Early childhood education additional license
Our additional licensure program is for individuals who have a current Minnesota license in elementary education and want to add a license in early childhood. After successfully completing licensure requirements, including coursework and supervised student teaching, students are recommended for an additional Minnesota state license in early childhood education (Birth-3rd grade). The additional licensure program can be completed as part of the Master of Education program in Early Care and Education. Consult with an advisor to determine if this option makes sense for you.
About this program
Coursework
The program typically takes about three semesters to complete, part-time.
- CPSY 2301: Introduction to Child Psychology or OR CPSY 5301: Advanced Developmental Psychology
- CPSY 4331: Social and Personality Development
- CPSY 4343: Cognitive Development
- CPSY 5241: Directed Experiences in Early Childhood Education
- CPSY 5251W: Social and Philosophical Foundations of Early Childhood Education
- CPSY 5252: Facilitating Social and Emotional Learning in Early Childhood Education
- CPSY 5253: Facilitating Cognitive and Language Learning in Early Childhood Education
- CPSY 5254: Facilitating Creative and Motor Learning in Early Childhood Education
- EPSY 5625: Education of Infants, Toddlers and Preschool Children with Disabilities: Intro
Student teaching experience
- CPSY 5281: Student Teaching in Early Childhood Education (Includes a Professional Teaching Seminar)
How to apply
Application requirements and instructions
Timeline
We accept applications on a rolling basis. Choose the deadline that works best for you.
Apply by:
- September 15 to begin classes in spring semester (January)
- February 15 to begin classes in fall semester (September)
Submit all materials through the University’s online application system. Please don't submit materials via mail. We can't review your application until you submit all the materials listed below.
Your decision will be emailed to you once your application has been reviewed, and all transcripts and credentials are authenticated by the Graduate School. Applicants are typically notified of admissions decisions four to six weeks after the application deadline for their selected term of entry. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.
Test scores:
No tests are required for you to apply to the program (except TOEFL scores for international students). We don't require the GRE.
Information for international students
- English language test scores: Submit an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Register for the test and submit scores. View the University of Minnesota’s TOEFL score guidelines and expectations.
- Coursework completed outside of the United States: A professional credential center must perform a “course-by-course” evaluation of your transcripts. A suggested provider of this service is Educational Credential Evaluators. However, you can use any provider that’s an accredited member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You don’t need to submit your transcript evaluation when you apply.
Tuition and funding
Tuition for our additional licensure program follows the Masters in Education and post-baccalaureate tuition rates for the College of Education and Human Development. Full-time enrollment is 6 to 14 credits per semester.
Additional resources:
- Tuition rates
- Graduate/professional loan comparison chart
- Funding and tuition information from The Graduate School
- CEHD fellowships, scholarships, and grants
- Office for Equity and Diversity funding opportunities
- Disability Resource Center scholarship information
- Women’s Center scholarship information
Application instruction
Before you begin
Before you begin the online application, gather the following materials:
- Unofficial transcripts: Applicants must submit their unofficial transcripts. International students must submit an English translation of their transcript.
- Copy of current Minnesota teaching license
- Personal statement: Describe the world you came from -- for example: your family, community or school. Tell us about a time when your worldview has been informed and/or challenged by working with children. Reflecting on this, how do you hope to grow as a reflective teacher through our program? Your essay should be no longer than five pages (12-point font, double-spaced). Include your name on the top of each page.
- Resume or CV: In your resume, highlight your work with children, classroom experience, diversity experience, and other experiences relevant to teaching young children. Leave employment section in the application blank.
- Application fee: $75 ($95 for international applicants). Must be paid online with credit card.
- Optional materials
- Diversity statement: Enrolling and graduating a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota's (U of M) mission. You have the option to write a statement that identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you'd contribute to your graduate program and to the education of fellow students at the U of M. You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success.
- Diversity statement: Enrolling and graduating a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota's (U of M) mission. You have the option to write a statement that identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you'd contribute to your graduate program and to the education of fellow students at the U of M. You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success.
Instructions
- Program selection: Choose the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus from the drop-down menu. Then, choose "Education and Human Development" from the college/school drop-down menu. Then, select "Additional Teaching Licensure Program" from the program name drop-down menu. You'll select your specific program later in the application.
- Additional teaching and specialty licensure programs: Select "Early Childhood Education" from the licensure program drop-down menu. Select "Birth-3" from the grade level menu. Enter your current Minnesota teaching license information.
Questions?
We’re here to help. Contact our student services team.
Quote from Megan Troje
As the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Institute of Child Development, it is my role to help align your academic and career goals. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions!