Educational Studies: Early Childhood
Program Overview
Educational Studies: Early Childhood
The impact of early learning experiences for young children is far-reaching. This program helps young children discover their worlds and provides employment opportunities in both public and private institutions with missions that focus on the youngest learners or in any organization interested in young children and their learning.
Program Type and Format
- Major, BES
- Format: On-Campus
Overview
The Bachelor of Educational Studies (BES) with an emphasis in Early Childhood is perfect for students excited about education but looking for challenges outside a traditional classroom. The BES will prepare students for a career as an educator in agencies and institutions that emphasize informal learning in different settings. This degree is designed to be a creative, flexible, and inter-disciplinary bachelor's degree that emphasizes practical skills in multiple settings.
Outcomes and Career Outlook
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to apply a unique understanding of social justice by addressing institutional and social barriers that limit access, equity, and achievement; conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner that views failure as an opportunity to learn; apply reasoning and critical thinking while making connections among information, data, and arguments to synthesize and interpret information; apply unique leadership, management, and communication skills using oral, written, nonverbal, and visual communication skills in a variety of formats and contexts; apply knowledge and skills to effectively manage early childhood programs; and demonstrate a unique application of best practices when teaching young children.
Career Opportunities
- Logistics Manager
- After School Program Director
- Child Care Director
- Child Care Manager
- Child Care Provider
- Curriculum Developer
Degree Information
Plan of Study
General Education Requirements
Students follow the University's General Education Requirements, Mathematical Skills, Advanced Expository Writing, American History and Government, and Cultural Diversity Requirements. Due to prerequisites of required courses, all students must take PSYCH 1003 and POL SCI 1100. Students pursuing the Exercise Science emphasis area must take BIOL 1012, BIOL 1013, and MATH 1030.
Foundations (Required Courses)
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TCH ED 1001 | Early Clinical Experience: Community Agency | 1 |
| TCH ED 2000 | Becoming a Professional Educator | 1 |
| EDUC 2002 | Social Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| EDUC 2222 | Interpretation: Connecting Audiences and Meaning | 3 |
| ED PSY 2212 or CNS ED 3200 | Child and Adolescent Development or Interpersonal Skills in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| PHY ED 2136 | Facilities Management | 3 |
| EDUC 3170 | Grant Proposal Writing for Educators | 3 |
| ED FND 3251 | Black Americans in Education | 3 |
| THEATR 3362 | Storytelling | 3 |
| MKTG 3721 | Introduction to Digital Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| ED TECH 4302 or ED TECH 4436 | Educational Technology Instruction in Educational Agencies or Computer-Mediated Teaching and Learning in Education | 3 |
| ED FND 4330 | History of American Education through the Lens of Social Justice | 3 |
Total Hours
32
Required Courses for Early Childhood Emphasis
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECH ED 3302 | Introduction to Inclusive Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECH ED 3303 | Curriculum and Practice Laboratory: Infant/Toddler | 1 |
| ECH ED 3304 | Curriculum and Practice Laboratory: Preschool | 1 |
| ECH ED 3313 | Curriculum and Practice: Infant/Toddler | 2 |
| ECH ED 3314 | Curriculum And Practice: Preschool Education | 2 |
| ECH ED 3332 | Literacy, Learning and Instruction For The Young Child | 3 |
| ECH ED 3350 | Family and Professional Partnerships within School/Community | 3 |
| ECH ED 4317 | Implementation, Evaluation, and Assessment in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| SPEC ED 3318 | Inclusive Classrooms | 3 |
Total Hours for Early Childhood Emphasis
21
Clinical Experiences
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 4989 | Internship I | 3 |
| EDUC 4990 | Internship II | 6 |
| EDUC 4991 | Internship III | 6 |
Suggested Courses
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MEDIA ST 2211 | Introduction to Digital Multimedia Production | 3 |
| MEDIA ST 2222 | Convergence and Digital Media | 3 |
| MGMT 3600 or SOC 3600 | Management and Organizational Behavior or Management and Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| SOC WK 2000 | Social Work and Social Issues | 3 |
| HLTH PE 3380 | Introduction to Nutrition for Health and Performance | 3 |
Total Hours for Suggested Courses
15
Student Organizations and Involvement
Student Organizations
- EduCATE: Collegiate Association of Teachers and Educators
- OSI Leadership Education Programs / Advanced Leaders
- Student Government Association
- Students of the University of Missouri
Internship Opportunities
The College of Education hosts many centers and initiatives that enhance student experiences in our programs and work with more than 36 different public, private, and charter schools throughout the region. We also sponsor eight charter schools.
Honors College
The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking.
Undergraduate Research
We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.
Related Majors
- Educational Studies: Youth and Adult Development
- Early Childhood Education: Special Education
- Elementary Education: Middle School
About the College of Education
The UMSL College of Education shapes the educational landscape in the St. Louis region, advances educator quality and professional development in Missouri, and is recognized nationally as a leader of vital research and as a hub of innovation. Whether you're a first-time college student, a career-changer, or a seasoned educator seeking additional professional learning and qualifications, the College of Education has much to offer. Join a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment that will help you explore and grow for a meaningful career in education.