Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (B.A.Ed.)

Program Description

The B.A.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program prepares candidates to become effective early childhood educators who use innovative and collaborative practices. As local, state, and national advocates, graduates will promote the education and wellbeing of young children. Candidates completing the B.A.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program will be prepared to become professionals in a variety of roles, such as working in classroom settings, managing childcare programs and more, within the field of early childhood education.

The B.A.Ed. in Early Childhood Education is a minimum 124 semester hours program. The degree program is approved for a Birth - Kindergarten license with an early intervention Birth - Kindergarten endorsement in Special Education. There are three phases for education majors: Phase I: Core Curriculum; Phase II: Teacher Education Program; and Phase III: Student Teaching. For more information go the SAFE admission page.

During the professional education common-core coursework, teacher education candidates are required to observe and teach in selected classrooms, learning about effective teaching, developing professional dispositions and working directly with practitioners and students at varying grade and developmental levels. The Student Advising and Field Experience (SAFE) office works with school partners in establishing placement for these observations.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet these requirements:

  • 2.5 grade point average (entry admission for transfer students and change of major)
  • 2.75 grade point average (admission for Phase II: Teacher Education Program) and appropriate scores on either the ACT, SAT or CORE* (link to Phase II information is posted above under Program Description)

*Praxis Core Exemption: Students who provide proof of an ACT score of at least a 21 composite (or SAT equivalent; View the SAT Equivalency Scoring sheet for more information) OR have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a minimum of 60 hours of completed coursework are exempt from taking the Praxis CORE exam for admission to Phase II.

Career Opportunities

Candidates must take additional Praxis exams to qualify for licensure in Mississippi. Once licensed, candidates will be highly qualified to teach Birth-Kindergarten and Special Education Birth-Kindergarten. For more information on seeking licensure outside Mississippi, please review the Certification information.

Online/Regional Campus Options

The full program of study for the Early Childhood Education degree program is offered at the Oxford campus only.

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