BS in Early Childhood Education Online Degree
Become a Licensed ECE Teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree
Online
2—4 Years
81—82 Credit Hours (Major)
$305 per Credit
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Gain the Early Childhood Education Skills You Need
Become a licensed educator and qualify to teach students through third grade. Southwest Minnesota State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) and includes a supervised semester-long student teaching experience. Our classes cover essential topics like child growth and development, early literacy, classroom management, and more. You can finish the ECE program in two to four years.
This BS in Early Childhood Education program is also offered on campus.
Program Details
- Scholarships available
- Engaged faculty and peers
- Field experience
- Accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
- Licensure preparation
Prepare to Teach Students from Birth through Third Grade
120 Total Credits
27 Courses
In the bachelor’s in early childhood education program, you’ll complete a supervised semester-long student teaching experience that is built into the curriculum, giving you the opportunity to apply your studies in the field alongside your online courses. At the end of the program, you will present your professional portfolio at a final conference.
Course Highlights
- ED 102: Technology: Classroom Applications & Portfolio
- ED 312: Human Relations for Teachers
- Ed 315: Play & Creative Activities & Lab
- ED 401: Children’s Literature
Apply to SMSU’s Early Childhood Education Program
Start Date August 26, 2024 Fall Term 2024
Start your application process with the support of the SMSU team. During the application process, our enrollment counselors will answer questions and help you meet application deadlines for the ECE online bachelor’s degree.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $20 waivable fee* |
| Official Transcripts | Send official high school transcripts. Transfer students must send transcripts from each institution attended |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 minimum, 3.0 recommended |
It’s always the right time to invest in your education with SMSU. Contact an enrollment counselor by calling 1-800-201-2944 to get started today.
Admissions DetailsThis is a Minnesota Teacher Licensure program. Student must reside in or near the state of Minnesota due to the PELSB licensing board requirements regarding field experiences, practicums and student teaching must take place in a Minnesota public school, under the supervision of a Minnesota licensed teacher.
Tuition and Aid for the SMSU Online Degree in Early Childhood Education
Calculate your cost for attending SMSU Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
The first step toward creating a successful future for yourself is investing in your education. Whether you’re applying for a college degree for the first time or picking back up where you left off in your education, Southwest Minnesota State University’s tuition and aid packages can assist you. Take advantage of available scholarships, competitive tuition, and transfer credits when paying for your degree.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $305 |
|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours | 120 |
| Total Estimated Cost** | $36,600 |
| Other Costs | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors such as textbooks, supplies, or additional fees and expenses |
Military Benefits
SMSU proudly welcomes active military and veteran students. We accept the GI Bill™ and VA education benefits. Learn more by contacting an enrollment counselor or by visiting our military benefits page.
Financial Aid Options & Support
Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of solutions to help you invest in your education. SMSU offers in-state tuition rates to all students, along with a variety of financial services, including military benefits, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships for qualifying applicants.
Take your next step in financing your education by completing your FAFSA today. Use SMSU’s school code: 002375
Tuition Details
Launch Your Early Childhood Education Career
Early childhood education is an emerging field offering growth in educational settings and agencies that provide support to families and children. Preschool teachers and other early childhood educators make an incredible impact on the lives of students, providing a foundation for the rest of their lives. From 2022 through 2023, more than 17,000 new preschool teacher jobs will be added.1 Our graduates work in private preschools, Head Start programs, kindergarten classrooms, and primary schools.
Jobs for BS in Early Childhood Education Graduates
Primary School Teacher $63,800 per year2
Early Childhood Educator $43,472 per year3
Program Outcomes
Graduates of SMSU’s early childhood education program meet all requirements for Minnesota Early Childhood Education licensure upon completion. You will have the knowledge, skills, and experience required to help young children thrive and set them up for lifelong academic success.
What You’ll Learn
- Solve real-world challenges that come with early childhood education
- Confidently educate and facilitate students through the licensing requirements to teach within the state of Minnesota
- Provide developmentally appropriate activities for infants, toddlers, preschool, and primary grade children
Meet Our Faculty
SMSU employs a faculty of experts who are top-skilled in their fields. Our educators are fully committed to providing each student with personalized and thoughtful instruction to help you succeed academically and professionally.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sonya Vierstraete, Professor of Education and Department Chairperson
Dr. Sonya Vierstraete serves as the Chairperson for the School of Education. Vierstraete teaches and advises undergraduate and graduate students with a focus on elementary education, literacy, and TESL. She collaborates with colleagues in various efforts throughout the year, including the Southwest Teacher Preparation Partnership and SoE assessment, accreditation, and licensure. Additionally, Vierstraete has served as SMSU’s Faculty Athletics Representative since 2010.
Learn Online with Southwest Minnesota State University
Whether you’re enrolling in a degree program for the first time or completing a degree you previously started, learning online with SMSU provides the flexibility you need to be successful. Our online programs offer the same rigorous curriculum delivered on campus, plus the convenience of studying on your schedule from the location of your choice.
Discover SMSU OnlineSources and Disclaimers
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Preschool Teachers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm (visited September 22, 2023).
- Salary.com, Primary School Teacher, at https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/primary-school-teacher-salary (visited September 22, 2023).
- Salary.com, Early Childhood Educator, at https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/early-childhood-special-educator-salary (visited September 22, 2023).
*Contact our enrollment team for more details!
**Only Minnesota residents are eligible to receive in-state tuition rates for licensure programs due to field requirements. Tuition costs and fees will vary based on semesters of enrollment and number of transfer credits accepted. Contact our enrollment team to learn more.