B.S. in Early Childhood Development & Education

The Early Childhood Development & Education undergraduate program at UNC Greensboro prepares students to work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners with and without disabilities and their families. Graduates of the program work in a variety of careers, including teaching in public kindergarten and NC pre-K classrooms. You will have the option to focus on young children’s development in their diverse cultural, school, and family contexts.

This degree provides coursework and field experiences in settings for young children with and without disabilities.

Program Distinctions

• UNCG offers on campus and online degree completion options for students who have an AAS degree in Early Childhood Education from a North Carolina Community College.
• UNCG’s on-campus child care program provides a lab setting for you to gain hands-on experience working with young children in an educational setting.
• HDFS is ranked #1 Best Human Development and Family Studies colleges in North Carolina 2021 by Universities.com; and #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Human and Family Development Programs by BestColleges.com.
• Faculty are renowned experts in early childhood development, care, and education.
• HDFS operates a variety of research and educational centers, including the Child & Family Research Network; Child Care Education Program; North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project; Early Childhood Leadership & Policy Network; Triad Child Study; and the National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families.

The Student Experience

• 120 semester hours are required for graduation, including at least 36 hours at or above the 300 course level.
• Main Campus students can start the program in their first year. For students wishing to transfer from a North Carolina community college, see the details of the Articulation Agreement (PDF).
• Required field placements in an inclusive early childhood setting/classroom offer applied experience.
• Many graduates pursue graduate degrees in HDFS or related fields.
• You can also gain research experience by working with faculty on a variety of projects related to young children and their families.
• Experienced and committed faculty teach, advise, and mentor you in this innovative interdisciplinary program.

After Graduation

• Students in this major are eligible for their license.

Online Program

• Students must transfer to UNCG with successful completion of an AAS degree from a North Carolina community college. See details of Articulation Agreement (PDF).
• Students transferring to UNCG with their AAS degrees are 2+ students. Remember this when filling out forms. See additional information about the 2+ program.
• Admission into this program is for Fall and Spring semesters only. Application deadlines are July 15 (for Fall semester admissions) and December 1 (for Spring semester admissions). Students must accept their admissions offers by July 21 (for Fall semester admissions) and December 21 (for Spring semester admissions).
• 120 semester hours are required for graduation, including at least 36 hours at or above the 300 course level.
• Online courses are asynchronous (with no set meeting time) and synchronous (conducted live via computer webcam)
• Required field placements and student teaching in inclusive early childhood settings/classrooms offer applied experience.
• Given the nature of the program, you are required to have regular access to a computer with internet access, a webcam, and a computer microphone and headset. See a full list of Technical Requirements (PDF).

Undergraduate Minor

• Human Development and Family Studies Undergraduate Minor