Early Childhood Education Online

About the Program

The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education includes knowledge, skills, and dispositions from prenatal/birth through age eight. The major leads to Minnesota Early Childhood Education Licensure (birth through third grade). Most of the education classes offered include a related experience in an early childhood program. Students interested in majoring in early childhood education may make formal application for admission during the last semester of their sophomore year. There is a minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.8 from all colleges and universities attended, plus other requirements. Persons with previous degrees and/or current licensure interested in adding a licensure field or endorsement may request a transcript review any time.

SMSU Early Childhood Education Program Ranked No. 1 in State

Cost & Financial Aid

Undergraduate Online tuition rates are affordable and banded for full time student enrollments.
SMSU offers in-state tuition to nearly everyone. No out-state rates. Reciprocity rates may apply.
U.S. Citizens & eligible noncitizens can apply for federal aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Minnesota residents completing the FAFSA will also be considered for Minnesota State Grant and Federal Direct loan funds as well.
SMSU offers a variety of Scholarships that students can apply for!
Return on investment! SMSU graduates have a 99% Employment Rate within 6 months of graduation!

Admission Requirements

Minnesota Licensure Only ~ must be able to complete field experiences, practicums and student teaching within the state of Minnesota.

First Year Students
Transfer Students

Students wishing to be considered for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University must present the following information:

Completed application for admission and a non-refundable application fee of $20.
Self-report GPA and/or standardized test scores (ACT or SAT)

Note: Final high school transcripts, complete with date of graduation, must be submitted to the Office of Admission prior to enrollment.

Transfer students wishing to be considered for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University must present the following information:

Completed Application for Admission and non-refundable application fee of $20.
Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended outside the MinnState System, transcripts must be sent directly from each institution to the Southwest Minnesota State University Office of Admission.

Online Student Services
Supporting Your Success!

Careers In Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education degree is a teacher preparedness and licensure program designed to educate and facilitate students through the licensing requirements to teach within the state of Minnesota. Graduates will obtain their teaching license from birth to grade 3.

Early Childhood Education Program graduates are prepared to provide developmentally appropriate activities for

Infants, toddlers, preschool and primary grade children.
Private pre-school, childcare,
Head Start,
Early Childhood Family Education,
Kindergarten, and primary grade teaching.

Early Childhood Education is an emerging field with the potential for leadership positions in higher education as well as in agencies that provide support to families and children, such as Head Start and other childcare resource and referral agencies.

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Last Modified: 2/28/23 3:01 PM | Website Feedback