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ECE Major Program Requirements

The ECE major is available to on-campus students only, and requires students apply for admission to the major (typically spring semester of their second year). Declaring a Human Development and Family Studies major with Early Childhood Professions concentration first is recommended. Students admitted to the major spring semester start with their cohort the subsequent fall semester, and complete two full years of course work.

This major is offered through the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the Center for Educator Preparation.

Prerequisites required before you can be admitted to the program include a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, completion of 60 degree applicable credits before starting the major, a minimum of 20 hours of experience with children ages 0-8 in the last 5 years, and two professional references.

Credits & GPA

Students must complete 120 total credits, including 42 upper division credits (300/400 level courses), of which 30 upper division credits must be completed through CSU. Fifteen of the last 30 credits must also be completed through CSU. Both the cumulative GPA and AUCC GPA must be at least 2.0.

children singing

Transfer Credits

Transfer courses may be applied to this degree program. A maximum of 64 credits will be accepted from a community college. Students must verify course transferability ahead of time by using Transferology at registrar.colostate.edu/transferology or through consultation with the Registrar’s Office as well as their academic adviser if courses are not directly equivalent. A minimum grade of C- must be earned for transfer credit. Transfer courses are not calculated in students’ CSU GPA nor applied towards eligibility for graduation with distinction.

child holding womans hand

Online

Many AUCC and HDFS courses are offered online through CSU Online. AUCC courses are not offered online (except for EDUC 275). Online tuition is paid in addition to on campus tuition. Different policies and deadlines apply. Before taking online courses students should consult with Student Financial Services, financialaid.colostate.edu/.

Student in class with a computer
General Class Schedule Example
  • 90% of students earn additional licensure through 6th grade
  • 25-30 students are admitted into the program each year
  • 72 of Colorado’s school districts hire our graduates

Careers

Our bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education will prepare you for careers in the teaching profession. Our graduates find careers in:

  • Elementary Teacher – Grades P-3
  • Head Start Teacher
  • Childcare Center Administrator
  • Owning a Childcare Center

Students are strongly encouraged to utilize career services for career exploration and planning as well as graduate program and/or job search and application assistance. Schedule an appointment online or call (970) 491-6331.

Upon completion of our program and coursework at the Center for Educator Preparation, you will be prepared to apply for licensure as a teacher or director in early childhood education. You will also be well prepared to pursue additional teaching endorsements and advanced degrees.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) + Early Childhood Education

Prospective and Current Students

Students are assigned an academic adviser upon entry to the HDFS major, and should meet with their assigned adviser each semester. Appointments are scheduled, and drop-in hours are posted on the HDFS Undergraduate Program website. HDFS students will also be added to My HDFS Advising Portal in Canvas where they will have access to important information, deadlines, and opportunities. Announcements will also be sent via email to their CSU email account.

Faculty Career Advising

Faculty are available throughout the academic year. Office hours vary and students should arrange appointments with faculty directly. For more information on how to contact faculty and their specific career/research areas, check the HDFS Undergraduate Program website for the HDFS Faculty and Staff information.

Student Organizations

Network with professionals and friends while learning skills to become a better leader.

You can complete a practicum in addition to your internship to get even more hands-on experience.

Contact the HDFS Advising Office