early childhood education student with small child

Early Childhood EducationB.S.Ed.

Get your degree at one of the best early childhood education programs 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 will become. The Early Childhood Education 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 earn a bachelor's degree in early childhood education?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 17
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, engaging in small group work, and extensive time working with highly experienced faculty.

Most classes are small, with about 12-25 students per class. Classroom experiences model field tested practices and engage students in evidence-based learning techniques.

Accreditation by NCA and CAEP

Programs within the College are fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Interested in our Accelerated Early Childhood Education program?

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 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 Program Highlights

  • 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.

Jobs in Early Childhood Education

100%

Early childhood education graduates employed or pursuing graduate degrees

7%

Job growth outlook for preschool teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Teacher Licensure

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 and 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.

When You Major in Early Childhood Education

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

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

Careers in Early Childhood Education

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 Courses You Could Take

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.

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