Early Childhood Education

Required Courses

Why Choose Early Childhood Education?

For those people who like to be around children, a career in Early Childhood Education can be a labor of love.

The Early Childhood Education program at Ferris teaches a broad spectrum of courses. Students learn about the education of children and study early childhood development, nutrition, first aid, children's literature and child psychology. They also receive a broad educational background by completing general education courses in English, mathematics, humanities and sociology.

Practical experience is another significant part of the program. Majors have the opportunity in the child development laboratory to observe and work with infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers, applying theories and techniques taught in the classroom. Tot's Place is a Ferris-owned and operated childcare center that serves as a training and observation laboratory for students. The center also offers quality care for children of students, faculty and staff of the University and members of the community.

Career Opportunities

Students completing the Bachelor of Science program can seek positions as lead/head teacher, headstart positions and other preschool positions. Those completing the management track are able to seek positions as program directors. They may also be more successful in running a home day care program. Students completing the Child Life Specialist track are eligible to work in hospitals with children.

Admission Requirements

High school students and transfer students with 29 credit hours or less must possess a high school grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or an ACT composite score of 17 or 900 SAT. Transfer students with 30 credit hours or more must possess a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Students transferring into the program with completed majors or minors must have the appropriate GPA as established by each department. Consult individual program description for other admission requirements.

General Education Requirements

All University General Education requirements can be found here: http://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/academics/general-education/requirements/BA-BS.htm

Please consult this link for a complete listing of General Education Electives:  http://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/academics/general-education/courses/index.htm

Consult the official checksheet or program advisor for program specific General Education requirements.

Graduation Requirements

The early childhood education program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree through the School of Education, College of Education & Human Services. Graduates must complete all of FSU's general education, and Early Childhood Education requirements. Consult individual program description for other admission requirements.

A 2.5 GPA is required for successful completion of this major.

More Information

College of Education & Human Services
School of Education
Bishop Hall Room 421
Ferris State University
1349 Cramer Circle
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2737
Telephone: (231) 591-5361