If you have a passion for teaching very young children—pre-kindergarten, kindergarten,
and grades first through third—consider majoring in Early Childhood Education, an
initial licensure teacher preparation program. Being a part of the young child’s formative
years offers an exciting opportunity in the notable profession of teaching. Future
teachers of this impressionable age study the development of the young child within
the context of the family; it is the teacher's aim to balance the needs of individual
students with desired learning outcomes for all. At MTSU, you can learn how, as a
teacher, you can play a significant role during the formative years of the citizens
of the future.
Strong partnerships with schools
MTSU’s Early Childhood Education program led the way in piloting a residency program,
placing students in local classrooms, made possible by creating strong partnerships
with area schools. As a part of Early Childhood Education (ECE) coursework, students
complete field experiences in kindergarten through grade 3 classrooms to understand
how young children learn to read, write, and apply math, science, and social studies
concepts. Classroom teachers expect ECE students to be actively engaged, and they
encourage them to try out teaching strategies so that they can become better teachers.
By working with exemplary mentor teachers, students are prepared for the classroom
when they graduate.
Learning from play
What looks like a really fun place to play with friends is actually a teaching laboratory
for students in child development and early childhood education. The Child Development
Center, with accredited programs for toddlers and preschool children, gives students
opportunities to learn how children grow and develop through practical experiences.
Students plan learning activities and engage with young children and their parents,
while being mentored and supported by master early childhood teachers. In a setting
that welcomes diversity and encourages parental involvement, future teachers get solid
training in an enriched environment.
Related Media
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MTSU True Blue Preview: Early Childhood Education
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MTSU Early Childhood Education students, faculty study abroad in Singapore
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Early Childhood Education Degree | "Why I Chose MTSU"
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
Individuals trained to teach bring a desirable range of expertise and creativity to
planning and administrative roles. Graduates completing their teacher preparation
at MTSU are found in public and private school classrooms throughout Tennessee and
in many other states. In addition to classroom teaching, other career options include
- Agency and administrative work
- Community and foundation work
- Consulting, professional development, and teacher training
- Education policy development
- Education marketing and research
- Higher education teaching and administration
- Private tutoring
Educators who studied at MTSU are employed in a variety of settings that include the
Tennessee Department of Education and other state agencies, community colleges and
universities, Head Start programs, and tutoring services. Graduates are employed in
public and private schools and school districts throughout the country as well as
in Tennessee.
Among the employers of MTSU alumni are
- Anderson County Schools
- Bedford County Schools
- Cannon County Schools
- Carroll County Schools
- Cheatham Co Schools
- Coffee County Schools
- Collierville Christian Academy
- Crockett County Schools
- Cumberland County Schools
- DeKalb County Schools
- Dickson County Schools
- Dyer County Schools
- Fayette County Schools
- Fayetteville City Schools
- Franklin Special School District
- Giles County Schools
- Grundy County Schools
- Hamilton County Schools
- Hardeman County Schools
- Hickman County Schools
- Kids Connection
- Knox County Schools
- Lawrence County Schools
- Lebanon Special School District
- Lewis County Schools
- Lincoln County Schools
- Macon County Schools
- Madison County Schools
- Manchester City Schools
- Marion County Schools
- Marshall County Schools
- Maury County Schools
- McNairy County Schools
- Memphis and Shelby County Schools
- Metro Action Commission, Nashville
- Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
- Middle Tennessee Christian School, Murfreesboro
- Montgomery County Schools
- Moore County Schools
- Murfreesboro City Schools
- Perry County Schools
- Providence Christian Academy, Murfreesboro
- Robertson County Schools
- Rutherford County Schools
- Sequatchie County Schools
- Sumner County Schools
- The Webb School, Bell Buckle
- Trousdale County Schools
- Tullahoma City Schools,
- Warren County Schools
- Wayne County Schools
- White County Schools
- Williamson County Schools
- Wilson County Schools
Students wishing to teach very young children (grades preK-3) will earn a Bachelor
of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in Early Childhood Education.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Other programs in the department
Undergraduate
Other undergraduate majors offered in the Department of Elementary and Special Education
and leading to a B.S. include Elementary Education, Middle Level Education Middle Level, and Special Education. Those majoring in Special Education may choose from comprehensive program, K-12
(for individuals with severe/profound disabilities) or K-8 interventionist or 6-12
interventionist (for individuals with mild/moderate disabilities).
