At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
The Elementary and Early Childhood Education (CEAED) major prepares candidates to teach all content areas in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 4 (PK-4). Requirements for successful completion of the major include coursework specific to elementary and early childhood learning environments, child development, and field experiences in grades PK-4 classrooms, as well as content and teaching methods courses specific to teaching language and literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students who successfully complete this major will have met all coursework and field experience requirements for the PK-4 Instructional I Certificate issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). In addition, they will have been prepared for the appropriate PECT exams, which are the standardized assessment required by PDE for this certification.
What is Elementary and Early Childhood Education?
The Elementary and Early Childhood Education (EECE) major prepares teachers of children from birth through fourth grade. Students in this program explore progressive theories of teaching and learning; learn how to be professional educators in diverse school settings; and develop skills in educational leadership, inclusive education, and professional inquiry. Our program is distinct in the opportunities it offers to work in exceptional schools and other educative settings.
You Might Like This Program If...
You want to do the critically important work of teaching young children, and you recognize that being an educator is a learned profession that is both demanding and rewarding.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ELEMENTARY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Entrance to Major
Students must apply for admission to the major. Students interested in the major should contact their adviser and enroll in a CI 295 field experience, which features participation in the classroom.
Baccalaureate degree candidates must meet the following requirements 1-3 by the end of their third semester:
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00.
Requirements 3-8 must be met by the end of the fourth semester when students typically participate in the Entrance-to-Major process.
- A grade of "C" or better in all specified courses.
- Completion of an early field experience specified by the certification program.
- Completion of a core of Education courses specified by the certification program.
- Completion of additional credits as specified by the certification program.
- Completion of at least 48 semester credit hours, including ENGL 15 or ENGL 30H, six credits of quantification, and three credits of natural science and three credits of literature.
- Approval from the professional education adviser or the head of the pertinent certification program.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary & Early Childhood Education PK-4, a minimum of 127 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Requirements for the Major | 109-110 |
27 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 6 credits of GH courses, 9 credits of GN courses, 6 credits of GQ courses, 6 credits of GS.
Requirements for the Major
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| CI 280 | Introduction to Teaching English Language Learners  | 3 |
| CI 295A | Introductory Field Experience for Teacher Preparation | 3 |
| CI 495A | Clinical Application of Instruction - PK-4 | 3 |
| CI 495D | Practicum in Student Teaching--Childhood and Early Adolescent Education | 12 |
| CI 495F | Professional Development Practicum | 3 |
| ECE 451 | Instruction in Early Childhood Education Derived from Development Theories | 3 |
| ECE 479 | The Young Child's Play as Educative Processes | 3 |
| EDPSY 14 | Learning and Instruction | 3 |
| EDTHP 115 | Education in American Society | 3 |
| KINES 126 | The Health Program for the Elementary School Child | 1.5 |
| KINES 127 | The Physical Education Program for the Elementary School Child | 1.5 |
| LLED 400 | Teaching Literacy in Early Childhood | 3 |
| LLED 401 | Teaching Literacy in Elementary School | 3 |
| LLED 402 | Teaching Children's Literature | 3 |
| MATH 200 | Problem Solving in Mathematics | 3 |
| MTHED 420 | Teaching Mathematics In The Elementary Schools | 3 |
| MUSIC 241 | Music for Classroom Teachers | 3 |
| SCIED 458 | Teaching Science in the Elementary School | 3 |
| SPLED 400 | Inclusive Special Ed Foundations: Legal, Characteristics, Collaboration, Assessment, and Management | 4 |
| SPLED 403A | Evidence-Based Instruction for Elementary Students with Disabilities in Reading, Math, and Writin | 3 |
| SSED 430W | Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary Grades | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| AED 303 | The Visual Arts in the Elementary School | 3 |
| or CI 460 | The Creative Child | |
| HDFS 229 | Infant and Child Development | 3 |
| or EDPSY 11 | Educational Implications of Individual Differences in Childhood | |
