The ECE Major is an application-based major that happens during the student’s sophomore year. The major prepares students to teach ages birth to 8 years old. It is available to on-campus students only.
NOTE: Fall 2023 cohort applications are due by 11:59 p.m. MT on January 27.
If you enjoy interacting with children and helping families, you may enjoy studying Early Childhood Education. You will take classes about specific stages of child development and how family, community, and culture play a role. You will learn how environmental and social factors affect physical, cognitive, and emotional development in children ages 0-8 years old (infants to 3rd grade).
Applications are available once a year, going live by early November and due by January 27. Students are notified of enrollment in March. Adviser communication is critical, and it is recommended you talk to your adviser before orientation.
Early Childhood Education Curriculum
Major in Early Childhood Education
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.
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.
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.
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/.
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.
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 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.
