• Nearby Pittard Campus School is a fun place to learn about teaching
  • Technology can improve the early learning experience
  • Seeing the joy of learning is one
    of the     rewards of teaching
  • MTSU partners with
    Motlow     and Columbia State Colleges to help early childhood educators
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Early Childhood Education

If you have a passion for teaching very young children—pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades first through third—consider majoring in Early Childhood Education. 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 teachers’ aim to balance the developmental level of class members with desired educational achievement. At MTSU, you can seek preparation to have a significant role during the formative years of the citizens of the future.

Strong partnerships with schools

Strong partnerships with schools

MTSU’s Early Childhood Education program has 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 and science 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

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 infants and toddlers and for 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.

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.

Click here for a checklist with more information. For more information about admission to the Teacher Education Program, go to Ready2Teach.

For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.

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 Interdisciplinary Studies, with teaching levels of grades K–6 or 4–8,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; in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Elementary School Education and a specialization in Initial Licensure. 

An M.Ed with a major in Literacy is offered.

Graduate minors are offered in Special Education, Reading, and Curriculum and Instruction.

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.

Early Childhood Education, B.S.

Elementary and Special Education 
615-898-2680
Jane Lim, program coordinator
Jane.Lim@mtsu.edu 

The curriculum for the major in Early Childhood Education offers preparation for teachers in the area of early childhood education and to meet the Tennessee requirements for licensure to teach pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first through third grades. Emphasis is placed on the development of the young child within the context of the family and on integrating developmentally appropriate practice within educational settings.*

*NOTE: A grade of C- or higher is required for all ECE courses.

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)

General Education requirements include Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

The following General Education courses are required for this major:

  • BIOL 1030/1031 (Nat Sci)
  • GEOG 2000 (Soc/Beh Sci)
  • MATH 1010 (Math)

Major Requirements (52 hours)

  • ECE 2350 - Human Development I

    3 credit hours

    (Same as CDFS 2350.) Child development theories. Physical, cognitive, psychosocial development of the child, conception to three years of age. Diversity issues affecting development addressed. Twelve hours observation outside of class time required.

  • ECE 3310 - Human Development II

    3 credit hours

    (Same as CDFS 3310.) Prerequisite: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350 with C- or better or permission of instructor. Physical, cognitive, psychosocial development of the child, from three years of age through middle childhood. Diversity issues affecting development addressed. Twelve hours observation outside of class time required.

  • ECE 4320 - Assessing Young Children

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350;  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-5)

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350 and ECE 3310/CDFS 3310. Knowledge and skills necessary for implementing developmentally appropriate practices in programs serving children birth to age five.  

  • ECE 4375 - Literacy in Early Childhood

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ECE 4370; SPED 3010; 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.

  • 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

  • CDFS 3320 - Family Relations  3 credit hours  

    CDFS 3320 - Family Relations

    3 credit hours

    Family systems, giving consideration to interpersonal relationships. The structure, function, and development of families in a changing society and in relation to other social institutions.

  • NFS 4251 - Nutrition for the Young Child

    3 credit hours

    Fundamentals of nutrition with emphasis on its relationship to growth, development, and health during the prenatal period, infancy, and childhood. Geared to Early Childhood Education and Child Development and Family Studies majors.

  • SPED 3010 - Characteristics and Teaching of Learners with Exceptionalities

    3 credit hours

    An introduction to the exceptional learner. Examines the history, principles, and legal requirements as well as the diverse characteristics and learning styles of exceptional learners. Discusses differentiated teaching strategies in both inclusive and skill-based environments. Multicultural diversity, normalization, and integration addressed. (Required for all individuals who major in Special Education-Interventionist K-8, Special Education-Comprehensive, and Interdisciplinary Studies for state licensure; and students seeking a minor in Special Education.

  • ART 3200 - Art Education for Teachers

    3 credit hours

    Lecture class with hands-on component designed to inform about the role of art in the life of the child; exposure to art history and appreciation; children as image makers; the importance of curiosity, observation, and imagination to the child and classroom; and methodology related to the integration of visual art into the classroom.

  • PHED 3500 - Physical Education for Early Childhood

    3 credit hours

    Principles, teaching strategies, and curriculum activities for young children. Planning age-appropriate physical activities and designing developmentally appropriate motor skill experiences for young children. Extensive practicum experiences in teaching. Two one-hour lectures and two one-hour labs per week.