| Select 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Analysis and Interpretation of Statistical Data in Education | ||
| Statistical Concepts and Reasoning | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Select any MATH course | 3 | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 3 credits of Economic Geography | 3 | |
| Select 3 credits in literature | 3 | |
| Select 3 credits of US History | 3 | |
| Select 9 credits: 3 credits each (including one course with a lab) from biological science, earth science, and physical science | 9 | |
| Select 3 credits of family and relationships from the following: | 3 | |
| parent Involvement in Home, Center, and Classroom Instruction | ||
| Family Development | ||
| Program Development in Family Relationships | ||
| Family Relationships | ||
| Family Development in an Economic Context | ||
| Family Disorganization: Stress Points in the Contemporary Family | ||
| Family Change in the Global Economy | ||
| Sociology of the Family | ||
| Language, Culture and the Classroom: Issues for Practitioners | ||
| Select 6 credits of educational selections from the following: | 6 | |
| Teaching English as a Second Language | ||
ECE/HDFS 454 | ||
| Sexual Identity over the Life Span | ||
| Observation or Experience with Children, Youth, and Families | ||
| Program Development in Family Relationships | ||
| Developmental Sport & Exercise Psychology | ||
| Infant Development | ||
| Advanced Child Development | ||
| Experience in Preschool Groups | ||
| Developmental Problems in Childhood and Adolescence | ||
| Content Area Reading | ||
| Children's Literature in the Classroom | ||
| Foundations of Language in Second Language Teaching | ||
| Evaluating Schools Performances and Programs with English Language Learners (ELLs) | ||
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
College of Education
Advising and Certification Center
228 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0488
ed@admissions.psu.edu
Abington
Rachael Eriksen Brown
Program Chair/Associate Professor
1600 Woodland Road
Abington PA, 19001
215-881-7802
reb37@psu.edu
Altoona
Stacey Corle
Assistant Teaching Professor of Education
Hawthorn Building 227
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5268
sac297@psu.edu
Berks
Jayne Leh
Associate Professor of Special Education
Gaige, 237
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6413
BKElemEarlyChEd@psu.edu
Erie
Jennifer Lane-Myler, Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor of Education
151 Kochel
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-7010
jal370@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).
Elementary and Early Childhood Education, B.S. at University Park Campus and Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15 or 30H*# | 3 | Math Selection† | 3 |
| MATH 200*#† | 3 | Earth Science Selection*†3 | 3 |
| Biological Science Selection*#†3 | 3 | U.S. History Selection*†4 | 3 |
| EDTHP 115*# | 3 | EDPSY 14*# | 3 |
| EDUC 100* | 1 | Literature Selection#†5 | 3 |
| Art Selection* | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Physical Science Selection*†3 | 3 | CI 295A*# | 3 |
| EDPSY 11 or HDFS 229*#† | 3 | CAS 100A*# | 3 |
| GEOG 30N, 123, or 126*† | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Arts Selection | 3 | Family and Relationships Selection*6 | 3 |
| STAT 100, 200, or EDPSY 101*#† | 3-4 | KINES 126 (or Health and Physical Education)*2 | 1.5 |
| CI 280*† | 3 | ECE 451* | 3 |
| 18-19 | 16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 202A or 202B* | 3 | LLED 400* | 3 |
| SPLED 400* | 4 | LLED 401* | 3 |
| KINES 127 (or Health and Physical Education)*2 | 1.5 | LLED 402* | 3 |
| Educational Selection*7 | 3 | CI 460 or AED 303* | 3 |
| Educational Selection*7 | 3 | MUSIC 241 or CI 497* | 1-9 |
| ECE 479* | 3 | ||
| 17.5 | 13-21 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTHED 420* | 3 | CI 495D*1 | 12 |
| SCIED 458* | 3 | CI 495F*1 | 3 |
| SSED 430W | 3 | ||
| CI 495A* | 3 | ||
| SPLED 403A* | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 126-135 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30H and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
- 1
No additional coursework permitted during Student Teaching. Student Teaching may be completed fall or spring semester.
- 2
May be used to fulfill GHW.
- 3
Biological Science, Earth Science and Physical Science Selections lists of acceptable courses available here.
- 4
U.S. History Selection list of acceptable courses available here.
- 5
Literature Selection list of acceptable courses available here.
- 6
Family and Relationships Selection list of acceptable courses available here.
- 7
Educational Selection list of acceptable courses available here.
Additional Notes:
- Must complete at least 3 cr. of United States (US) and 3 cr. of International Cultures (IL).
- ETM notes a course is required for entrance to major/certification program.
- All students must complete one lab course as indicated on the Natural Sciences (GN) Course Selection List.
- Summer study could reduce some of the credit loads above.
