Early Childhood Education BA

  • Major
  • BA
Format
  • In-Person
  • Online
This program is also offered through Extended Campus.
Location
  • Denver
  • Greeley
  • Online
Concentration
  • Liberal Arts
  • Licensure: Early Childhood Education (Birth-8)
Estimated Completion Time

4 Years

Tuition Rate

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Tuition & Fees

Department(s)

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Teacher Education

Credits

120

Area of Study

Program Overview

At UNC, you鈥檒l gain the skills to support and teach young children during the most critical years of development. Our Early Childhood Education BA blends real classroom experience, inclusive teaching practices and expert mentorship. You’ll graduate ready to lead in K-3 schools or other early childhood settings.

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What you’ll do as an Early Childhood Education major:

  • Work with children from birth through age 8 in real classrooms
  • Learn from dedicated faculty who specialize in early childhood education
  • Complete a full-time student teaching semester
  • Explore topics like child development, equity in education and family partnerships
  • Choose a path that fits your goals, licensure or liberal arts, on campus or

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To earn your Early Childhood Education BA at UNC, you’ll complete 36–88 credits of education coursework, depending on your chosen concentration:

  • Liberal Arts Concentration: 36 credits in Early Childhood Education

  • Licensure: Early Childhood Education (Ages Birth–8): 88–90 credits of major, licensure, and student teaching coursework

If you care about kids and want to be the kind of teacher who makes a difference early on, this program helps you to do just that. You’ll take courses focused on child development, literacy, curriculum design and inclusive practices for diverse learners.

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  • Early Childhood Education

Pair this 18-credit minor with majors like Elementary Education, Psychology, Nursing or Human Services. You’ll learn how young children grow and learn, with courses in:

  • Child development (birth–age 8)
  • Teaching bilingual children
  • Curriculum development
  • Trauma Informed Practices for Children

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This plan is a recommended schedule to complete this bachelor’s degree in 4 years. Courses are subject to availability. Students must consult with their major advisor to receive information on any additional graduation requirements and course sequence guidance. 

Liberal Arts Concentration

 

Licensure: Early Childhood Education (Ages Birth-8) Concentration:

Concentrations

Build your expertise by selecting one concentration. Each path offers unique coursework tailored to specific career outcomes.

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Early Childhood BA – Liberal Arts Concentration

Want to work with young children without becoming a licensed teacher? This path gives you a strong background in early childhood education with more flexibility after graduation.

Study child development from birth through age 8, covering early literacy, curriculum planning, bilingual and special education, and the arts. Gain hands-on experience through practicum placements and courses in family engagement and inclusive practices.

You’ll learn to:

  • Create engaging, inclusive learning environments
  • Support bilingual learners and children with diverse needs
  • Build strong partnerships with families and caregivers
  • Apply skills in early learning centers, nonprofits and community programs

Perfect for students interested in early care and education, child psychology, or family support services.

Flexible Learning Options: Greeley, Denver, or online.

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Early Childhood B.A. – Licensure: Early Childhood Education (Ages Birth-8)

Become a licensed teacher for children from birth through third grade. This concentration prepares you for 黑料社区’s Birth-Age 8 teaching license.

Master child development, classroom management, early literacy, curriculum planning, assessment, and inclusive education. Complete 800+ hours of hands-on practicum, including a full semester of student teaching.

You’ll learn to:

  • Support development from birth through age 8
  • Design lessons across reading, math, science and social studies
  • Manage classrooms and foster social-emotional learning
  • Partner with families and support children with diverse needs
  • Meet all 黑料社区 teaching licensure requirements

Graduate classroom-ready for public schools, private programs, or community-based settings.

On Campus or Online - Your Path to Licensure

Choose the format that works for you. Whether you thrive in a traditional campus setting or need the freedom to learn anywhere, you'll graduate fully prepared for your teaching career.

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What is Licensure?

A teaching license is 黑料社区’s way of certifying you’re qualified to teach. It shows you’ve completed the required coursework, passed state exams and gained classroom experience. Think of it like a driver’s license, but for teaching.

Our Elementary Education program includes everything you need for K-6 licensure with multiple concentrations to choose from that let you specialize as an educator. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply for your 黑料社区 Initial Teacher License and start your teaching career.

If you have questions about Licensure, email Licensure@unco.edu

Hear from Our Community

Preschool teacher with children playing with colorful wooden toys

Teaching That Feels Like Home

The Early Childhood Program prepared me very well for teaching. Right from the beginning of my teaching kindergarten, I felt at home and like I had been doing this every day of my life.

Elizabeth

Early Childhood Education

Kindergarten Teacher in a Public School

Early Childhood education student working in a classroom with kids raising their hands

From Aims to UNC

Thanks again for your UNC program and making my dreams come true. I had raised my own children and had an associate鈥檚 degree but didn鈥檛 think I could go on and be a teacher in a public school. Going from Aims to UNC and earning my degree has truly changed and blessed my life!

Nicole

Preschool Teacher in a Public School

Group of small nursery school children with teacher sitting on floor indoors in classroom, montessori learning concept.

Becoming an Effective Teacher

Having a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Early Childhood Education has created many opportunities for me. I can teach birth to third grade and know that my degree makes me a very effective teacher.

Shana, 2013 Graduate

Montessori Teacher

Preschool teacher with children playing with colorful wooden toys
Early Childhood education student working in a classroom with kids raising their hands
Group of small nursery school children with teacher sitting on floor indoors in classroom, montessori learning concept.

Get Involved Beyond the Classroom

Future Teacher Club

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Join a student-run community that offers resources, professional development and networking for future educators. The club hosts workshops, creates opportunities to connect with peers and supports an inclusive group of students passionate about teaching.

To get involved, please reach out to us on Instagram or email our Director of Communication, kope4409@bears.unco.edu.

UNC students on stage with a screen showing the Future Teacher Club Instagram handle and logos reading 鈥淒ream Teach Inspire鈥 and 鈥淏ear to Inspire.鈥

Have Questions? We鈥檙e Here to Help!

Teacher Education

First initiated as a teacher鈥檚 college in 1889, UNC has education in its DNA. As a student in teacher education, you鈥檙e following in the footsteps of the best teachers in 黑料社区, and you鈥檒l be well-prepared to blaze your own trails nationally.