Students wishing to teach in secondary schools must complete a major in the subject
they wish to teach and a minor in Secondary Education in the Womack Department of
Educational Leadership. Directed teaching and applying for and receiving teacher licensure
complete the preparation process.
An undergraduate minor in Special Education is available.
Graduate
Graduate degrees available through the Department of Elementary and Special Education
include the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with majors in Special Education with
two concentrations: Mildly/Moderately Disabled and Severely/Profoundly Disabled; Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Elementary School Education or a specialization in Initial Licensure; and Literacy.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Literacy Studies and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Assessment, Learning and School Improvement are available in the College of Education.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) College of Education’s teacher licensure preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and are eligible for accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a Major in Early Childhood Education program at MTSU is designed to meet the licensure requirements set by the Tennessee Department of Education. Students should be aware that licensure requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. MTSU has not made a determination whether a specific program will meet all of the requirements of another US state or territory. MTSU recommends that students who plan to seek licensure outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency and discuss their plans with their advisor. To obtain current information about each state’s and territory’s licensure requirements and any additional regulations, students should consult the US Department of Education’s website for state contacts at https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Graduates of MTSU teacher education programs certified to teach in Tennessee are eligible for certification reciprocity in many states. Reciprocity is not an automatic or complete transfer of certification, thus individuals should consult the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) site at https://www.tn.gov/education/licensing.html and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) site at https://www.nasdtec.net/page/Interstate as well as the US Department of Education state contacts site for information about any additional state requirements.
Early Childhood Education, B.S.
Elementary and Special Education
615-898-2146
Pamela A. Ertel, program coordinator
Pamela.Ertel@mtsu.edu
The curriculum for the major in Early Childhood Education offers preparation for teachers in the area of integrated early childhood education and to meet the Tennessee requirements for licensure to teach pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first through third grades in collaborative and/or inclusive settings.*
*NOTE: A grade of C or higher is required for all courses in the major.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Early Childhood Education, B.S., Academic Map
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 87 hours |
| TOTAL | 124-128 hours |
*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If courses for this program are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the program of study may be completed in 124 hours.
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements include Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
The following course required by the program meets General Education requirements:
Major Requirements (87 hours)
Content Requirements (39 hours)
BIOL 3000 - Life Science for Elementary Teachers
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: 8 hours of science including BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 or equivalent. A process-oriented approach to the study of life with emphasis on execution and analysis of activities and experiments suited to the elementary school classroom. Six hours lecture and laboratory. (May not be used for Biology majors or minors.)
CDIS 3250 - Speech and Language Development for the Educator
3 credit hours
Topics include theories of development of language in children from birth through the age eight (approximate end of the developmental period); the impact of the development of oral language on the teaching of reading and writing; an overview of the common speech and language problems seen in the school-aged child; and the influence of environmental factors on the child's ability to communicate and learn.
ECE 3310 - Human Development (Birth to 8)
3 credit hours
(Same as CDFS 3310.) Physical, cognitive, psychosocial development of the child from birth to eight years of age. Diversity issues affecting development addressed. Fifteen hours observation outside of class time required.
ECE 3320 - Individual Differences in Development of Young Children
3 credit hours
Provides an in-depth study of the development of young children ages birth-8 with developmental delays, disabilities, and other exceptionalities. Discusses developmental and family theories. Provides an overview to legislation, models, and approaches for children with individual differences.
ECE 3330 - Supporting Families of Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 3310 and ECE 3320. Develops knowledge and understanding of family and family interaction theories. Examination, development, and reflection on approaches and strategies for supporting families discussed. Collaboration, home visiting, communication strategies, coaching, relationship development, individualized planning, transition supports, and other topics also discussed.
ECE 4210 - Integrating the Creative Arts into the Early Childhood Curriculum
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310. Designed to prepare early childhood educators to integrate the creative arts (art, music, drama, and movement) into the early childhood curriculum, with a focus on all children in grades PreK-3. Explores pedagogical methods and materials.
ECE 4220 - Supporting the Social Emotional Learning of Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310. Focuses on supporting the social emotional competencies of children and providing theoretical grounded approach for teachers to support children in fostering it. Provides strategies through collaboration with families and communities for teachers to promote prosocial behavior in an equitable, inclusive, and supportive environment.