- Effective Fall 2012, all incoming Schreyer Honors College freshmen at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace both ENGL 030 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the college, ENGL/CAS 138T satisfies the first-year seminar requirement.
- Academic Advising Notes: The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through this curriculum. Please be sure to also use the curriculum checksheets and degree audits, as well as consult with an adviser about appropriate scheduling sequences, clearances for field experiences and Testing requirements. Advisers also can assist students in identifying coursework offered at Penn State in the SUMMER.
*MATH 200 and any 3 credits of GQ are accepted for ETM.
**Using KINES 126 and/or 127 for the GHW requirement will require 1.5-3 credits of additional electives.
Elementary and Early Childhood Education, B.S. at Abington Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15 or 30H*# | 3 | NUTR 251, KINES 61, or BBH 119 (GHW) | 3 |
| Mathematics Selection (GQ)*#2 | 3 | Literature Selection (GH ETM)*#†5 | 3 |
| Biological Science Selection (GN)*#†1 | 3-4 | Statistics (GQ)*#†2 | 3-4 |
| EDTHP 115*# | 3 | Earth Selection (GN)*#†1 | 3-4 |
| CAS 100A or 100B (GWS) | 3 | U.S. History Selection (GH)*6 | 3 |
| PSU 1 | 1 | The Praxis Core tests have been waived by Act 55 for all students entering the major by July 8, 2025. | |
| 16-17 | 15-17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HDFS 229 or EDPSY 11 (GS)*#† | 3 | EDPSY 14*# | 3 |
| Economic Geography (GEOG 30N)*† | 3 | CI 295A*# | 3 |
| Physical Science Selection | 3 | ECE 479 | 3 |
| MATH 200 or MTHED 197*#†2 | 3 | Family & Relationship Selection* | 3 |
| CI 280 or EDUC 466N | 3 | Education Selection*3 | 3 |
| Arts Selection (GA) | 3 | ENGL 202A or 202B (GWS) | 3 |
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| LLED 402* | 3 | LLED 400* | 3 |
| ECE 451 | 3 | CI 405* | 3 |
| SPLED 400* | 4 | CI 460* | 3 |
| Education Selection*3 | 3 | SPLED 403A* | 3 |
| Arts Selection (GA) | 3 | SSED 430W | 3 |
| Students should enter the major before the end of this semester. | Consider taking the PECT exams (required for certification). | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CI 495A (with Seminar)* | 3 | CI 495D (Student Teaching)* | 12 |
| LLED 401* | 3 | CI 495F (Seminar)* | 3 |
| MTHED 420* | 3 | Student Teaching Sequence is not optional. | |
| SCIED 458*4 | 3 | No additional courses can be taken this semester. | |
| Elective or whatever is missing (to meet total credits required) | 3 | Complete intent to graduate in Jan. | |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 128-131 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
- 1
At least one GN course must have a lab. Consult an adviser for more details. One GN course is needed for entrance to major (ETM).
- 2
MATH 200 and any 3 credits of GQ are accepted for entrance to major (ETM).
- 3
The SPLED minor or ESL cert should be completed by the end of Summer of the junior year.
- 4
All science selections must be met before enrolling in this course.
- 5
List of approved Literature selections: https://ed.psu.edu/academics/departments/department-curriculum-and-instruction/undergraduate-teacher-education-pk-12/elementary-early-childhood-education-bs-pk-4/suggested-courses
- 6
List of approved U.S. History selections: https://ed.psu.edu/academics/departments/department-curriculum-and-instruction/undergraduate-teacher-education-pk-12/elementary-early-childhood-education-bs-pk-4/suggested-courses
Elementary and Early Childhood Education, B.S. at Altoona Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15 or 30H*# | 3 | MTHED 200 or MATH 200*#† | 3 |
| EDTHP 115*# | 3 | Earth Science Selection*†2 | 3 |
| EDUC 100 | 1 | U.S. History Selection*†3 | 3 |
| Art Selection* | 3 | EDPSY 14*# | 3 |
| Biological Science Selection*#†2 | 3 | Literature Selection*#†4 | 3 |
| Math GQ Selection*† | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Physical Science Selection*†2 | 3 | CI 295A*# | 3 |
| EDPSY 11 or HDFS 229*#† | 3 | CAS 100A* | 3 |
| Social Studies Selection*† | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Arts Selection | 3 | Education Selection* | 3 |
| EDPSY 101, STAT 100, or STAT 200*#† | 3 | ECE 451* | 3 |
| CI 280*† | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 18 | 16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 202A or 202B* | 3 | CI 405* | 3 |
| SPLED 400* | 4 | CI 460* | 3 |
| Educational Selection*5 | 3 | LLED 400* | 3 |
| Educational Selection*5 | 3 | LLED 402* | 3 |
| ECE 453* | 3 | SPLED 403A* | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 17.5 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTHED 420* | 3 | CI 495D*1 | 12 |
| SCIED 458* | 3 | CI 495F*1 | 3 |
| SSED 430W* | 3 | ||
| CI 495A* | 3 | ||
| LLED 402* | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 128 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30H and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
- 1
No additional coursework permitted during Student Teaching. Student Teaching may be completed fall or spring semester.
