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Early Childhood

Degree Overview

kindergarden teacher

MU's educator preparation program in Early Childhood Education leads to a Bachelor of Science in Education and Missouri teacher certification in Early Childhood Education: Birth-Grade 3. Students will be prepared to care for and teach young children in private settings and in public schools.

The program encompasses four phases:




Phase I: Freshman - Sophomore Year

Students complete their general education requirements, explore various careers in education, and become immersed in the discipline and culture of teaching and learning before they focus on a teaching specialty in Phase II.

Coursework examines the teacher's roles in facilitating learning at all levels of development and considers the influences of cultural, political, historical and economic factors on students, teachers and schools. Work with students of varying ages through field experiences.

Phase II: Junior Year - First Semester Senior Year

In this phase, focus shifts to the field of early childhood education. Through course work and corresponding field experiences, students consider ways to support the development and learning of young children from birth through age eight. Each semester during Phase II, students spend at least 6 hours a week working with young children in carefully designed field experiences.

Phase III: Second Semester Senior Year

This phase includes a semester-long, full-time student teaching internship. Candidates are assigned to a classroom for a 15-week period under the mentorship of an experienced K-3 master teacher.

Phase IV: Induction

Faculty continue to support graduates during their first two years of teaching.

Course Work

Program of Study: all the courses needed for degree.

Admission Requirements

  • Students are automatically admitted to Phase I with admittance to the Univeristy
  • Application for Phase II occurs in the spring of your Sophomore year. Criteria for Phase II admission include:
    • Overall MU grade point average (at least a 2.75 with 60+ hours is required)
    • Grades in selected classes
    • Scores on the College Base test
    • Experiences in working with young children
    • Quality of the application letter

Enrollment into Phase II of the Early Chilhood Program is limited and highly competitive.

Be Prepared: Review Phase II requiements and find out what you can do to be a qualified candidate for acceptance.

Degree Requirements

Additional Coursework required for Entry into Phase II for Early Childhood Education Majors: 

 

  • Statistics 1200 or higher with a C- or better
  • HDFS 2420 or equivalent with a C- or better
  • Music 1618 (or competency in music performance)

How to Apply

New to MU or Changing Your Major to Education:

  • Students new to MU can find information on applying to the University here.
  • Information regarding application to Phase II is provided through email when enrolled in TDP 2000 and/or 2040.

Fees and Financial Aid

MU is an affordable place for all students ­ there are a variety of federal financial aid programs, along with assistance from the University. The College of Education also offers scholarships for its undergraduate students.