ECE 4370 - Effective Instruction (Birth-8)
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310/CDFS 3310. Knowledge and skills necessary for implementing developmentally appropriate practices in programs serving children birth to age eight.
EESE 2010 - Introduction to Education
3 credit hours
Corequisite: EESE 2011. Overview of education, teaching, and schools; orientation to teaching as a profession; and an exploration of effective teaching, purpose of schools and social foundations of education.
EESE 2011 - Introduction to Education Practicum
1 credit hour
Corequisite: EESE 2010. Field-based course that provides the clinical context to support student reflection on the profession of teaching and the contemporary school. Requires 30 hours of field experience.
MATH 1410 - Concepts and Structure of Elementary School Mathematics
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and a Math Enhanced ACT of at least 19 or DSPM 0850 or COMPASS placement. Algebra-based study of school mathematics in keeping with the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Tools for problem solving, set theory, functions, number theory, and examinations of number systems from counting numbers to irrational numbers. TBR Common Course: MATH 1410
MATH 1420 - Informal Geometry
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MATH 1410. Geometry-based study of school mathematics in keeping with the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Studies of plane, solid, coordinate, and motion geometry as well as constructions, congruence, similarity, and concepts of measurement. A variety of instructional technology tools investigated. TBR Common Course: MATH 1420
BIOL 1030 - Exploring Life
4 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 1031. Designed for non-majors. Offers understanding, experiences, and skills related to common biological issues. Includes class discussions, small group activities, lectures, selected readings, and laboratory investigations. Students earning an A in BIOL 1030/1031 and wishing to declare a major or minor in Biology may substitute BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 for BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 toward meeting the requirement for the major or minor. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.
BIOL 1031 - Exploring Life Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 1030.
Professional Education (Admission to Teacher Education Program) (21 hours)
ELED 3150 - Mathematics Methodology
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program; General Education math with C- or better; MATH 1410 and MATH 1420 with C or better. Offers preparation to pre-service elementary and middle school teachers for teaching mathematics. Field-based experiences required.
ELED 3300 - Digital Applications for Teaching and Learning
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of emerging technologies and how best to utilize them for teaching and learning. Explores characteristics of digital age learners, creation and application of emerging technologies, digital communication strategies, safe use of information, and technology integration within the curriculum that enhances the learning environment.
ECE 4230 - Culturally Relevant Teaching in Early Childhood
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310. Offers preparation to early childhood educators to teach and support children and families who represent a variety of ethnicities, cultures, and languages. Focuses on best practices for creating an inclusive and equitable PreK-3 grade classroom.
ECE 4320 - Assessing Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 3310/CDFS 3310; ECE 4300, ECE 4370, and ECE 4380 may be taken concurrently; admission to teacher education program. In-depth study of assessment and evaluation of child development and early childhood environments for the purpose of planning instructional programs and environments for young children (birth-8). Strategies for gathering and recording information about children, including families and other professionals in the assessment process, and evaluation environments emphasized. Three hours lecture/discussion.
ECE 4375 - Literacy in Early Childhood
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4370; prerequisite or corequisite: ECE 4320; admission to Teacher Education program. Corequisite: ECE 4376. Study of emergent literacy and literacy concepts, birth through grade three. Includes methods of teaching and assessing literacy in a diverse environment. Use of children's media and literature addressed. Three hours lecture plus two-hour morning experiential field placement weekly.
ECE 4376 - Literacy in Early Childhood Lab
0 hours creditcredit hours
Corequisite: ECE 4375.
ECE 4300 - Preschool Practicum
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4370; admission to teacher education program. Corequisite: ECE 4301. May be taken concurrently with ECE 4320; if not taken concurrently must be a prerequisite. May not be taken concurrently with ECE 4380. Advanced information and skills working with three- and four-year olds. Lab interaction with children; planning and implementation of curriculum. Three hours laboratory plus two-hour seminar per week.
ECE 4301 - Preschool Practicum Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: ECE 4300.
ELED 3400 - Teaching Science and Social Studies through Literacy
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education; ELED 3000 and ELED 3100 with grade of C or better; PSCI 4030 or BIOL 3000. Corequisite: READ 4015. Teacher candidates introduced to issues and trends that influence the areas of science, social studies, and English language arts (ELA) as well as methods, techniques, strategies, and materials that will enable them to integrate and teach these content areas successfully. Explores these topics via lecture, investigations (problem-based learning projects and scientific inquiry), lab, and field experiences in local elementary schools.
