Online Add-On Licensure in Birth Through Kindergarten

The Online Add-On Licensure in Birth Through Kindergarten Program at UNCG is for students with a current N.C. license in another area wanting to add the Birth through Kindergarten (BK) license. This additional license can be completed in four courses. Upon completing the online program, students can fulfill requirements to teach in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms. The Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) and the Department of Specialized Education Services (SES) jointly administers this program. These courses can be counted toward a Master’s in Birth Through Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development (BKISED).

Online Add-On Licensure in Birth through Kindergarten Program Distinctions

The Online Add-On Licensure in Birth Through Kindergarten Program is designed for working professionals. Students in this program have classes entirely online. The program can be completed in as few as two semesters.

Students are also learning from a nationally ranked program:

• UNCG is ranked the No. 1 best Human Development and Family Studies college in N.C. in 2026 by universities.com.
• US News and World Report ranked UNCG No. 36 out of 333 in Best Online Master’s in Education Programs in 2026. The program is ranked No. 3 in North Carolina.

The Online Add-On Licensure in BK Program Student Experience

Students in this program will learn from experienced and committed faculty from the HDFS and SES. They will teach, advise, and mentor you in this innovative, interdisciplinary program.

• This program is for those seeking a North Carolina BK teaching license who already have a current N.C. license in another area (such as Elementary/K-6 or special education).
• Students participate in real-time field experiences in inclusive early childhood settings. They can be completed in your own classroom.
• The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood North Carolina Scholarship Program provides scholarships for qualified students.

After Graduating with an Add-On Licensure in Birth through Kindergarten

Graduates are eligible to be recommended for the BK license to be added to their current N.C. teaching license. They may find careers in a variety of settings, including:

• Public schools
• Private childcare
• Head Start and Early Head Start
• Early Intervention
• Resource and referral
• Specialized education
• Inclusive education programs

Apply to the Online Licensure Birth Through Kindergarten Program

The Add-On BK Licensure Program has two admission deadlines:

• SPRING semester admission deadline: OCTOBER 1
• FALL semester admission deadline: MAY 15

Interested students should apply through the UNCG Graduate School. Additional requirements include:

• Having a current N.C. Teaching License in elementary education, special education, or other licensure area.
• Brief interview with faculty.
• The GRE is not required.
• Please note, applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a bachelor’s degree in education receive the strongest consideration.

LICENSURE ELIGIBILITY NOTICE
The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice.

As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the BK Add-On by examining the BK Initial Licensure PB Certificate Program, which is a similar licensure area. You should note whether the program either “meets” or “does not meet” requirements in the state for which you plan to practice. You should contact the program’s support staff at mcscottL@uncg.edu with any questions regarding this data.

• Licensure Reciprocity Information