Program Overview

Accelerated Early Childhood Education Degree

The University of North Dakota offers an accelerated degree program in Early Childhood Education, which allows students to complete a bachelor's and master's degree in just 5 years. This 100% online program is designed to provide students with professional skills in early childhood education.

Program Details

• Program type: Accelerated (Bachelors and Masters)
• Format: Online
• Estimated time to complete: 5 years
• Credit hours: 120 (bachelor's) + 30+ (master's)

Program Overview

The accelerated degree program in Early Childhood Education is designed to transform students into observers, learners, and independent decision-makers with an effective teaching style for children. Upon completion of the program, students will have completed an important step towards licensure in North Dakota in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program will be eligible to work as teachers, mentors, curriculum specialists, early interventionists, or administrators in public schools, early Head Start, child care and education centers, and other settings.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking the accelerated degree may apply to the School of Graduate Studies after completing 60 credits. Graduate Application Deadlines are as follows:

• Fall: June 1 (priority deadline) | August 1
• Spring: November 1 (priority deadline) | December 1
• Summer: April 1 (priority deadline) | May 1

Program Courses

The program includes a range of courses, such as:

• Language Development and Emerging Literacy
• Social Emotional Development and Guidance of Children
• Home, School and Community Relations
• Curricular Foundations in Early Childhood Education
• Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education
• Language Development & Cognition in Children

Field-Based Practicum

Students are required to complete a 3-credit practicum in an early childhood education classroom setting for a total of 60 hours.

Accreditation

The Teacher Education programs at the University of North Dakota are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The online program follows the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Program Benefits

The accelerated degree program in Early Childhood Education offers a range of benefits, including:

• Affordable tuition rates
• Flexible online classes
• Opportunities for direct involvement with children in more than 60% of the courses
• Eligibility for licensure to teach in North Dakota
• Preparation for leadership roles in early childhood education

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are projected to be 104,000 job openings each year for kindergarten and elementary school teachers through 2034, with a median annual salary of $62,000.