Residency I (15 hours)
ECE 4000 - Seminar in ECE Residency I
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4300/ECE 4301 and ELED 3150; corequisites: ECE 4050, ECE 4240/ECE 4241, ECE 4377/ECE 4378. Provides students with opportunities to develop skills related to classroom organization and management; supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of diverse learners, using evidence-based planning, instructional and assessment strategies, collaborating with colleagues, and developing relationships with families.
ECE 4050 - Field Experiences in ECE Residency I
6 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 4300/ECE 4301; corequisites: ECE 4000, ECE 4240/ECE 4241, ECE 4377, and ECE 4378. A field-based experience (two full days in the classroom) in which students observe and actively work in K to grade 3 classrooms throughout the semester. Includes mentoring from a university instructor and public-school classroom teacher.
ECE 4240 - Intervention Strategies for Supporting Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3320; corequisites: ECE 4050 and ECE 4241. Discusses recommended practices and instructional strategies for supporting young children who have varied and unique learning needs. Twenty-four (24) hours of field work required.
ECE 4241 - Intervention Strategies for Supporting Young Children Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: ECE 4240. Includes 24 hours of field work in an early childhood classroom (preK-grade 3).
ECE 4377 - Literacy in Early Childhood II
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 4375; corequisite: ECE 4378. Enhances use of evidence-based literacy instruction and assessment practices on reading and writing for young children (birth to 8 years old). Provides a more in-depth method of teaching and assessing literacy after the completion of ECE 4375. Includes 24 hours of field experience with children birth to 8 years old.
ECE 4378 - Literacy in Early Childhood II Lab
0 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4375/ECE 4376; corequisites: ECE 4377 and ECE 4050. Includes 24 hours of field work completed in an early childhood classroom (preK-grade 3).
Residency II (12 hours)
ECE 4110 - Residency II: Grades Prek-3
12 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 4100. Full semester of supervised teaching experience in two placements in the public schools. Pass/Fail.
Curriculum: Early Childhood Education
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Freshman
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
MATH 1410 - Concepts and Structure of Elementary School Mathematics
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and a Math Enhanced ACT of at least 19 or DSPM 0850 or COMPASS placement. Algebra-based study of school mathematics in keeping with the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Tools for problem solving, set theory, functions, number theory, and examinations of number systems from counting numbers to irrational numbers. TBR Common Course: MATH 1410
EESE 2010 - Introduction to Education
3 credit hours
Corequisite: EESE 2011. Overview of education, teaching, and schools; orientation to teaching as a profession; and an exploration of effective teaching, purpose of schools and social foundations of education.
EESE 2011 - Introduction to Education Practicum
1 credit hour
Corequisite: EESE 2010. Field-based course that provides the clinical context to support student reflection on the profession of teaching and the contemporary school. Requires 30 hours of field experience.
ECE 3310 - Human Development (Birth to 8)
3 credit hours
(Same as CDFS 3310.) Physical, cognitive, psychosocial development of the child from birth to eight years of age. Diversity issues affecting development addressed. Fifteen hours observation outside of class time required.
BIOL 1030 - Exploring Life
4 credit hours
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BIOL 1030 - Exploring Life
4 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 1031. Designed for non-majors. Offers understanding, experiences, and skills related to common biological issues. Includes class discussions, small group activities, lectures, selected readings, and laboratory investigations. Students earning an A in BIOL 1030/1031 and wishing to declare a major or minor in Biology may substitute BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 for BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111 toward meeting the requirement for the major or minor. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory.
BIOL 1031 - Exploring Life Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: BIOL 1030.
Subtotal: 33 Hours
Sophomore
CDIS 3250 - Speech and Language Development for the Educator
3 credit hours
Topics include theories of development of language in children from birth through the age eight (approximate end of the developmental period); the impact of the development of oral language on the teaching of reading and writing; an overview of the common speech and language problems seen in the school-aged child; and the influence of environmental factors on the child's ability to communicate and learn.
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
ECE 3320 - Individual Differences in Development of Young Children
3 credit hours
Provides an in-depth study of the development of young children ages birth-8 with developmental delays, disabilities, and other exceptionalities. Discusses developmental and family theories. Provides an overview to legislation, models, and approaches for children with individual differences.
