early childhood education degree student with small child

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Bachelor of Science in Eduction (B.S.Ed.)

Get your degree at one of the best early childhood education degrees in the nation. 100% of our graduates are employed or pursuing graduate degrees.

The education of young children, birth through grade 3, directly impacts their development and helps to shape the adults they become. The Early Childhood Education degree program classes, field experiences and student teaching at UND will transform you. You'll become an observer, learner and independent decision-maker with an effective teaching style for children.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
125-128

Why pursue a bachelor of early childhood education?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 16
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

As you earn your 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. Early childhood courses focus on:

  • Building practical skills to use in the classroom
  • Engaging in small group work
  • Extensive time working with highly experienced faculty

Classroom experiences model field tested practices and engage students in evidence-based learning techniques.

Accredited Early Childhood Education Degree

UND's Early Childhood Education degree is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Accelerated Early Childhood Education Degree Online

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 you to complete both the bachelor’s and master’s 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.

Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degree Online or On-Campus

  • Enroll in early childhood education courses prior to admission to the program.

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

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

  • Learn at one of best early childhood programs in the Upper Midwest.

  • All classes are capped at 25 students, meaning you'll receive individual attention.

  • The early childhood education program is part of the College of Education & Human Development.

What can you do with an early childhood education degree?

100%

Early childhood education graduates employed or pursuing graduate degrees

UND College of Education & Human Development

2%

Job growth outlook for preschool teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

North Dakota Teacher License

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

  1. Successfully completing a Bachelor of Science in Education with major in Early Childhood Education 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, 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.

Skills with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

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 or director

Early Childhood Education Degree 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 333. Methods and Materials: Pre-Kindergarten. 3 Credits.

Exploration of curriculum, methods and materials for use in pre-kindergarten educational settings. Includes selection of materials, creative environments, and planning for the individual needs of children within a group setting. Prerequisites: T&L 310 and admission to the Teacher Education program. Corequisite: T&L 486. F,SS.

T&L 311. Observing and Assessing Children. 3 Credits.

This course acquaints the student with a variety of ways of observing, recording, and analyzing the behavior and development of children. Assessment of children will be analyzed by looking at a variety of assessment activities that can be done with children. There will be a minimum of six hours of field experience. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program and T&L 310. S.

T&L 252. Child Development. 3 Credits.

Study of the growth and developmental process through adolescence. A basis for understanding basic needs of the normal child and means of meeting them in the child's home and community environment. F,S.

McKenzie Kay Darling

Best College for Early Childhood Education Degree

Early in her life, she struggled to find reasons to live. Now, she's finding them and sharing with the world.

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Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

Department Contact
JoAnne Yearwood
Program Director
P 701.777.6580
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