Get Your Early Education Degree
Prepare to work in public and private schools (pre-K through 3rd grade), childcare centers, or early intervention programs. The main scope of preparation is ages 3 to 8 years with some exposure to an earlier developmental range. Students complete three field experiences as part of the program, working with various grade levels from different socio-economic and cultural environments.
Early Childhood Education Highlights
- Graduates have had a 100% job placement rate for the past five years.
- 100% of our degree recipients pass the licensure exams required for initial certification.
- Call Me MiSTER participating school, which supports teachers from under-served, socio-economically disadvantaged, and educationally at-risk communities
- A student chapter of the South Carolina Early Childhood Association (SCECA) is housed on the Columbia College campus. Students participate in community service projects, and attend and present at local and regional conferences.
- Early Childhood Education is recognized by the NAEYC and the South Carolina State Board of Education under the guidance of the 2022 CAEP standards.
Modality & Benefits
Get a traditional college experience with lively in-person classroom discussions and close proximity to your professors, mentors, and best friends.
Start Dates:
January & August
- Semester-Based Timeline
- Face-to-Face Instruction (some Online options)
- In-Person Office Hours & Support
- Relationships & Networking
- Extracurriculars & Immersive Campus Experience
Get a degree that fits your busy lifestyle while benefiting from in-person instruction, social interactions with classmates, and networking on campus and throughout the capital city.
Start Dates:
January & August
- Semester-Based Timeline
- Evening Classes (M-Th, 5-9pm)
- Face-to-Face Instruction
- Transfer Up to 90 Credits
- 10-Hour Weekly Commitment (varies)
Early Childhood Education Curriculum
Major Requirements
Popular Early Childhood Education Classes
- Development and Learning: Birth through Age Eleven
Explore the cognitive and language development of infants and children. - Early Childhood Curriculum: Methods and Materials
Develop and evaluate instructional strategies. - Family Development
Analyze the family as a social institution and its interactive dynamics.
Fill a Needed Role
Early childhood teachers can expect favorably high employment rates from 2021 to 2031, with preschool job openings growing 15% during this period (BLS).
Nurture the Future
- Preschool Teacher
- Preschool Administrator
- Elementary School Teacher
- Childcare Center Director
- Educational Consultant
Our Graduates are Teaching:
- Richland County (District One & Two)
- Richland Lexington (District Five)
- Lexington County (District One & Two)
- Charleston County
Online M.Ed. Degrees
Specialize with in-demand topics and become even more marketable with a master's degree. Our M.Ed. programs cultivate your leadership potential with purpose. Check out our 1-year education master's degrees.
Next Steps for Your Degree in Education
- Industry Outlook
- Career Paths
- Recent Placements
- Graduate School
Student Experiences
"After graduating from the Early Childhood program, I left feeling fully prepared and eager to start. So far I have been able to handle every situation that has been thrown at me."
Mary Mastromichalis
Class of 2019