Early Childhood Education BA
- Major
- BA
- In-Person
- Online
- Denver
- Greeley
- Online
- Liberal Arts
- Licensure: Early Childhood Education (Birth-8)
4 Years
Program Overview
At UNC, you’ll gain the skills to support and teach young children during the most critical years of development. Our Early Childhood Education BA blends real classroom experience, inclusive teaching practices and expert mentorship. You’ll graduate ready to lead in K-3 schools or other early childhood settings.
What you’ll do as an Early Childhood Education major:
- Work with children from birth through age 8 in real classrooms
- Learn from dedicated faculty who specialize in early childhood education
- Complete a full-time student teaching semester
- Explore topics like child development, equity in education and family partnerships
- Choose a path that fits your goals, licensure or liberal arts, on campus or online
To earn your Early Childhood Education BA at UNC, you’ll complete 36–88 credits of education coursework, depending on your chosen concentration:
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Liberal Arts Concentration: 36 credits in Early Childhood Education
Degree requirements – Liberal Arts Concentration
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Licensure: Early Childhood Education (Ages Birth–8): 88–90 credits of major, licensure, and student teaching coursework
Degree requirements – Licensure: Early Childhood Education
If you care about kids and want to be the kind of teacher who makes a difference early on, this program helps you to do just that. You’ll take courses focused on child development, literacy, curriculum design and inclusive practices for diverse learners.
- Early Childhood Education
Pair this 18-credit minor with majors like Elementary Education, Psychology, Nursing or Human Services. You’ll learn how young children grow and learn, with courses in:
- Child development (birth–age 8)
- Teaching bilingual children
- Curriculum development
- Trauma Informed Practices for Children
This plan is a recommended schedule to complete this bachelor’s degree in 4 years. Courses are subject to availability. Students must consult with their major advisor to receive information on any additional graduation requirements and course sequence guidance.
Liberal Arts Concentration
Four-Year Plan – Liberal Arts Concentration
Licensure: Early Childhood Education (Ages Birth-8) Concentration:
Concentrations
Build your expertise by selecting one concentration. Each path offers unique coursework tailored to specific career outcomes.
Early Childhood BA – Liberal Arts Concentration
Want to work with young children without becoming a licensed teacher? This path gives you a strong background in early childhood education with more flexibility after graduation.
Study child development from birth through age 8, covering early literacy, curriculum planning, bilingual and special education, and the arts. Gain hands-on experience through practicum placements and courses in family engagement and inclusive practices.
You’ll learn to:
- Create engaging, inclusive learning environments
- Support bilingual learners and children with diverse needs
- Build strong partnerships with families and caregivers
- Apply skills in early learning centers, nonprofits and community programs
Perfect for students interested in early care and education, child psychology, or family support services.
Flexible Learning Options: Greeley, Denver, or online.
Early Childhood B.A. – Licensure: Early Childhood Education (Ages Birth-8)
Become a licensed teacher for children from birth through third grade. This concentration prepares you for Colorado’s Birth-Age 8 teaching license.
Master child development, classroom management, early literacy, curriculum planning, assessment, and inclusive education. Complete 800+ hours of hands-on practicum, including a full semester of student teaching.
You’ll learn to:
- Support development from birth through age 8
- Design lessons across reading, math, science and social studies
- Manage classrooms and foster social-emotional learning
- Partner with families and support children with diverse needs
- Meet all Colorado teaching licensure requirements
Graduate classroom-ready for public schools, private programs, or community-based settings.
On Campus or Online - Your Path to Licensure
Main Campus
Immerse yourself in the full college experience at UNC’s main campus. Take in-person courses, build community with classmates and complete your student teaching at nearby partner schools.
100% Online
Perfect for working adults and busy schedules. Earn your degree from anywhere while completing student teaching in your community, with full support from expert UNC faculty.
What is Licensure?
A teaching license is Colorado’s way of certifying you’re qualified to teach. It shows you’ve completed the required coursework, passed state exams and gained classroom experience. Think of it like a driver’s license, but for teaching.
Our Elementary Education program includes everything you need for K-6 licensure with multiple concentrations to choose from that let you specialize as an educator. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply for your Colorado Initial Teacher License and start your teaching career.
If you have questions about Licensure, email Licensure@unco.edu
Hear from Our Community
Teaching That Feels Like Home
The Early Childhood Program prepared me very well for teaching. Right from the beginning of my teaching kindergarten, I felt at home and like I had been doing this every day of my life.
Elizabeth
Early Childhood Education
Kindergarten Teacher in a Public School
From Aims to UNC
Thanks again for your UNC program and making my dreams come true. I had raised my own children and had an associate’s degree but didn’t think I could go on and be a teacher in a public school. Going from Aims to UNC and earning my degree has truly changed and blessed my life!
Nicole
Preschool Teacher in a Public School
Becoming an Effective Teacher
Having a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education has created many opportunities for me. I can teach birth to third grade and know that my degree makes me a very effective teacher.
Shana, 2013 Graduate
Montessori Teacher
Get Involved Beyond the Classroom
Future Teacher Club
Join a student-run community that offers resources, professional development and networking for future educators. The club hosts workshops, creates opportunities to connect with peers and supports an inclusive group of students passionate about teaching.
To get involved, please reach out to us on Instagram @unco_futureteacherclub or email our Director of Communication, kope4409@bears.unco.edu.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Teacher Education
First initiated as a teacher’s college in 1889, UNC has education in its DNA. As a student in teacher education, you’re following in the footsteps of the best teachers in Colorado, and you’ll be well-prepared to blaze your own trails nationally.
- teacher.education@unco.edu
- 970-351-2908
- McKee Hall 216