Program Overview

Online Early Childhood Education Certificate

The University of North Dakota's online Early Childhood Education graduate certificate emphasizes play-based experiences and assessment, and social-emotional foundations in early childhood.

Program Details

• Program type: Certificate - Graduate
• Format: Online
• Estimated time to complete: 1 year
• Credit hours: 9

Why Earn a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education Online?

Early childhood educators are in demand, especially those with leadership skills. An Early Childhood Education graduate certificate enhances skills in:

• Play-based experiences
• Social-emotional learning
• Curricular foundations

Stack Your Certificate or Take it Alone

The online graduate certificate in Early Childhood Education can be earned:

1. As a standalone certificate by completing three designated Early Childhood Education courses.
2. Stacked with the Early Childhood Education master's degree, highlighting knowledge in ECE at no extra cost.

Accreditation

Programs within the College are fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Early Childhood Education Graduate Certificate at UND

• Receive individual attention in small classes (12-25 students).
• Join the Future Educators of UND (FEUND).
• Complete social-emotional screenings as part of coursework.
• Take classes through UND's College of Education & Human Development.
• Participate in Graduate Research Achievement Day or the College of Education & Human Development Research Conference.
• Learn from highly qualified faculty with graduate degrees and extensive experience.

Careers with a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education graduate certificate prepares students to become/work as:

• Early Childhood Teacher: Design and implement age-appropriate curriculum for children aged 0-5.
• Work in Public Schools (PreK-3): Provide instruction aligned with standards for young learners.
• Early Head Start: Implement evidence-based curriculum and collaborate with community resources.
• Child Care and Education Centers: Create a safe and stimulating environment for children.

Early Childhood Education Online Courses

Course Descriptions

• Social Emotional Learning Guidance: Strategies for supporting young children's positive social and emotional development.
• Play in Development and Early Childhood Education: The role of play in cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development.
• Curricular Foundations in Early Childhood Education: Historical, philosophical, cultural, race, class, and gender influences on curriculum in early childhood.

Online Early Childhood Education Graduate Certificate

The entire graduate certificate program is fully online, with asynchronous classes allowing for flexible learning. Students interact with instructors and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Flexible Online Early Childhood Education Certificate Classes

Classes are taught through:

• Lesson modules
• Streaming video content
• Virtual libraries
• Posted lectures
• Online simulations

Leaders in Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online. Resources and services are tailored to online students' needs, including:

• Same degree as on-campus students
• Same classes as on-campus students
• Real interaction with professors and peers
• Personal academic advisor
• Free online tutoring
• Unlimited academic coaching
• Full online access to libraries and career services
• 24/7 technical support
• Networking opportunities with a large pool of online peers.