BA in Early Childhood Education, Governors State University

University Park - Illinois, Illinois

48 Months

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About this course

This program is designed to prepare students for a career in early childhood education by providing them with the necessary academic, professional, and personal resources. It culminates in earning a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education along with an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), granting eligibility for an Early Childhood Endorsement for Birth to Grade 2. The program includes general education and professional coursework, specifically tailored to meet licensure requirements and support future career paths in teaching or child advocacy.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is ideal for students who are passionate about working with young children and want to become licensed teachers. It combines academic coursework, practical training, and credentialing opportunities, opening doors to a variety of early childhood education careers including preschool, kindergarten, family education, and child advocacy. The program also supports those seeking professional credentials and endorsements in the field.

Specialisation

The course focuses on early childhood education with specializations in licensure for Birth to Grade 2, and offers endorsements such as ESL for PreK-12th Grade, Early Childhood Special Education (PreK only), and Illinois Gateways Credentials for levels 1-5 in Early Childhood and Infant Toddler.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

16.37L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To graduate, students need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, including a GPA of 2.5 in all General Education coursework and a GPA of 3.0 or better in all Professional Education and Teacher Specialization coursework. The program includes 49-52 hours of general education, 60 hours of professional coursework, and 18 hours of teacher specialization in ESL.

English language test

IELTS

DUOLINGO

PTE

TOEFL

Career prospects

Graduates can pursue careers as kindergarten, first or second-grade teachers, preschool or infant/toddler teachers, family or parent educators, child and family advocates, assessment and early intervention specialists, curriculum specialists, or education coordinators. Earning the degree also qualifies students for licensure, expanding their professional opportunities in various early childhood settings.

FAQs

What are the admission requirements?

Applicants need a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and must attain a GPA of 2.5 or better in all General Education coursework, along with a GPA of 3.0 or better in all Professional Education and Teacher Specialization coursework.

What certifications and endorsements will I earn?

Students earn a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), and endorsements including Early Childhood Endorsement (Birth to Grade 2), Early Childhood Special Education Approval (PreK only), ESL Endorsement (PreK-12th Grade), and Illinois Gateways Credentials levels 1-5 for Early Childhood and Infant Toddler.