ECE 4210 - Integrating the Creative Arts into the Early Childhood Curriculum
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310. Designed to prepare early childhood educators to integrate the creative arts (art, music, drama, and movement) into the early childhood curriculum, with a focus on all children in grades PreK-3. Explores pedagogical methods and materials.
ECE 4370 - Effective Instruction (Birth-8)
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310/CDFS 3310. Knowledge and skills necessary for implementing developmentally appropriate practices in programs serving children birth to age eight.
MATH 1420 - Informal Geometry
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MATH 1410. Geometry-based study of school mathematics in keeping with the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Studies of plane, solid, coordinate, and motion geometry as well as constructions, congruence, similarity, and concepts of measurement. A variety of instructional technology tools investigated. TBR Common Course: MATH 1420
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 6 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.
ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.
HUM 2610 - World Literatures
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
Subtotal: 33 Hours
Junior
BIOL 3000 - Life Science for Elementary Teachers
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: 8 hours of science including BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 or equivalent. A process-oriented approach to the study of life with emphasis on execution and analysis of activities and experiments suited to the elementary school classroom. Six hours lecture and laboratory. (May not be used for Biology majors or minors.)
ECE 3330 - Supporting Families of Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 3310 and ECE 3320. Develops knowledge and understanding of family and family interaction theories. Examination, development, and reflection on approaches and strategies for supporting families discussed. Collaboration, home visiting, communication strategies, coaching, relationship development, individualized planning, transition supports, and other topics also discussed.
ECE 4220 - Supporting the Social Emotional Learning of Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310. Focuses on supporting the social emotional competencies of children and providing theoretical grounded approach for teachers to support children in fostering it. Provides strategies through collaboration with families and communities for teachers to promote prosocial behavior in an equitable, inclusive, and supportive environment.
ECE 4230 - Culturally Relevant Teaching in Early Childhood
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310. Offers preparation to early childhood educators to teach and support children and families who represent a variety of ethnicities, cultures, and languages. Focuses on best practices for creating an inclusive and equitable PreK-3 grade classroom.
ECE 4320 - Assessing Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 3310/CDFS 3310; ECE 4300, ECE 4370, and ECE 4380 may be taken concurrently; admission to teacher education program. In-depth study of assessment and evaluation of child development and early childhood environments for the purpose of planning instructional programs and environments for young children (birth-8). Strategies for gathering and recording information about children, including families and other professionals in the assessment process, and evaluation environments emphasized. Three hours lecture/discussion.
ELED 3150 - Mathematics Methodology
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program; General Education math with C- or better; MATH 1410 and MATH 1420 with C or better. Offers preparation to pre-service elementary and middle school teachers for teaching mathematics. Field-based experiences required.
ECE 4300 - Preschool Practicum
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4370; admission to teacher education program. Corequisite: ECE 4301. May be taken concurrently with ECE 4320; if not taken concurrently must be a prerequisite. May not be taken concurrently with ECE 4380. Advanced information and skills working with three- and four-year olds. Lab interaction with children; planning and implementation of curriculum. Three hours laboratory plus two-hour seminar per week.
ECE 4301 - Preschool Practicum Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: ECE 4300.
ECE 4375 - Literacy in Early Childhood
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4370; prerequisite or corequisite: ECE 4320; admission to Teacher Education program. Corequisite: ECE 4376. Study of emergent literacy and literacy concepts, birth through grade three. Includes methods of teaching and assessing literacy in a diverse environment. Use of children's media and literature addressed. Three hours lecture plus two-hour morning experiential field placement weekly.
ECE 4376 - Literacy in Early Childhood Lab
0 hours creditcredit hours
Corequisite: ECE 4375.
ELED 3300 - Digital Applications for Teaching and Learning
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education program. Designed to better prepare teacher candidates specifically in the areas of emerging technologies and how best to utilize them for teaching and learning. Explores characteristics of digital age learners, creation and application of emerging technologies, digital communication strategies, safe use of information, and technology integration within the curriculum that enhances the learning environment.
ELED 3400 - Teaching Science and Social Studies through Literacy
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education; ELED 3000 and ELED 3100 with grade of C or better; PSCI 4030 or BIOL 3000. Corequisite: READ 4015. Teacher candidates introduced to issues and trends that influence the areas of science, social studies, and English language arts (ELA) as well as methods, techniques, strategies, and materials that will enable them to integrate and teach these content areas successfully. Explores these topics via lecture, investigations (problem-based learning projects and scientific inquiry), lab, and field experiences in local elementary schools.
