Early Childhood Education
The on campus and online Early Childhood Education major at Minnesota State University Moorhead is designed to prepare you to teach from birth through third grade in a variety of diverse and inclusive programs. We believe the best way to learn and grow is to be immersed within classrooms in the community, so you’re able to experience the joy of teaching long before graduating. You’ll obtain firsthand knowledge and develop skills by observing, assisting and leading in local classrooms and have the opportunity to experience an early education environment right here on campus.
The Early Education Center located on MSUM’s campus is a great way to experience an early education environment just steps away from your classrooms. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with children ages 16 months to 5 years old as they explore and learn about themselves and participate in activities designed to promote their emotional, social and physical growth.
Two hundred hours of in-classroom practicum experience allow you to gather ample knowledge so you’ll be prepared to interact with children from their infancy up to third grade. You’ll spend time observing and teaching in local classrooms during nearly two-thirds of your semesters at MSUM.
Inclusivity of all students—with a special focus on diverse learners—is highly emphasized in our program, so you’ll be able to interact with all students efficiently and effectively.
The early childhood education program is now offered online as well as on campus. Students will have the opportunity to choose what delivery style suits them, whether they want to learn at home or right here on campus.
If you are pursuing a Early Childhood Special Education licensure in MN you could be eligible for up to 6 credits towards your licensure.
Collaboration with parents and other professional agencies that serve families with young children is highlighted in the Early Childhood Education major.
International learning and service opportunities, including student teaching abroad, are available to teacher candidates.
The education learning community gives you the opportunity to live and learn with other first-year education majors.
Education Student Success Stories
Early Childhood Special Education Teachers Benefit from New Grant Funding
Elevating Early Childhood Special Education Grant, funded by the MN Office of Higher Education, provides tuition support for MSUM students pursuing their Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) licensure.
Fostering Future Educators through the College for Kids and Teens Program
The College for Kids & Teens program offers a unique and effective approach to teacher preparation by integrating multiple generations of educators and emphasizing mentorship.
Alums Casey & Kaley Mills are dynamic Teachers of the Year
Casey and Kaley Mills met at MSUM, graduated together, and both were awarded Teachers of the Year for Bottineau County. With visible dedication toward their students, the hardworking couple has made important advancements in each of their classrooms.
MSU Moorhead is committed to providing you exceptional field experience beginning at the start of your education and continuing until graduation.
Learn about all the Early Childhood Education program opportunities
You might also be interested in…
Elementary Inclusive Education | Special Education | Secondary & K-12 Education | Social Work | Speech Language Hearing Sciences
MSUM’s early childhood education program provides a holistic and experiential education. You engage with real classrooms and have access to an on-campus early education environment. You are given the tools and experience needed to excel in your future career working with young children. Here is just a sample of early childhood education careers that are predicted to have major job growth through this decade.
What Are Some Common Early Childhood Education Related Careers?
| Career | Job Growth (2021-2031) | Median Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teacher | 15% | $30,200 |
| Kindergarten/Elementary Teacher | 4% | $61,300 |
| Childcare Center Director | 8% | $47,300 |