BA in early childhood education
Shape young minds and learning environments for children from birth through age eight. Rowan’s bachelor’s in early childhood education degree program prepares you to lead inclusive, developmentally appropriate classrooms through research-based teaching strategies and real-world fieldwork.
Why choose Rowan’s early childhood education program?
Teaching young children requires deep knowledge, critical thinking and the ability to adapt to every child’s needs.
Rowan University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in early childhood education degree program prepares future educators like you to lead with empathy and insight, rooted in a curriculum that focuses on developmental theory and instructional practice. This is a program for students who are passionate about equity, social-emotional growth and meeting children where they are so they can reach their potential.
With small cohort sizes and close faculty mentorship, you can expect to receive direct feedback through peer reflection, video analysis and personalized guidance throughout the entirety of the program. Courses integrate a social justice lens, encouraging culturally responsive teaching that centers on each child’s individual experience. And with strong demand for certified P–3 educators in New Jersey, there’s no better time—or place—to start making a difference.
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Months To Complete
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Studying early childhood education at Rowan
What You’ll Learn
The early childhood education degree program combines general education and subject area courses with a professional sequence of teacher preparation, early field placements and a full year of clinical practice. Coursework emphasizes teaching practices grounded in current research on early childhood development, equity and the needs of diverse young learners.
Some courses are offered online, and while most students follow a full-time, four-year path to completing the 120-credit-hour program, part-time options may be available. The curriculum aligns with the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Preparation Standards, ensuring you’re not only eligible for P–3 certification but also have the professional disposition to lead your own classroom.
Student learning outcomes include:
- A deep understanding of child development from birth to age eight.
- Skills in lesson planning, classroom management and developmentally appropriate assessment.
- Strategies for working with diverse populations, including multilingual learners and children with special needs.
- The ability to apply observation and assessment data to inform instruction and support individualized learning.
Early childhood education key courses
- Building Brains: Competency and Resiliency
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Educational Psychology
- Effective Learning Environments For Diverse Children
- History of American Education
- Planning, Integrating and Adapting Curriculum Across Content Areas
Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Add a second major
Many early childhood education majors choose to customize their degree by earning a second major or taking courses in an area of emphasis. These academic pairings let you explore additional interests, deepen your teaching expertise or strengthen your résumé for future roles in education and beyond.
Popular programs for dual majors:
Even without a dual major, these areas of emphasis are available:
- Access success and equity in education innovation
- English as a second language and bilingual/bicultural education
- Psychology
- Supporting mental health and social emotional development
- Urban education
- Writing arts
How You'll Learn
Field experience is woven into your early childhood education degree program from the start. Early on, you’ll begin working in real classrooms—observing, assisting and gradually stepping into more active roles. These placements take place in a variety of settings, including public schools, charter schools, daycares, inclusive classrooms and preschool through third-grade environments. Faculty members stay closely involved throughout, offering guidance, feedback and support as you learn how to apply inclusive, developmentally appropriate practices.
During your final year, you’ll complete Clinical Practice I and II, which are two back-to-back, semester-long experiences that function as a full-year student teaching placement. In these courses, you’ll move from observation to full-time lead teaching, taking ownership of planning, instruction and classroom management. We carefully coordinate your placement with one of our partner schools to give you the structure and mentorship you need to step confidently into your first teaching position.
Admission Requirements
Ready to take the next step toward becoming an early childhood educator? Submit these items to get started:
- First-year application through one of three platforms:
- Application fee of $65
- Official high school transcript(s)
- Letter(s) of recommendation/teacher evaluations
- Personal essay
Once we receive your application, a representative from our Office of Admissions will reach out to confirm your application status and notify you of any missing information. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.
Note: Rowan University is test-optional. You may submit your SAT or ACT scores, but you won’t be penalized if you choose not to.
Need assistance with your application? Our Office of Admissions team is here to support you—email admissions@rowan.edu to reach out.
Tuition and Aid
Rowan’s early childhood education degree program offers a high-value path to a meaningful career. And, we’re committed to making your education affordable through need-based financial aid, scholarships and program-specific funding opportunities.
Learn more about cost of attendance and financial aid at Rowan.
I've always loved school and learning new things. Teachers always gave me hope throughout school.
Natalie R. Middlesex County, NJ
Especially being a male minority, I want to preach that anyone can be a teacher because we all have something special to offer.
Darius B. Burlington County, NJ
This semester, I am placed in an inclusive preschool classroom and I absolutely love it! I have learned so much about being a teacher from this class.
Chrissie M. Gloucester County, NJ
I chose Rowan because I'll be certified in early childhood, reading, and special education. It makes me the most knowledgeable and marketable that I can be.
Melissa M. Passaic County, NJ
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