Duluth campus
 
Duluth Campus

Early Childhood Studies B.A.Sc.

Education
College of Education and Human Service Professions
  • Students will no longer be accepted into this program after Spring 2023. Program requirements below are for current students only.
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2023
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 72
  • Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
The bachelor of applied science degree in early childhood studies (ECS) is designed to prepare knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the field of early childhood studies. The program equips its graduates with developmentally appropriate skills for supporting the development of the child’s intellectual, communication, socio-emotional, physical, and personality domains. Compelling current research in the field of child development and education emphasizes the importance of early investment in quality programming for young children and families. The recognition of “critical periods” has altered the landscape of best practices in early years and hence the required competencies for professionals serving young children and their families. Concentrating on the ages 0-5 years provides students an opportunity to delve deeper into the growing plethora of interdisciplinary literature and resources available to the early childhood field. At the core of the major is the focus on quality services and programing for young children and families. The ECS major utilizes a comprehensive approach to equipping students with knowledge in the foundation of child development and well-being, drawing from the fields of infant and early childhood mental health, interpersonal neurobiology, early childhood education, and early childhood special education. The major also aims to equip students with developmentally appropriate practices for nurturing curiosity and facilitating the development of creativity and appreciation of the arts in children. In addition to a host of core early childhood studies courses and liberal education requirements, students either select a minor or recommended interdisciplinary electives offered by the early childhood program or other disciplines in the university. This program also offers a clearer path to graduate studies in related fields.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
Freshman and transfer students are usually admitted to pre-major status before admission to this major.
1. A second field of study (e.g. minor, major, degree) is not required for this major.
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
Required prerequisites
Learning in Community (1 cr)
The Learning in Community requirement will be waived for transfer students with at least 30 credits taken post high school and for UMD students who started in a UMD program where this was not required. First-year students who have completed 30 PSEO credits may request a waiver to the student’s primary college.
UST 1000 - Learning in Community (1.0-2.0 cr)
or EHS 1000 - Into the World [GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
or ES 1000 - Global Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability [GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
or LING 1000 - Language and Culture in the U.S. What does it Mean to Speak American [CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
or PSY 1100 - Living Your Best Life: Applying Positive Psychology [CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
Required prerequisites
Pre-Major Core (9 cr)
ECH 2010 - Foundational Issues in Early Childhood Studies (3.0 cr)
ECH 2015 - Literature for Young Children (3.0 cr)
ECH 2025 - Brain Development: Environments and Relationships [SOC SCI] (3.0 cr)
General Requirements
  1. Students must meet all course and credit requirements of the departments and colleges or schools in which they are enrolled including an advanced writing course. Students seeking two degrees must fulfill the requirements of both degrees. However, two degrees cannot be awarded for the same major.
  2. Students must complete all requirements of the Liberal Education Program or its approved equivalent.
  3. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits completed in compliance with University of Minnesota Duluth academic policies with credit limits (e.g., Satisfactory/Non-Satisfactory Grading Policy, Credit for Prior Learning, etc).
  4. At least 30 semester credits must be earned through UMD, and 15 of the last 30 credits earned immediately before graduation must be awarded by UMD.
  5. At least half of upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits that satisfy major requirements (major requirements includes all courses required for the major, including courses in a subplan) through UMD.
  6. If a minor is required, students must take at least three upper division credits in their minor field from UMD.
  7. For certificate programs, at least 3 upper-division credits that satisfy requirements for the certificate must be taken through UMD. If the program does not require upper division credits students must take at least one course from the certificate program from UMD.
  8. The minimum cumulative University of Minnesota (UMN) GPA required for graduation is 2.00 and includes only University of Minnesota coursework. A minimum UMN GPA of 2.00 is required in each UMD undergraduate major, minor, and certificate. No academic unit may impose a higher GPA standard to graduate.
  9. Diploma, transcripts, licensure, and certification will be withheld until all financial obligations to the University have been met.
Program Requirements
Advanced Writing (3 cr)
WRIT 3140 - Advanced Writing: Human Services (3.0 cr)
Early Education Core (17 cr)
ASL 2001 - Beginning American Sign Language I [LE CAT3, LECD CAT03, COMM & LAN] (3.0 cr)
ECH 3050 - Early Relationships in Young Children: Observing and Guiding (4.0 cr)
ECH 3055 - Creative Expressions and Emergent Literacy: Birth - Age 8 (4.0 cr)
ECH 3104 - Family Partnerships (1.0 cr)
ECH 4009 - Leadership in Early Childhood Studies (3.0 cr)
ECH 4010 - Infant and Early Childhood Perceptual and Psychomotor Development (2.0 cr)
Education Core (10 cr)
ECH 4400 - Professional Development Seminar (1.0 cr)
EDUC 1100 - Human Diversity [LE CAT, LECD C, CDIVERSITY] (3.0 cr)
ENED 1500 - Children, Nature and Sustainability [SUSTAIN] (3.0 cr)
HLTH 1470 - Human Nutrition [LE CAT, NAT SCI] (3.0 cr)
Special Education Core (11 cr)
SPED 3103 - Infants and Toddlers with Special Needs (4.0 cr)
SPED 3105 - Young Children with Special Needs: Ages Three-Eight (4.0 cr)
SPED 3109 - Supporting Social/Emotional Development Birth-8 (3.0 cr)
Childhood Field Placement (3 cr)
Expected 10 hours per week off campus internship in early childhood programs. Offered spring Semester only.
ECH 4950 - Guided Field Experience for Early Childhood Studies (3.0 cr)
Upper Division Electives (18 cr)
A minor in OR course at the 3xxx level or above in the following departments: African/African American studies, communication, deaf studies, environmental & outdoor education, journalism, music, psychology, public health, social work, sociology, special education, theatre or women, gender and sexuality studies.
Take 18 or more credit(s) from the following:
· Minor and Supporting Courses
 
