Early Childhood Studies Major BAS
This major is designed primarily for students transferring from a MnSCU institution with a child development diploma or AA, AS, or AAS degree programs who are seeking baccalaureate degrees in early childhood studies. Many students will be seeking career enhancements in the child development field. Courses are also open to non-majors.
It is expected that all students receiving a BAS degree with a major in early childhood studies will develop knowledge and skills at the upper-division level related to:
- child development and learning;
- early childhood curriculum development and implementation;
- family and community relationships;
- assessment and evaluation of young children;
- professional and ethical issues in early childhood; and
- application of knowledge and skills within the context of an urban early childhood setting.
Acceptance to the Program
To be eligible for acceptance to the Early Childhood Studies major, students must submit a College of Health, Community and Professional Studies Undergraduate Program Declaration Form. Consult with an advisor before enrolling in courses toward the major.
Requirements (43 credits)
All students are expected to have at least 120 credits to graduate with a degree in early childhood studies. In addition to the major requirements, students must complete the university's general education and liberal studies requirements.
Prerequisites
Required Courses
- PSYC 308 Child Psychology or
- PSYC 308T Child Psychology Theory Seminar (with advisor's permission)
- PSYC 356 Early Childhood Development within a Social, Cultural and Historical Context
- PSYC 357 Observing and Assessing Young Children: Birth through Age Five
- PSYC 359 Positive Behavior Guidance
- EDU 321 Urban Infant-Toddler Curriculum and Practicum*
- PSYC 415 Principles of Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood
- PSYC 416 Comparative Study of Early Childhood Program Models
- PSYC 417 Language and Communication Development in Early Childhood
- PSYC 030 Early Childhood Studies Internship Meeting
- PSYC 350I Early Childhood Studies Internship
- PSYC 420 Early Childhood Studies Capstone: Professionalism and Ethical Issues
*PSYC 356 is a prerequisite for EDU 321.
Guided Electives (3 credits minimum)
- EDU 331 Physical Development, Health, and Nutrition and Effects of Drugs in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
- EDU 361 The Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
- EDU 325 Emergent Literacy in Urban Early Childhood Education
- PSYC 102 Dynamics of Parent/Child Relationships
- PSYC 305 Behavior Disorders in Children
- PSYC 306 Child Abuse
- PSYC 353 Selected Topics in Early Childhood
- PSYC 393 Special Education Overview
- PSYC 425 Administration of Early Childhood Programs
Early Childhood Studies Theory Seminars
Metropolitan State is pleased to collaborate with the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC) by offering theory seminars for a total of 16 university credits leading to the MnAEYC's Director's Credential. The Director's Credential program is a voluntary opportunity for the career advancement and professional development of early childhood center directors and other administrators. Four competence-based theory seminars are offered for individuals who have had experience as an early childhood center director or administrator.