Subtotal: 31 Hours
Senior
ECE 4000 - Seminar in ECE Residency I
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4300/ECE 4301 and ELED 3150; corequisites: ECE 4050, ECE 4240/ECE 4241, ECE 4377/ECE 4378. Provides students with opportunities to develop skills related to classroom organization and management; supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of diverse learners, using evidence-based planning, instructional and assessment strategies, collaborating with colleagues, and developing relationships with families.
ECE 4050 - Field Experiences in ECE Residency I
6 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 4300/ECE 4301; corequisites: ECE 4000, ECE 4240/ECE 4241, ECE 4377, and ECE 4378. A field-based experience (two full days in the classroom) in which students observe and actively work in K to grade 3 classrooms throughout the semester. Includes mentoring from a university instructor and public-school classroom teacher.
ECE 4110 - Residency II: Grades Prek-3
12 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 4100. Full semester of supervised teaching experience in two placements in the public schools. Pass/Fail.
ECE 4240 - Intervention Strategies for Supporting Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3320; corequisites: ECE 4050 and ECE 4241. Discusses recommended practices and instructional strategies for supporting young children who have varied and unique learning needs. Twenty-four (24) hours of field work required.
ECE 4241 - Intervention Strategies for Supporting Young Children Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: ECE 4240. Includes 24 hours of field work in an early childhood classroom (preK-grade 3).
ECE 4377 - Literacy in Early Childhood II
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 4375; corequisite: ECE 4378. Enhances use of evidence-based literacy instruction and assessment practices on reading and writing for young children (birth to 8 years old). Provides a more in-depth method of teaching and assessing literacy after the completion of ECE 4375. Includes 24 hours of field experience with children birth to 8 years old.
ECE 4378 - Literacy in Early Childhood II Lab
0 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4375/ECE 4376; corequisites: ECE 4377 and ECE 4050. Includes 24 hours of field work completed in an early childhood classroom (preK-grade 3).
Subtotal: 27 Hours
Early Childhood Education
Please see the academic map for specific courses to take for each program.
ECE 3310 - Human Development (Birth to 8)
3 credit hours
(Same as CDFS 3310.) Physical, cognitive, psychosocial development of the child from birth to eight years of age. Diversity issues affecting development addressed. Fifteen hours observation outside of class time required.
ECE 3320 - Individual Differences in Development of Young Children
3 credit hours
Provides an in-depth study of the development of young children ages birth-8 with developmental delays, disabilities, and other exceptionalities. Discusses developmental and family theories. Provides an overview to legislation, models, and approaches for children with individual differences.
ECE 3330 - Supporting Families of Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 3310 and ECE 3320. Develops knowledge and understanding of family and family interaction theories. Examination, development, and reflection on approaches and strategies for supporting families discussed. Collaboration, home visiting, communication strategies, coaching, relationship development, individualized planning, transition supports, and other topics also discussed.
ECE 4000 - Seminar in ECE Residency I
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4300/ECE 4301 and ELED 3150; corequisites: ECE 4050, ECE 4240/ECE 4241, ECE 4377/ECE 4378. Provides students with opportunities to develop skills related to classroom organization and management; supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of diverse learners, using evidence-based planning, instructional and assessment strategies, collaborating with colleagues, and developing relationships with families.
ECE 4050 - Field Experiences in ECE Residency I
6 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 4300/ECE 4301; corequisites: ECE 4000, ECE 4240/ECE 4241, ECE 4377, and ECE 4378. A field-based experience (two full days in the classroom) in which students observe and actively work in K to grade 3 classrooms throughout the semester. Includes mentoring from a university instructor and public-school classroom teacher.
ECE 4100 - Residency I: Early Childhood Education
9 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program; ECE 4300/ECE 4301 or ECE 4380/ECE 4381; ECE 4375/ECE 4376; ELED 3150. A field-based course in which students observe and actively work in pre-K to grade 3 classrooms. Includes mentoring from a university instructor and classroom cooperating teacher, competency modules, and problem-based learning cases to develop skills related to classroom management, assessment, supporting diverse learners, using evidence-based instructional strategies, collaborating with colleagues, and developing relationships with families.