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View college catalog(s):
· College of Education and Human Service Professions

View sample plan(s):
· Early Childhood B.A.Sc. Sample Plan

View checkpoint chart:
· Early Childhood Studies B.A.Sc.
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UST 1000 - Learning in Community
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Credit will not be granted if already received for EHS 1000.
EHS 1000 - Into the World (GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitates the transition into college learning and student life at UMD and the College of Education and Human Service Professions. Introduces the promise and peril of global challenges in the 21st century and relates these challenges to local communities. pre-req: 1st semester CEHSP student
ES 1000 - Global Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability (GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. This course explores the global cultural context of sustainability while facilitating the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Examine the topic of environmental sustainability through the context of global culture and affairs. Explore different cultural approaches to solving environmental issues, compare and contrast these approaches with those taken in the US. Investigate the concept of outsourcing with respect to the peoples and ecosystems that are impacted by the practice. pre-req: less than 30 credits earned
LING 1000 - Language and Culture in the U.S. What does it Mean to Speak American (CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD while simultaneously fulfilling other core requirements. Examines the topic of Cultural Diversity in the U.S. through the context of language and dialect in American English. Explores the impact language has on the broad spectrum of American culture, and conversely, the ways in which various American cultures and their diverse heritages have influenced the many ways language is spoken in the United States. Investigates concepts of linguistic competency, perceptions and biases toward language, power structures manifested in language, and influences of class, race, ethnicity, and heritage on spoken language. pre-req: less than 30 credits
PSY 1100 - Living Your Best Life: Applying Positive Psychology (CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course fulfills the UST 1000 requirement. Facilitate the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD; applications of positive psychology across cultures and positive behavior change; the examination of diverse perspectives in positive psychology; the promotion of student well-being, community and inclusivity, and time- and stress-management techniques. pre-req: less than 30 credits
ECH 2010 - Foundational Issues in Early Childhood Studies
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course examines historical and cultural perspectives of Early Childhood Studies. Theoretical models for the education of young children from birth through age eight will be addressed through professional exploration. Methods for facilitating child development as well as strategies for collaborating with families and communities will be discussed. pre-req: UECH major
ECH 2015 - Literature for Young Children
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduces professionals who work with children from birth through age eight to literature for young children. Criteria for selecting book and non-book materials will be presented, discussed and utilized when examining, selecting, and reading such materials. Strategies for sharing the books and non-book materials with children and for integrating the materials into day care, preschool, and primary settings will be explored.
ECH 2025 - Brain Development: Environments and Relationships (SOC SCI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course will address issues related to early brain development and the biological underpinnings of early emotional and cognitive development with attention to the impacts relationships and environments have on developing brain architecture. Current research in areas of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and developmental trauma will be explored with attention to mitigating long-term effects through trauma informed care. A biological view of attachment, social vulnerability, language, reading, math, and creativity will also be explored.
WRIT 3140 - Advanced Writing: Human Services
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Study of writing for those invested in the disciplines of education and other fields related to human services. Exploration of academic and professional rhetorical situations. Practice with research methods, document design, editing, effective collaboration, and ethical issues in the production of documents in multiple genres for multiple audiences. pre-req: 1) WRIT 1120 or MNTC or AA completed 2) minimum 60 credits earned or in progress
ASL 2001 - Beginning American Sign Language I (LE CAT3, LECD CAT03, COMM & LAN)
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Introduction to basic vocabulary in American Sign Language and the fingerspelling alphabet. prereq: Credit will not be granted if already received for CSD 2001.
ECH 3050 - Early Relationships in Young Children: Observing and Guiding
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Observing, recording, and guiding behaviors in children from birth through age eight. Focuses on informal methods for observation. Use of technology for behavioral observation. prereq: Minimum 30 credits
ECH 3055 - Creative Expressions and Emergent Literacy: Birth - Age 8