  • MUED 4670 - Music for the Young Child

    3 credit hours

    Music fundamentals, materials, and methods appropriate for preschool through grade three; pantomime, role playing, improvisation, rhythm, movement, listening, and singing.

  • 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.)

  • ELED 3150 - Mathematics Methodology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program; MATH 1010, MATH 1530, MATH 1630, MATH 1710, MATH 1720, MATH 1730, MATH 1810, or MATH 1910; MATH 1410 and MATH 1420. Offers preparation to pre-service elementary and middle school teachers for teaching mathematics.

  • 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.

Professional Education (31 hours)

  • EESE 1010 - Teachers as Problem Solvers

    2 credit hours

    Introduces teaching as a profession using problem-based learning, educational case problems, and collaborative learning teams. Five hours field experience.

  • EESE 1011 - Creating Differentiated Instruction

    2 credit hours

    Prerequisite: EESE 1010; cannot be taken concurrently with EESE 1010. Content provides knowledge, skills, and dispositions associated with effective teaching and learning. Incorporates four hours field experience.

  • ECE 4300 - Preschool Practicum

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350; ECE 3310/CDFS 3310; ECE 4320; 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 4380 - Infant and Toddler Practicum

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350, ECE 3310/CDFS 3310, 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 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

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of professional education requirements; admission to teacher education; major requirements in Early Childhood Education with at least a C- grade in each course; senior or graduate standing; minimum grade point average of 2.75 overall. Full semester of supervised teaching experience in two placements in the public schools. Pass/Fail.  

Total hours in program: 124

 

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  (Comm)

    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 for credit.

  • 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 for 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. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy 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. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy 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

  • MATH 1010 - Mathematics for General Studies

    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. Course satisfies the General Education Mathematics requirement and is also part of the mathematics sequence for students preparing to become elementary school teachers. Topics include logic, sets, algebraic reasoning, probability, statistics, and consumer mathematics. TBR Common Course: MATH 1010

  • 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 1010 - Teachers as Problem Solvers

    2 credit hours

    Introduces teaching as a profession using problem-based learning, educational case problems, and collaborative learning teams. Five hours field experience.

  • ECE 2350 - Human Development I

    3 credit hours

    (Same as CDFS 2350.) Child development theories. Physical, cognitive, psychosocial development of the child, conception to three years of age. Diversity issues affecting development addressed. Twelve hours observation outside of class time required.

  • COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication

    3 credit hours

    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

     

 

  • BIOL 1030 - Exploring Life  4 credit hours  (Nat Sci)

    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.

Subtotal: 33 Hours

 

Sophomore

 

  • ECE 3310 - Human Development II

    3 credit hours

    (Same as CDFS 3310.) Prerequisite: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350 with C- or better or permission of instructor. Physical, cognitive, psychosocial development of the child, from three years of age through middle childhood. Diversity issues affecting development addressed. Twelve hours observation outside of class time required.

  • ECE 4370 - Effective Instruction (Birth-5)

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350 and ECE 3310/CDFS 3310. Knowledge and skills necessary for implementing developmentally appropriate practices in programs serving children birth to age five.  

  • EESE 1011 - Creating Differentiated Instruction

    2 credit hours

    Prerequisite: EESE 1010; cannot be taken concurrently with EESE 1010. Content provides knowledge, skills, and dispositions associated with effective teaching and learning. Incorporates four hours field experience.

  • 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

  • MUED 4670 - Music for the Young Child

    3 credit hours

    Music fundamentals, materials, and methods appropriate for preschool through grade three; pantomime, role playing, improvisation, rhythm, movement, listening, and singing.

  • GEOG 2000 - Introduction to Regional Geography  3 credit hours  (Soc/Beh Sci)

    GEOG 2000 - Introduction to Regional Geography

    3 credit hours

    Required for all Global Studies and Human Geography majors and Cultural Geography minors. Examines world regions using the geographical perspective, identifying the main physical and cultural features, especially through the use of maps.

 

  • CHEM 1030 - Chemistry for Consumers

    4 credit hours

    Corequisite: CHEM 1031. Language, development, structure, and role of chemistry as it relates to the knowledge and activities of the educated person. Examples will be taken from medicine and human health, environmental pollution, energy and its costs, etc. Understanding of the relationship between chemistry and society will be enhanced using special subtopics: lectures, demonstrations, and inquiry-based laboratory work drawing from the expertise of the individual instructor. For nonscience majors. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory. (Does not count toward any major or minor.)

