Become a teacher
If you are interested in becoming a licensed teacher and/or exploring the field of education, the Institute of Child Development (ICD) offers multiple programs at the undergraduate and graduate level in early childhood and elementary education.
Undergraduate programs
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meet your advisor
We're here to answer any questions you have about our programs.
Quote from Academic advisor: Meghan Allen Eliason
I am so excited to work with our early educators who are preparing to do such important and meaningful work with young people and families. I am here to help guide our students through their degrees, which includes understanding program requirements and planning for post-college goals. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions!