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Early childhood is a time of rapid development. From first steps to first words to first friends, this age sees children grow at a tremendous rate physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s vital to have quality education available for these developing children as they learn fundamental skills they will continue to develop throughout their lives. Providing that education is where you come in.
Whether you’re already involved in early childhood education or want to enter the field, you are looking to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Mizzou’s online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education provides you with the skills necessary to pass the Praxis exam and to succeed in the classroom.
About the early childhood education program
Quick facts
Official name
Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood EducationCampus
Program type
Bachelor's degreeAcademic home
College of Education & Human Development | Department of Learning, Teaching and CurriculumDelivery mode
100% onlineAccreditation
Higher Learning Commission, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary EducationCredit hours
120Estimated cost
$71,712.00Transfer credit hours
60Transfer estimated cost
$35,856.00*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Career prospects
This program has an education focus. Graduates who go on to obtain their Missouri early childhood education teaching certificate will be certified to teach children from birth up to third grade.
Other careers include:
- Childcare workers
- Childcare administrators
Program structure
Students will complete 120 college credit hours during the program. Courses are offered in synchronous or asynchronous formats. No campus visits are required for coursework, but there will be fieldwork expectations. Fieldwork begins with Early Level experiences and continues through Advanced Level experiences (which include a 16-week unpaid student teaching internship) in educational settings in your local area.
Coursework includes
- Teaching pedagogy specific to early childhood education
- Content area instruction for young learners
- Assessing young learners
In addition to the coursework listed above, students pursuing this degree will need to complete fieldwork in the form of multiple practicum placements and a 16-week unpaid internship. Review all requirements for the online Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education program.
Delivery
100% onlineCalendar system
Semester-basedTypical program length
4 yearsTypical course load
4-6 classes a semester (including field experience)Accreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. Accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Faculty spotlight
Amber N. Smith is an assistant teaching professor in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri. Dr. Smith examines early childhood education holistically. In teaching, she takes theoretical approaches such as play-based learning and informal learning. She connects these approaches to traditional learning methods to improve connections between learning methods and young students.
Brandi Schumacher is an assistant teaching professor in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri. Dr. Schumacher is an expert in early childhood education and early childhood special education. Her academic interests focus on enhancing teaching and learning in higher education, designing active and engaging learning experiences and supporting sustainable work-life balance for educators.