- 2
Biological Science, Earth Science and Physical Science Selections lists of acceptable courses available here.
- 3
U.S. History Selection list of acceptable courses available here.
- 4
Literature Selection list of acceptable courses available here.
- 5
Educational Selection list of acceptable courses available here.
Additional Notes:
- Must complete at least 3 cr. of United States (US) and 3 cr. of International Cultures (IL).
- ETM notes a course is required for entrance to major/certification program.
- All students must complete one lab course as indicated on the Natural Sciences (GN) Course Selection List.
- Summer study could reduce some of the credit loads above.
- Effective Fall 2012, all incoming Schreyer Honors College freshmen at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry GWS designation and replace both ENGL 030 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits. At the discretion of the college, ENGL/CAS 138T satisfies the first-year seminar requirement.
- Academic Advising Notes: The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through this curriculum. Please be sure to also use the curriculum checksheets and degree audits, as well as consult with an adviser about appropriate scheduling sequences, clearances for field experiences and Testing requirements. Advisers also can assist students in identifying coursework offered at Penn State in the SUMMER.
*MTHED 200 and any 6 credits of GQ are required for ETM or MATH 200 and any 3 credits of GQ are required for ETM.
Elementary and Early Childhood Education, B.S. at Berks Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)*‡# | 3 | CAS 100A (GWS)‡ | 3 |
| MATH 200 (GQ)*‡# | 3 | MATH 201 (or General Education Course (GQ)) | 3 |
| EDTHP 115A*# | 3 | HDFS 229 (GS)*#† | 3 |
| General Education Course (GN)*# | 3 | EDPSY 14*# | 3 |
| General Education Course (GA) | 3 | Literature Selection*#† | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar | 1 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CI 295A*# | 3 | ENGL 202A or 202B (GWS)‡ | 3 |
| STAT 100 (GQ)*‡# | 3 | SOC 30* | 3 |
| GEOG 30N (GS)*† | 3 | General Education Course (GN) | 3 |
| SOC 205N* | 3 | General Education Course (GN) | 3 |
| U.S. History Selection* | 3 | General Education Course (GA) | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW)*† | 1.5 | ||
| 15 | 16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CI 280 (GH)*† | 3 | AED 303* | 3 |
| ECE 451* | 3 | LLED 400* | 3 |
| ECE 479* | 3 | LLED 401* | 3 |
| LLED 497* | 3 | LLED 402* | 3 |
| SPLED 400* | 4 | MUSIC 241* | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW)*† | 1.5 | SPLED 403A* | 3 |
| 17.5 | 18 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CI 495A* | 3 | CI 495D* | 12 |
| CI 405* | 3 | CI 495F* | 3 |
| MTHED 420* | 3 | ||
| SSED 430W (Course fulfills the Writing Across The Curriculum Requirement.) | 3 | ||
| SCIED 458* | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 128 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
- 1
The following courses are offered Fall Semester only: CI 280, 405, 495A, ECE 451, 479, KINES 126, LLED 497, MTHED 420, SPLED 400, SSED 430, SCIED 458.
- 2
The following courses are offered Spring Semester only: AED 303, CI 495D, 495F, ENGL 202B, LLED 400, 401, 402, MATH 201, MUSIC 241, KINES 127, SPLED 403A.