OR

  • GEOL 1030 - Introduction to Earth Science

    3 credit hours

    Corequisite: GEOL 1031. The earth and its relationship to its space and environment emphasized. Forces and processes which combine to mold the face of the earth and its atmosphere, as well as the internal constitution of the earth. Three hours lecture. Together, GEOL 1030 and GEOL 1031 satisfy 4 hours of the Natural Sciences portion of the General Education requirement.

OR

  • PSCI 1030 - Topics in Physical Science

    4 credit hours

    Corequisite: PSCI 1031. Language, development, structure, and role of physical science (physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology) as it relates to the knowledge and activities of the educated person. For nonscience majors. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory. (A General Education course [Nat Sci]. Does not count toward any major or minor.) TBR Common Course: PSCI 1030

OR

  • ASTR 1030 - Exploring the Universe  3 credit hours  (3 credit hours required) (Nat Sci) AND

    ASTR 1030 - Exploring the Universe

    3 credit hours

    A general introduction to astronomy through an overview of planets, stars, systems of stars, and the overall structure of the universe. Topics will be discussed by answering questions such as "How do you weigh stars?" and "Will the universe die?" TBR Common Course: ASTR 1030

  • ASTR 1031 - Observing the Universe  1 credit hour credit hours  (Nat Sci)

    ASTR 1031 - Observing the Universe

    1 credit hour credit hours

    Prerequisite or corequisite: ASTR 1030. Introduction to observational astronomy through laboratory exercises and outdoor observing activities. Topics include telescopes, the analysis of starlight, and observations of stars and planets. TBR Common Course: ASTR 1032

 

  • ANTH 2010 - Cultural Anthropology  3 credit hours  (Soc/Beh Sci) OR

    ANTH 2010 - Cultural Anthropology

    3 credit hours

    A comparative examination of the cultural organization of human behavior in societies around the world. Practical applications and the importance of intercultural understanding stressed. Counts toward General Education Social/Behavioral Sciences requirement.

  • PS 1005 - Introduction to American Politics  3 credit hours  (Soc/Beh Sci) OR

    PS 1005 - Introduction to American Politics

    3 credit hours

    Constitutional principles, functions, and administration of American federal government; Congress, the presidency, and the Supreme Court. A General Education Social/Behavioral Sciences course.

  • PS 1010 - Introduction to Global Politics  3 credit hours  (Soc/Beh Sci) OR

    PS 1010 - Introduction to Global Politics

    3 credit hours

    Meets part of the General Education Social/Behavioral Sciences requirement. Comparative theories and institutions of government. Law, constitutions, power, political socialization, ideologies, and the media.

  • AAS 2100 - Introduction to African American Studies

    3 credit hours

    Introductory interdisciplinary survey course which examines the African American experience from enslavement through the present; social, religious, political, and cultural interactions evolving from that experience.

 

  • SPED 3010 - Characteristics and Teaching of Learners with Exceptionalities

    3 credit hours

    An introduction to the exceptional learner. Examines the history, principles, and legal requirements as well as the diverse characteristics and learning styles of exceptional learners. Discusses differentiated teaching strategies in both inclusive and skill-based environments. Multicultural diversity, normalization, and integration addressed. (Required for all individuals who major in Special Education-Interventionist K-8, Special Education-Comprehensive, and Interdisciplinary Studies for state licensure; and students seeking a minor in Special Education.

  • ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture  3 credit hours  (Hum/FA) OR

    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  (Hum/FA) OR

    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 - Foreign Literature in Translation

    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. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy 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. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy 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

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 4320 - Assessing Young Children

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350;  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.

  • PHED 3500 - Physical Education for Early Childhood

    3 credit hours

    Principles, teaching strategies, and curriculum activities for young children. Planning age-appropriate physical activities and designing developmentally appropriate motor skill experiences for young children. Extensive practicum experiences in teaching. Two one-hour lectures and two one-hour labs per week.

  • ART 3200 - Art Education for Teachers

    3 credit hours

    Lecture class with hands-on component designed to inform about the role of art in the life of the child; exposure to art history and appreciation; children as image makers; the importance of curiosity, observation, and imagination to the child and classroom; and methodology related to the integration of visual art into the classroom.

