Early Childhood Education: List of Colleges and Universities with Early Childhood Education Degrees

Published Aug 29, 2009

RSS Feed

Early Childhood Education degrees are designed for those hoping to teach young students, usually from pre-school aged toddlers through kindergarten and the lower elementary school grades. Different states have different educational requirements for Early Childhood Education teachers that can be fulfilled through bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. Some of the many schools offering Early Childhood Education degrees include the University of Florida, Arizona State University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Details of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

A bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education is usually a 5-year program that includes both coursework and a student teaching and observation experience to meet state teacher requirements. In addition to completing general education courses, this degree focuses on methods and theories for teaching young children. Teachers become familiar with the stages of early childhood development and basic child psychology. Courses may also cover children's literature, nutrition and first aid. After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates are qualified to work in public pre-schools, kindergartens and elementary schools.

Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Most master's degrees in Early Childhood Education are concentrations within larger master's programs. Coursework for this degree expands upon undergraduate level Early Childhood Education courses. Classes focus on children's cognitive and language development, sociocultural contexts, family settings and community, literacy development, multicultural and diversity education, Early Childhood math and Early Childhood science. In addition to coursework, a master's degree usually requires a thesis written on the results of an independent research project or field study.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Early Childhood Education

Doctoral degrees in Special Education are designed for teachers seeking a more in-depth understanding of teaching children from birth through elementary school, as well as for those pursuing careers in Early Childhood Education theory and development. Such Ph.D. programs may focus on advanced research in child development. Graduate students may work on refining and improving Early Childhood curriculum, researching social and family contexts that affect Early Childhood Education and understanding how cultural diversity within school systems should be incorporated into educational programs. A Ph.D. is expected for researchers in Early Childhood Education, as well as education experts in this field working for federal, state and local governments.

Public and Private Non-Profit Schools with Early Childhood Education Degrees

School NameInstitution TypeEnrollmentMailing AddressPhone Number
University of Florida 4-year, Public 51725 355 Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611-3115 (352) 392-3261
Arizona State University 4-year, Public 51481 Tempe, Arizona 85287 (480) 965-9011
University of Central Florida 4-year, Public 48398 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32816 (407) 823-2000
University of South Florida 4-year, Public 44870 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620-9951 (813) 974-2011
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 4-year, Public 42326 601 E John Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820-5711 (217) 333-1000
Florida State University 4-year, Public 40555 211 Westcott Bldg, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1037 (850) 644-2525
Purdue University-Main Campus 4-year, Public 40534 Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2040 (765) 494-4600
Indiana University-Bloomington 4-year, Public 38990 107 South Indiana Ave., Bloomington, Indiana 47405-7000 (812) 855-4848
Florida International University 4-year, Public 38182 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 (305) 348-2000
California State University-Fullerton 4-year, Public 37130 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, California 92831-3599 (657) 278-2011
San Diego State University 4-year, Public 35695 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, California 92182 (619) 594-5200
California State University-Northridge 4-year, Public 35446 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, California 91330 (818) 677-1200
University of North Texas 4-year, Public 34710 Chestnut Ave., Denton, Texas 76203-1277 (940) 565-2000
University of Houston 4-year, Public 34663 212 E. Cullen Building, Houston, Texas 77204-2018 (713) 743-1000
Brigham Young University 4-year, Private not-for-profit 34174 Main Campus, Provo, Utah 84602 (801) 422-4636
Austin Community College District 2-year, Public 33508 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, Texas 78752 (512) 223-7000
Pima Community College 2-year, Public 32982 401 North Bonita Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85709-5000 (520) 206-4500
Wayne State University 4-year, Public 32380 656 West Kirby Street, Detroit, Michigan 48202 (313) 577-2424
Boston University 4-year, Private not-for-profit 32053 One Silber Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02215 (617) 353-2000
San Jose State University 4-year, Public 31906 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, California 95192-0001 (408) 924-1000
San Francisco State University 4-year, Public 30125 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, California 94132 (415) 338-1111
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis 4-year, Public 29854 425 University Blvd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5143 (317) 274-5555
University of Iowa 4-year, Public 29117 101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316 (319) 335-3500
Troy University 4-year, Public 28955 University Avenue, Troy, Alabama 36082-0001 (334) 670-3100
California State University-Sacramento 4-year, Public 28829 6000 J St, Sacramento, California 95819-2694 (916) 278-6011

Featured School Choices: