Early Childhood Education

About This Degree

Those who graduate in early childhood education are qualified to teach in preschool settings and are can become licensed to teach kindergarten through third grade.

What You Will Learn

All students gain a broad knowledge in early childhood education subjects and then choose an emphasis to study more thoroughly. Students may choose more than one emphasis, but only one is required.

Students are also required to participate in practicums and field experiences. Utah State’s program in early childhood education is unique in that students have the opportunity to work with children starting their first year in the program rather than waiting until their junior year, which is typical at other universities. By the time students graduate, they will have spent more than 600 hours in eight different practicum experiences.

USU's Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services is ranked 10th in the nation among colleges of education in external research dollars.

Students receive a by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services

Department: School of Teacher Education and Leadership

USU Locations:

Logan campus
Statewide campuses

Program Requirements

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Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Students who graduate in early childhood education are qualified to teach preschool and to be licensed to teach grades K-3. They can also work in the following areas:

Child care
Head start
Home start
Early intervention specialist
Child welfare worker

The Career and Design Center provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.

Job Outlook

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Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

STATEWIDE CAMPUSES*

*This degree is available at various USU locations.

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the early childhood education program has additional requirements:

Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to the pre-major.
Transfer students: Transfer students from other institutions and students transferring from other USU majors need a 3.00 total GPA for admission to this major.
Teacher Education Program Requirements: In order to become an early childhood education major, students must be accepted into the teacher education program, which includes the following:
- Completion of 30 semester credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00
- Complete certain core courses with specified minimum grades (see department for more information)
- Pass a criminal background check (this should be done one semester before applying)
- Pass at least two sections of the Praxis II Elementary Education Multisubjects Exam. (This should be done at least one semester prior to applying.)

International students have additional admissions requirements.