Undergraduate programs

BS in early childhood

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families? Are you passionate about ensuring that every child has access to quality early learning experiences? If so, then consider a degree in early childhood. You’ll be prepared to work in various fields that serve young children and their families. You also have the option of adding an additional year of studies to earn your MEd and be a licensed classroom teacher.

Choose from one of our three tracks:

• Foundations of education: If you think you want to work in an elementary school someday, this track will start you down the path of becoming a licensed early childhood educator. You'll be able to add on an extra year to earn your MEd and prepare for licensure for teaching ages birth to grade 3. A license is required to be a public school teacher. Learn more.


• Early and elementary education: Want the option to teach older grades? This track prepares you to teach in a public school setting from preschool and kindergarten up through 6th grade. You'll be able to add on an extra year to earn your MEd and prepare for two licenses: one in early childhood education and one in elementary education. Learn more.


• Individualized studies: If you’d like the flexibility to work either in a classroom or another setting, this track prepares you to work with young children and families where a teaching license is not required. Develop an individualized course plan that blends early childhood classes with your other areas of interest. Examples include languages, cultural studies, or performing arts. Learn more.

Graduate programs

MEd in early childhood education

Earn a license to teach in early childhood (birth-3rd grade) classrooms in Minnesota. Build a strong foundation in child development theory, research, and developmentally appropriate methods that you can apply in the classroom. After successfully completing program requirements, you’ll earn your MEd and be recommended for a license to teach in early childhood classrooms (birth-3rd grade) in Minnesota. This program is for students pursuing their first Minnesota teaching license. There are no prerequisite courses required for admission.

Transfer students

The Institute of Child Development is a participant in The Minnesota Cooperative Admissions Program (MnCAP). This program offers students at our partner community colleges admission to the U of M Twin Cities as a transfer student. Admission is guaranteed to students who meet the GPA and course requirements for their major.

To transfer to CEHD, review their transfer admissions website.

You're considered a transfer student if you've registered or enrolled at a college, university, or any other school after graduating from high school. Current U of M students who aren't in CEHD are also considered transfer students.