must obtain their M.S degree within 12 months of completing their undergraduate degree, provided that the degree requirements can be completed in that time frame.

Accredited Online Early Childhood Education Program

UND offers a highly accredited master's in Early Childhood Education program. Teacher Education programs at UND are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This online program follows the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

UND's Accelerated Early Childhood Education Degree Online

  • All online Early Childhood Education students benefit from the same affordable tuition rate, regardless of their residency status.

  • Join the Early Childhood Education Student Organization (ECESO).

  • Students have direct involvement with children in more than 60% of the courses.

  • Be part of the ND Essential Skills Network. You’ll share experiences, celebrate successes, and problem-solve perceived barriers related to social emotional learning.

  • We partner with McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership to offer Aim4Excellence. It's an engaging and interactive learning experience for developing the educators' leadership and management competencies.

  • Be more competitive and get a higher paying job with the accelerated program. Learn more about the program benefits.

What can I do with an accelerated early childhood education degree?

107k

Number of projected job openings each year for kindergarten and elementary school teachers through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

64k

Median annual salary for kindergarten and elementary school teachers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

It's essential to research the specific licensure requirements in the state or country where you intend to teach, as each region may have its own set of criteria, examinations and application procedures for teacher licensure.

You'll be eligible for licensure to teach in North Dakota after:

  1. Successfully completing a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) with an overall grade point average of at least 2.75
  2. Passing state licensure exams
  3. Meeting the state's legal requirements with a satisfactory background check
If seeking a license in North Dakota, you should apply to the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board prior to graduation.

If you're interested in a teacher license from states other than North Dakota, contact the Advising Office for the College of Education & Human Development to determine if this degree meets the criteria for licensure in your state.

Accelerated Early Childhood Education Degree Skills

An Early Childhood Education degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Curriculum Development
  • Lesson Planning
  • Strategic Planning
  • Child Development

You'll graduate with limitless career opportunities and a solid foundation for working with children ranging in age from 0-8 years old. Students with an early childhood education degree can teach and be a leader in:

  • Public schools (PreK and Kindergarten through third grade)
  • Early Head Start
  • Child care and education centers
  • Administration/Director

Accelerated Early Childhood Education Degree Online Courses

T&L 313. Language Development and Emerging Literacy. 3 Credits.

This course examines both typical and atypical development of language and thought in children ages birth-8. Children's emergent literacy is studied within the context of language development.There will be a minimum of eight hours of field experience. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F.

T&L 336. Social and Emotional Development and Guidance of Children. 3 Credits.

This course examines both typical and atypical social and emotional development in children ages 0-8 as a basis for understanding and working with children in educational settings. The course will also focus on child guidance and behavior issues affecting classroom climate. There will be a minimum of 6 hours field experience. F.

T&L 338. Home, School and Community Relations. 3 Credits.

The course is an exploration of home school relations. The content will include history, parental involvement in schools, parent-teacher conferences, home visits, parent programs, and resources for parents. S.

T&L 527. Curricular Foundations in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.

This course examines the historical, philosophical, cultural, race, class, and gender influences on curriculum in early childhood, including the philosophy and mission of the Department of Teaching and Learning.

SPED 510. Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the field of Early Childhood Special Education, primarily for students interested in entering the field. Issues such as program design, parent involvement, identification, infant education, and effects of disabilities will be covered. F,S,SS.

T&L 529. Language Development & Cognition in Children. 3 Credits.

This course provides foundational information about language and cognitive development in children. The course content will also analyze typical and atypical language and cognitive development. The focus of the course will include children birth to age eight. .

Best Online Accelerated Early Childhood Education Bachelor's and Master's Programs

#3 College Rank
#5 Learn.org
#7 Intelligent
#8 Value Colleges
#9 BestColleges
#9 College Consensus

UND is ranked by many as a Top 10 best online Accelerated Early Childhood Education bachelor's and master's program(s) in the nation. We are well regarded for our educational quality, affordability, flexibility, and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

 

Online Accelerated Early Childhood Education Degree

#2

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

This program is 100% online. You are never required to come to campus.

Flexible Online Accelerated Early Childhood Education Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Field-Based Early Childhood Education Practicum

You'll be required to complete a 3-credit practicum in an early childhood education classroom setting for a total of 60 hours.

You'll be responsible for finding an approved practicum site and the individual who will supervise you. If you're currently teaching, you may complete the practicum in your own pre-school, Kindergarten or grade 1-3 classroom if it meets UND's accreditation requirements. Standard 4 - Diversity of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education states:

Field experiences or clinical practice for both conventional and online learning programs provide experiences with male and female P-12 students from different socioeconomic groups and at least two ethnic/racial groups. Candidates also work with English language learners and students with disabilities during some of their field experiences and/or clinical practice to develop and practice their knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions for working with all students. Feedback from peers and supervisors helps candidates reflect on their ability to help all students learn.

Your supervisor may be an administrator, education coordinator or another individual physically located at your practicum site. Your supervisor does not need to be in your classroom on a regular basis if you have previously taught in an early childhood classroom.

If you are not currently teaching, UND faculty may be able to assist you in locating a qualifying practicum site.

Top-Tier Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

 

Leaders in Online Education

Students from across the world are earning their degrees through the online Early Childhood Education Program.

Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional opportunities.

Undergrad Coordinator

JoAnne Yearwood
701.777.6980
joann.yearwood@UND.edu

Indigenous Teacher Education

Renuka de Silva
701.777.5868
renuka.desilva@UND.edu

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