Early Childhood Education
BSED
Why study Early Childhood Education?
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the demand for early childhood care and education programs continues to increase, not only in response to the growing demand for out-of-home child care, but also in recognition of the critical importance of educational experiences during the early years" (naeyc.org/). The bachelor of science degree program in early childhood education prepares professionals to provide high-quality educational experiences for their community’s youngest children.
The Early Childhood Education Birth to Age 5 (ECE) program is designed to build on associate degree competencies to enhance professionals’ ability to design and implement developmentally appropriate learning environments for children ages birth-five years. Students are usually practitioners working in preschools and other child-care and educational settings.
Graduates will be able to facilitate positive transitions of children with disabilities and special needs, to nurture early language development and early reading and writing growth in other domains, and build early resiliency and self-regulation and to develop as early childhood stakeholder leaders.
The ECE online degree program provides students the opportunity to specialize in Nature-Based Early Learning. Students will study how to design and implement curriculum to enhance children’s learning and development through the exposure to nature and nature-based activities. Students interested in this specialization may declare it at the time of admission - or in consultation with an academic advisor.
This program does not lead to Ohio’s Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 5 teaching licensure.
Admission Requirements
For first year students interested in the bachelor’s program, please email us for details on the requirements and process.
Students who are successful demonstrate a passion for the field of early childhood education and a desire to master new challenges. Students must pass a background check, if not already required by their employer. Early childhood professionals must respect diverse children and families and be able to communicate effectively with children, parents, co-workers and supervisors. Computer skills are essential.
Graduates of this program will be prepared for the careers listed below. All opportunities may not be listed.
CECH Student Services Center
College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
360 Teachers-Dyer Complex
PO Box 210014 Cincinnati, OH 45221
This educational opportunity is only available online. The Early Childhood Education Birth - Age 5 (ECEB5) program supports over 600 students from every U.S. state and several foreign countries.
The ECEB5 program is consistently ranked as a Top 15 Best Online Bachelors in Early Childhood Education by TheBestSchools.org.
ECEB5 has become a worldwide model for online education in the field of early childhood; conferences sponsored by national organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) have featured the program as a model for effective online practices. In addition, several articles have been published about the student support system and the student teaching experience.
The online nature of this program requires an individualized approach to student support. After a student decides to enroll, an Academic Advisor leads each student through a program and a technology orientation, so students learn about our learning management system before they begin online courses. Each student is also assigned an Academic Advisor who is available via e-mail, phone, and text for admission and registration advice and consultation.
In order to graduate from the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:
- Complete all required course work and program requirements.
- Obtain at least a 2.5 university grade point average.
- Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
- Meet the college's residency requirement of 30 semester credit hours.
- File formal application for the degree by the posted semester of graduation deadline.
Admission to this program is generally available for students transferring to the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.5 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined).
Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:
- 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
- at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined)
Please email our recruitment team if your previous transripts are below these admissions requirements. We work with all students on a case-by-case basis.
Admission to this program is generally available for University of Cincinnati (UC) students enrolled in other colleges at UC, if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.5 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined).
Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:
- 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
- at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined)
Current UC students wishing to transfer into the program should contact the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services via email or 513-556-6308.
International students should contact UC's International Office of Admissions via email or 513-556-1100 for details.
Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Early Childhood Education
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester
First Year:
- Application Deadline: July 1
- Confirmation Deadline: August 1
Transfers:
- Application Deadline: July 1
- Confirmation Deadline: August 1
Spring Semester
First Year and Transfers:
- Application Deadline: Nov. 15
- Confirmation Deadline: Dec. 15
Summer Semester
First Year and Transfers:
- Application Deadline: March 15
- Confirmation Deadline: April 15
The Early Childhood Education Birth - Age 5 program is also accredited by the following:
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Ohio Department of Education
Contact Information
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Program Code: 18BAC-ECEB5-BSED-.ECEB5-DL