BA in Education of Young Children, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina

48 Months

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About this course

The Education of Young Children, B.A. program at UNCW offers aspiring early childhood educators a comprehensive curriculum that combines strong theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience. This program prepares students to work with children from birth through kindergarten, emphasizing evidence-based practices and creating responsive learning environments tailored to children and families' individual needs. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and opportunities for hands-on learning through real-time courses, supervised lab settings, and community partnerships. With nearly 25 years of history in educating early childhood professionals in Southeastern North Carolina, the program is designed for current and aspiring educators, including high school graduates, paraprofessionals, and practicing teachers seeking licensure. The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary elements from psychology, sociology, special education, and social work to broaden career possibilities within early childhood education.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is ideal for those passionate about early childhood development and education. It offers a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and strong university-school partnerships, ensuring students are well-prepared for a variety of roles in the early childhood field. The program’s emphasis on current evidence-based methods, small class sizes for personalized attention, and practical field experience at sites like SEA-Tech make it a standout choice. Additionally, students benefit from ongoing support through professional development opportunities, community engagement, and a supportive campus environment that many describe as feeling like family. Graduates often find themselves in high-demand roles in public and private settings, making it a great foundation for a meaningful career.

Specialisation

The program focuses explicitly on early childhood education, guiding students to become preschool teachers, kindergarten teachers, childcare directors, parent educators, resource specialists, and other early childhood professionals. It develops skills necessary for fostering developmentally appropriate practices and promoting healthy, inclusive, and adaptive learning environments for children under five years old.

Course fees

Application fees

17.73L

1st year tuition fees

17.73L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Details about specific degree requirements are not provided in the input, but the program curriculum includes courses such as Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Play and Creative Arts, Psychology of Infancy and Early Childhood, and Field Experiences in Kindergarten and Special Education, among others. Students typically engage in extensive fieldwork, classroom learning, and interdisciplinary coursework as part of their degree.

English language test

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

105

Career prospects

Graduates from this program have a variety of career options including preschool teachers in both public and private schools, kindergarten teachers, childcare directors, parent educators, resources and referral specialists, early childhood consultants, child life specialists, and early intervention specialists. These roles encompass direct teaching, program leadership, family support, and community outreach, providing ample opportunities for meaningful work within the early childhood education sector.

FAQs

How do I apply for the program?

Admission to UNCW is a two-step process involving applying to the university first and then applying to the Watson College of Education during your sophomore or junior year. Transfer students can apply during their first or second semester at UNCW.

What opportunities exist beyond classroom learning?

Students can participate in the Education Learning Community, join student organizations like Watson Student Leaders, engage in international study abroad programs, and take part in community service, all designed to enhance their educational experience and leadership skills.