BS in early childhood
Help young children flourish in a variety of settings
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 one of our three tracks to personalize your studies and prepare for your future career.
- Learn the science behind the development of young children from world-leading developmental psychologists.
- Engage in hands-on learning experiences with children in school or community settings beginning your sophomore year.
- Culminate your studies with a student teaching experience on campus at our Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS).
Choose your specialization
Track 1: 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
Track 2: 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
Track 3: 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
Tuition and funding
Scholarships and financial aid are available for early childhood majors. For example, incoming first-year students are automatically considered for the Campbell Scholarship for Education. Visit the Office of Admissions scholarships page for more information on general CEHD scholarships. Visit CEHD’s teaching scholarships page to learn more about financial aid specifically for future teachers. For general tuition and financing information, visit CEHD’s undergraduate costs, aid and scholarships page.
Additional resources
- CEHD’s teaching scholarships page
- CEHD internship grants
- T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MINNESOTA scholarship program
- OneStop: Grants, education benefits, and tuition waivers or reductions
- Office of Admissions scholarship information
- Financial aid basics
- Office for Equity and Diversity scholarships
- McNair Scholars program
- Disability Resource Center scholarship information
- Women’s Center scholarship information
We're driven to make a difference
The faculty in the ECE program are so supportive of my individual needs, and encourage me to be successful. I came for the degree and stayed because of the relationships built with instructors.
Madi Poindexter
BS in early childhood
How to apply
First-year student admissions
First-year student admissions are handled through the University Admissions Office. You're considered a first-year student if you graduated high school and are starting your first-year of college at the University of Minnesota.
Transfer admissions
If you're interested in transferring 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.
Declare your major
Are you a current CEHD student who is ready to declare your major? Follow these steps.
Early childhood program mission statement
The Institute of Child Development’s early childhood education programs recognize that all children deserve equitable learning experiences so they can achieve their full potential. Our academic programs are rooted in the science of child development, which tells us that high-quality early childhood education occurs in the context of positive relationships among teachers, children, and their families. We are committed to training educators who build strong relationships, embrace diversity, value full inclusion, and work to eliminate structural inequities that limit children’s educational opportunities.