University of Minnesota-Duluth

The University of Minnesota Duluth offers a unified earlychildhood studies major at an undergraduate level, with post baccalaureatelicensure options available. An interdisciplinary-focused curriculum prepares students for work in a variety of settings with children of diverse ability levels, from birth through age eight years.

Program graduates find employment in public schools, community and private preschool programs, early primary grades in elementary schools, programs for children ages birth through six with identified disabilities or delays, home- and center-based child care, Head Start programs, and hospital-based settings.

All students complete a common core of courses as part of a cohort. Courses focus on child development, parent-child relations, early childhood curriculum and adaptations, authentic assessment, program planning and monitoring, educational leadership, and program administration. The program includes intensive field experiences in all three semesters of early childhood coursework. Additionally, candidates complete two semesters of student teaching in two different placements.

Programs Offered

  • B.S. in Unified Early Childhood Studies
  • Unified Early Childhood License/Post Bac.
  • Post Bac in Birth-Third Grade (+License) (B-8)
  • Post Bac in ECSE (+License) (B-6)

Other Options:

Minor in Early Childhood Studies

Program Model

Face to face with some hybrid courses

Program Duration

Undergraduates complete within 4-5 years.

Post baccalaureate students (those who have already completed undergraduate degrees) complete licensure requirements within timelines that are dependent on academic and life experiences.

Tuition

Application

  • A minimum of 45 credits to apply to the UECh Program
  • 60 credits completed before you can begin the block coursework
  • A 2.7 grade point average, overall.
  • Confirmation that you have taken the Minnesota Teacher License Exam (MTLE) for reading, writing and math.
  • Passing scores on a standardized test (if you have not received the PPST/MTLE scores at time of application or do not have passing scores in the PPST/MTLE).
  • A demonstrated commitment to working with children. This includes 60 hours in supervised settings during the past two years; preferably 30 hours in an early primary (K - Grade 3) setting and 30 hours in an early childhood (birth - age 5) setting.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Nearing completion of the prerequisite courses listed in the UMD Bulletin and on your UECh program planning worksheet.
  • Successful completion of an interview with UECh program faculty member(s). (You will be notified of date/time).In general, program applications are due the sixth Friday of each semester, at 4 p.m., in EduE 150, for the following semester.

For more information, email: educ@d.umn.edu