Skip to main content
University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota
    • Admitted Students
    • Current Students
    • Families of Current Students
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Email
    • Blackboard
    • Campus Connection
    • Employee Self-Service (HRMS)
    • Starfish
    • Schedule Planner
  • Directory
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Student Life
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Majors & Programs
  • About
University of North Dakota
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Student Life
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Majors & Programs
  • About
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
Early Childhood Education student with elementary student
  • Home
  • Program Finder
  • Early Childhood Education (Accelerated B.S.Ed./M.S.)
print Print Page

Accelerate 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 3 years. You'll transform you into an observer, learner and independent decision-maker with an effective teaching style for children. Complete field experiences where you live with children birth to age 8, and become eligible for licensure in Early Childhood Education.

Program type:
Combined (Major and Master's)
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
3 years
Credit hours:
84
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • Why UND Online?
  • How to Apply

Request Information

Online Combined Early Childhood Education Degrees

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

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 be eligible for licensure 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.

How does an accelerated early childhood education degree online 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). The ECE online program follows the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Online Early Childhood Education Program

  • All online students in this program benefit from in-state tuition, 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 NDMTSS Social Emotional Learning 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.

Early Childhood Education Degree Jobs

7%

Job growth outlook for kindergarten and elementary school teachers through 2030

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

61k

Median annual pay for kindergarten and elementary school teachers, 2020

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

North Dakota Teaching License

You'll be eligible for licensure to teach in North Dakota after successfully completing a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) with:

  • An overall grade point average of at least 2.75
  • Passing state licensure exams
  • Meeting the state's legal requirements with a satisfactory background check.

If seeking a license, 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.

Early Childhood 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

Early Childhood Education 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. S,SS.

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. F,SS.

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. .

Teacher helping young student write

Best Early Childhood Education Degree Online

UND has one of the best online early childhood education programs in the Upper Midwest. We're highly ranked for affordability and quality education.

US News Rankings
Online Masters Best Badge
Best Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education Badge
The Best Schools Rankings

Leaders in Online Education

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

 

Request Information

Explore More Options

Connect with the early childhood education faculty you'll work with at UND or explore other education majors:

  • College of Education & Human Development
  • Explore Similar Degrees
Department Contact
JoAnne Yearwood
Undergraduate Coordinator
P 701.777.6580
joanne.yearwood@UND.edu
    We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

    By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.

    Ready to Enroll?

    • Request Information
    • Schedule a Visit
    • Apply Now
    • UND.info@UND.edu
    • 701.777.3000
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Contact UND
    • Campus Map
    • Events Calendar
    • Explore Programs
    • Employment
    • Make a Gift
    University of North Dakota

    © 2022 University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND - Member of ND University System

    • Accessibility & Website Feedback
    • Terms of Use & Privacy
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Student Disclosure Information
    • Title IX
    ©
    UND.info@UND.edu
    701.777.3000 | 1.800.CALL.UND
    UND.edu/programs