  • ELED 3150 - Mathematics Methodology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: Admission to teacher education program; MATH 1010, MATH 1530, MATH 1630, MATH 1710, MATH 1720, MATH 1730, MATH 1810, or MATH 1910; MATH 1410 and MATH 1420. Offers preparation to pre-service elementary and middle school teachers for teaching mathematics.

  • NFS 4251 - Nutrition for the Young Child

    3 credit hours

    Fundamentals of nutrition with emphasis on its relationship to growth, development, and health during the prenatal period, infancy, and childhood. Geared to Early Childhood Education and Child Development and Family Studies majors.

  • CDFS 3320 - Family Relations  3 credit hours  

    CDFS 3320 - Family Relations

    3 credit hours

    Family systems, giving consideration to interpersonal relationships. The structure, function, and development of families in a changing society and in relation to other social institutions.

 

  • ECE 4300 - Preschool Practicum  3 credit hours  AND

    ECE 4300 - Preschool Practicum

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350; ECE 3310/CDFS 3310; ECE 4320; 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 4380 - Infant and Toddler Practicum

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350, ECE 3310/CDFS 3310, 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 4375 - Literacy in Early Childhood

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ECE 4370; SPED 3010; 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.

Subtotal: 31 Hours

 

Senior

 

  • 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 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

    Prerequisites: Successful completion of professional education requirements; admission to teacher education; major requirements in Early Childhood Education with at least a C- grade in each course; senior or graduate standing; minimum grade point average of 2.75 overall. Full semester of supervised teaching experience in two placements in the public schools. Pass/Fail.  

  • 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.

Subtotal: 27 Hours

 

Pamela A. Ertel

Lecturer

Dr. Cheryl Hitchcock

Associate Professor

Dr. Jane Seok Jeng Lim

Assistant Professor

Danielle Moore

Lecturer

Dr. Robyn Ridgley

Professor

Early Childhood Education

Please see the academic map for specific courses to take for each program.

ECE 2350 - Human Development I
3 credit hours

(Same as CDFS 2350.) Child development theories. Physical, cognitive, psychosocial development of the child, conception to three years of age. Diversity issues affecting development addressed. Twelve hours observation outside of class time required.

ECE 3310 - Human Development II
3 credit hours

(Same as CDFS 3310.) Prerequisite: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350 with C- or better or permission of instructor. Physical, cognitive, psychosocial development of the child, from three years of age through middle childhood. Diversity issues affecting development addressed. Twelve hours observation outside of class time required.

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

Prerequisites: Successful completion of professional education requirements; admission to teacher education; major requirements in Early Childhood Education with at least a C- grade in each course; senior or graduate standing; minimum grade point average of 2.75 overall. Full semester of supervised teaching experience in two placements in the public schools. Pass/Fail.  

ECE 4300 - Preschool Practicum
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350; ECE 3310/CDFS 3310; ECE 4320; 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 2350/CDFS 2350;  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-5)
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350 and ECE 3310/CDFS 3310. Knowledge and skills necessary for implementing developmentally appropriate practices in programs serving children birth to age five.  

ECE 4375 - Literacy in Early Childhood
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ECE 4370; SPED 3010; 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 4380 - Infant and Toddler Practicum
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ECE 2350/CDFS 2350, ECE 3310/CDFS 3310, 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 .

In addition to Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses, students take the courses listed below. Please see your advisor for additional information.

  • EESE 1010
  • EESE 1011
  • ELED 3300
  • SPED 3010
  • ELED 3150

Contact and Student Information

Jane Lim
jane.lim@mtsu.edu
615-898-5896

Cheryl Hitchcock
cheryl.hitchcock@mtsu.edu
615-904-8297

Robyn Ridgley
robyn.ridgley@mtsu.edu
615-898-5526

Secondary Education

Jim Rost
Jim.Rost@mtsu.edu
615-898-5481 | COE 315


Initial Transfers

June Adams
June.Adams@mtsu.edu
615-898-5153 | COE 307


Continuing Transfers

Alicia Abney
Alicia.Abney@mtsu.edu
615-898-2344 | COE 323


Freshman

Bryanna Licciardi
Bryanna.Licciardi@mtsu.edu
615-494-8969 | COE 315

Department of Elementary and Special Education
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Box 69
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

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