Early Childhood Education

Degrees Offered

• Bachelors & Minor

Start Terms

• Fall or Spring

Program Format

• On-campus
• Select classes available online to provide added flexibility for students

Credit Hours & Timeline

• Total credits required: 124
• Typical completion time: 4 years
• Credits for minor: 18

Build a strong foundation in early childhood education while preparing to support young learners and their development. The curriculum combines theory and hands-on experience to prepare you for entry-level roles or continued study.

• Preparation for roles in childcare and education settings
• Coursework in child development and early learning
• Hands-on experience in early childhood settings
• Focus on developmentally appropriate teaching practices

Applicants for admission are evaluated based on the following criteria to gain full admission.

1. High school record of cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. An applicant for a degree program must have graduated or will have graduated with 16 high school units from an accredited high school. The college preparatory program is strongly recommended to high school students. Ordinarily this program includes four years of English and two years of social studies, science, and mathematics.
2. College/university record of cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, if applicable.

Applicants who do not meet the following criteria and show potential for success may be reviewed for an alternate admissions pathway.

Students who have successfully completed the General Education Development Test (GED) and have not accumulated at least 12 collegiate level semester hours credit at a regionally accredited institution with a 2.5 GPA or better will follow the Alternate Admissions Pathway.

Admission into the Teacher Education Program

During the spring semester of the sophomore year or second semester after transfer, students are evaluated and considered for formal acceptance into the teacher education program.

Prior to or during the first year, students take the Core Academic Skills for Educators Test that is required for admission into the teacher education program. Core Academic Skills for Educators test scores, academic performance, evidence of professional dispositions for successful teaching, field experience evaluations, student interview, student website and command of oral and written language are factors considered in determining acceptance into the teacher education program.

Students must provide evidence of academic competence and professional development by having attained a cumulative GPA of 2.65 in course work, providing an active digital portfolio of work that demonstrates professional and scholarly growth, and completion of an interview with the Teacher Education Committee.

Applications open July 1 for the upcoming academic year. CSM follows a rolling admission process, reviewing applications as they are received. We encourage students to apply early for priority consideration for scholarships, housing, and financial aid.

The Mercy Core is CSM’s general education curriculum and the foundation of every degree. Rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, it integrates ethics, reflection, and action to prepare women to lead with purpose and advance justice in their communities.