ECE 4110 - Residency II: Grades Prek-3
12 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 4100. Full semester of supervised teaching experience in two placements in the public schools. Pass/Fail.
ECE 4210 - Integrating the Creative Arts into the Early Childhood Curriculum
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310. Designed to prepare early childhood educators to integrate the creative arts (art, music, drama, and movement) into the early childhood curriculum, with a focus on all children in grades PreK-3. Explores pedagogical methods and materials.
ECE 4220 - Supporting the Social Emotional Learning of Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310. Focuses on supporting the social emotional competencies of children and providing theoretical grounded approach for teachers to support children in fostering it. Provides strategies through collaboration with families and communities for teachers to promote prosocial behavior in an equitable, inclusive, and supportive environment.
ECE 4230 - Culturally Relevant Teaching in Early Childhood
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310. Offers preparation to early childhood educators to teach and support children and families who represent a variety of ethnicities, cultures, and languages. Focuses on best practices for creating an inclusive and equitable PreK-3 grade classroom.
ECE 4240 - Intervention Strategies for Supporting Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3320; corequisites: ECE 4050 and ECE 4241. Discusses recommended practices and instructional strategies for supporting young children who have varied and unique learning needs. Twenty-four (24) hours of field work required.
ECE 4241 - Intervention Strategies for Supporting Young Children Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: ECE 4240. Includes 24 hours of field work in an early childhood classroom (preK-grade 3).
ECE 4300 - Preschool Practicum
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4370; admission to teacher education program. Corequisite: ECE 4301. May be taken concurrently with ECE 4320; if not taken concurrently must be a prerequisite. May not be taken concurrently with ECE 4380. Advanced information and skills working with three- and four-year olds. Lab interaction with children; planning and implementation of curriculum. Three hours laboratory plus two-hour seminar per week.
ECE 4301 - Preschool Practicum Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: ECE 4300.
ECE 4320 - Assessing Young Children
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 3310/CDFS 3310; ECE 4300, ECE 4370, and ECE 4380 may be taken concurrently; admission to teacher education program. In-depth study of assessment and evaluation of child development and early childhood environments for the purpose of planning instructional programs and environments for young children (birth-8). Strategies for gathering and recording information about children, including families and other professionals in the assessment process, and evaluation environments emphasized. Three hours lecture/discussion.
ECE 4360 - Administering Early Childhood Programs
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education. Examines diverse early care and education settings and their influence on child development. Emphasis on program planning and administration in early childhood settings. One hour per week of observation required.
ECE 4370 - Effective Instruction (Birth-8)
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 3310/CDFS 3310. Knowledge and skills necessary for implementing developmentally appropriate practices in programs serving children birth to age eight.
ECE 4375 - Literacy in Early Childhood
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4370; prerequisite or corequisite: ECE 4320; admission to Teacher Education program. Corequisite: ECE 4376. Study of emergent literacy and literacy concepts, birth through grade three. Includes methods of teaching and assessing literacy in a diverse environment. Use of children's media and literature addressed. Three hours lecture plus two-hour morning experiential field placement weekly.
ECE 4376 - Literacy in Early Childhood Lab
0 hours credit credi
Corequisite: ECE 4375.
ECE 4377 - Literacy in Early Childhood II
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ECE 4375; corequisite: ECE 4378. Enhances use of evidence-based literacy instruction and assessment practices on reading and writing for young children (birth to 8 years old). Provides a more in-depth method of teaching and assessing literacy after the completion of ECE 4375. Includes 24 hours of field experience with children birth to 8 years old.
ECE 4378 - Literacy in Early Childhood II Lab
0 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4375/ECE 4376; corequisites: ECE 4377 and ECE 4050. Includes 24 hours of field work completed in an early childhood classroom (preK-grade 3).
ECE 4380 - Infant and Toddler Practicum
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ECE 4370; admission to teacher education program. Corequisite: ECE 4381. May be taken concurrently with ECE 4320; must be a prerequisite if not taken concurrently. May not be taken concurrently with ECE 4300. Advanced knowledge and skills for working with infants and toddlers (birth-3). Lab participation involving interactions with children as well as planning and implementing curriculum required. A three-hour laboratory and a two-hour seminar per week.
ECE 4381 - Infant and Toddler Practicum Lab
0 credit hours
Corequisite: ECE 4380 .
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
