Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education major at Minnesota State University Moorhead is designed to prepare you to teach from birth through third grade in a variety of diverse and inclusive programs. We believe the best way to learn and grow is to be immersed within classrooms in the community, so you’re able to experience the joy of teaching long before graduating. You’ll obtain firsthand knowledge and develop skills by observing, assisting and leading in local classrooms and have the opportunity to experience an early education environment right here on campus.
The Early Education Center located on MSUM’s campus is a great way to experience an early education environment just steps away from your classrooms. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with children ages 16 months to 5 years old as they explore and learn about themselves and participate in activities designed to promote their emotional, social and physical growth.
Two hundred hours of in-classroom practicum experience allow you to gather ample knowledge so you’ll be prepared to interact with children from their infancy up to third grade. You’ll spend time observing and teaching in local classrooms during nearly two-thirds of your semesters at MSUM.
Inclusivity of all students—with a special focus on diverse learners—is highly emphasized in our program, so you’ll be able to interact with all students efficiently and effectively.
Collaboration with parents and other professional agencies that serve families with young children is highlighted in the Early Childhood Education major.
International learning and service opportunities, including student teaching abroad, are available to teacher candidates.
The education learning community gives you the opportunity to live and learn with other first-year education majors.
Education Student Success Stories
Addressing the Equity Gap: Survey sheds light on Native American student experiences
MSUM’s equity gap led Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Dr. Caitlin Johnson to request and receive funding to conduct a wellness survey of Native American students on campus. Thanks to a team of Native American student researchers organized by Dr. Johnson, the survey was conducted in the fall semester of 2023.
Ryan Brumwell: Sparking Change in Special Education
Special education graduate student Ryan Brumwell will speak at MSU Moorhead's 26th Annual Student Academic Conference about the burnout of special education professionals and possible solutions.
Student leaders champion diversity beyond the classroom
Student leaders of Student Council for Exceptional Children experience diversity outside of the classroom during volunteer opportunities and events.
MSU Moorhead is committed to providing you exceptional field experience beginning at the start of your education and continuing until graduation.
Learn about all the Early Childhood Education program opportunities
You might also be interested in…
Elementary Inclusive Education | Special Education | Secondary & K-12 Education | Social Work | Speech Language Hearing Sciences
MSUM’s early childhood education program provides a holistic and experiential education. You engage with real classrooms and have access to an on-campus early education environment. You are given the tools and experience needed to excel in your future career working with young children. Here is just a sample of early childhood education careers that are predicted to have major job growth through this decade.
What Are Some Common Early Childhood Education Related Careers?
| Career | Job Growth (2021-2031) | Median Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teacher | 15% | $30,200 |
| Kindergarten/Elementary Teacher | 4% | $61,300 |
| Childcare Center Director | 8% | $47,300 |