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Exploration of developmentally appropriate methods and materials for the integration of art, music and movement experiences ages birth-age 8. An emphasis on using the arts to support development of concept of print, the alphabet, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, comprehension, motivation, and other literacy skills. Field experience required for course completion. prereq: Admission to the UECh program or Early Childhood Studies
ECH 3104 - Family Partnerships
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Field experience in which students partner with a young child and their family. Through this experience, students practice advocacy skills, integrate theory in early childhood, and observe children in the context of the family. prereq: Admission to the UECh program
ECH 4009 - Leadership in Early Childhood Studies
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Develops knowledge and competencies in the area of educational leadership, including development and administration of early childhood programs, professionalism, ethics and social policy. prereq: Admission to UECh program; no grad credit
ECH 4010 - Infant and Early Childhood Perceptual and Psychomotor Development
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Issues related to typical and atypical perceptual and psychomotor development in children from birth to age eight will be examined. The interaction of the mover with the contextual features of the environment and the demands of the movement task will provide an opportunity to explore developmentally appropriate methods and materials for the integration of physical activities and movement for children's overall growth. prereq: Admitted to UECH program, no grad credit
ECH 4400 - Professional Development Seminar
Credits: 1.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Professional development through documentation, reflection, synthesis of learning as related to standards. Development of process and product portfolios. Presentation of and dialogue about emergent learning. prereq: admitted to UECH program; no grad credit
EDUC 1100 - Human Diversity (LE CAT, LECD C, CDIVERSITY)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Cultural, physical, socially constructed, and psychological differences in people. Social, political, and economic implications of human diversity in modern society.
ENED 1500 - Children, Nature and Sustainability (SUSTAIN)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Study of the rationale and underpinnings for merging nature, education for sustainability, and early childhood education, as well as practices and possibilities for doing so. Emphasized are the outcomes associated with nature-based experiences for children, including healthy development of children and furthering more sustainable communities.
HLTH 1470 - Human Nutrition (LE CAT, NAT SCI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Emphasis on chemical nature of dietary nutrients, physiological and metabolic aspects of human nutrition, effects of diet on human health, interpretation of nutrition informatics, and global issues in health and nutrition.
SPED 3103 - Infants and Toddlers with Special Needs
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: SpEd 3103/5103
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Causation and development of disabling conditions in infants and toddlers. Effective intervention techniques in a variety of settings involving interagency collaboration and family involvement. prereq: Minimum 30 credits
SPED 3105 - Young Children with Special Needs: Ages Three-Eight
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: SpEd 3105/5105
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Identification, assessment, and classification of young children with special needs. Effective intervention techniques for use in a variety of settings, emphasizing integration and teaming strategies. Field experience required for course completion. prereq: instructor consent
SPED 3109 - Supporting Social/Emotional Development Birth-8
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course supports understanding the developmental trajectory of social and emotional competence from birth to age eight. Typical development as well as the developmental consequences of stress and trauma will be addressed. Protective factors and resilience, the development of mental health, and the importance of supportive relationships will also be explored. This course will also provide information needed to evaluate and implement behavior change programs that are appropriate for young children who exhibit maladaptive behaviors. A key assessment strategies will include Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) procedures and a range of trauma informed behavioral supports. pre-req: Minimum 30 credits
ECH 4950 - Guided Field Experience for Early Childhood Studies
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This is a field-based capstone supervised experience for students pursuing the Early Childhood Studies (ECS) Bachelor of Applied Science degree. With faculty support, students will be placed in an early childhood based setting where they will spend 10 hours per week. The experience will provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge and skills gained from previous course work. Further, students will expand their knowledge through a capstone project. Weekly faculty led discussions will be a part of the requirement of the course. Examples of field placements include childcare settings, Headstart classrooms, Early Childhood Family Education Centers, and social service agencies focusing on children?s wellbeing. pre-req: Early Childhood Studies major, minimum 90 credits and department consent