- 3
For General Education Course (GN), students must complete one (1) to satisfy Entrance-to-Major requirements. Additionally, students must choose one (1) from each of the following areas: Biological, Earth, and Physical. One (1) of these courses must include a lab. Consult the following list: https://ed.psu.edu/academics/departments/department-curriculum-and-instruction/undergraduate-teacher-education-pk-12/elementary-early-childhood-education-bs-pk-4/suggested-courses
- 4
For Literature Selection, consult the following list: https://ed.psu.edu/academics/departments/department-curriculum-and-instruction/undergraduate-teacher-education-pk-12/elementary-early-childhood-education-bs-pk-4/suggested-courses
- 5
For United States History Selection, consult the following list: https://ed.psu.edu/academics/departments/department-curriculum-and-instruction/undergraduate-teacher-education-pk-12/elementary-early-childhood-education-bs-pk-4/suggested-courses
- 6
Students who want to enter this teacher certification program must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.00 by the end of the third (3rd) semester and pass three (3) PECT-PAPA exams in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics by the end of the third (3rd) semester in addition to the Entrance-to-Major requirements listed above. Consult adviser for details.
- 7
Courses listed in Semester 6, Semester 7, and Semester 8 must be taken together during the same semester. Consult adviser for details.
Elementary and Early Childhood Education, B.S. at Erie Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EDUC 100 | 1 | CI 280* | 3 |
| EDTHP 115A (or spring)*# | 3 | MATH 201 (or MATH)*#† | 3 |
| U.S. History Selection* | 3 | Literature Selection*# | 3 |
| HDFS 229*#† | 3 | Natural Science with Lab (Earth)*† | 3 |
| MATH 200*#† | 3 | ENGL 15*#† | 3 |
| EDPSY 14*# | 3 | Education Selection (3 credits fall or spring)* | 0-3 |
| 16 | 15-18 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CAS 100A*† | 3 | CI 295A*#† | 3 |
| GEOG 30N or 126*† | 3 | EDPSY 101 or STAT 200*#† | 3-4 |
| Family & Relationships Selection (ECE 453 or SOC 30)*† | 3 | SPLED 461 (or Education Selection)* | 3 |
| Natural Science (Physical) | 3 | ENGL 202A or 202B*† | 3 |
| RHS 100 (minor) or Education Selection* | 3 | KINES 127 (Health and Wellness)* | 1.5 |
| CSD 146 (minor) or Education Selection* | 0-3 | Arts Selection | 3 |
| 15-18 | 16.5-17.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CI 460* | 3 | SPLED 403A* | 3 |
| ECE 479* | 3 | LLED 402* | 3 |
| LLED 400* | 3 | ECE 451* | 3 |
| SPLED 400* | 4 | SSED 430W* | 3 |
| KINES 126 (Health and Wellness)* | 1.5 | Natural Science (Biological) | 3 |
| SPLED 419 (minor) or Education Selection (fall or spring)* | 0-3 | ||
| 14.5-17.5 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CI 495A* | 3 | CI 495D* | 12 |
| MTHED 420* | 3 | CI 495F* | 3 |
| SCIED 458* | 3 | ||
| LLED 401* | 3 | ||
| CI 405* | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 122-132 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30H and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Additional Notes:
- All students are required to take two Education selections of their choice. These may be as a minor or can be their selection.
Career Paths
Education is a profession and all teachers are expected to continue studying and developing new skills throughout their careers. In most U.S. states, teacher certification is a multi-stage process, with graduate study beyond a bachelor’s degree expected early in a teacher’s career. Graduates of this program who work in public schools usually go on to earn a master’s degree, and often use those studies to earn additional credentials in areas like counseling, reading, teaching English learners, or special education. Graduates who work in early childhood education or nonformal settings also have the option of earning advanced degrees, and, as with public school teachers, have access to continuing education (CE) through school intermediate units, museums, and other nonprofits, and web-mediated CE systems. Alumni who wish to continue their studies at the graduate level through Penn State can do so at University Park and through the University’s World Campus.
Careers
In addition to resources such as the College’s Advising and Certification Center and Penn State Career Services, the University hosts large education career fairs in both the fall and spring semesters, which bring recruiters to campus from throughout Pennsylvania and the United States.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
Accreditation
The College of Education educator preparation programs are fully accredited at the Initial and Advanced levels by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The next CAEP program review will be Fall 2026. CAEP advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ACCREDITATION OF THE ELEMENTARY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM
Professional Licensure/Certification
Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.
Contact
University Park
ADVISING AND CERTIFICATION CENTER
228 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0488
ara10@psu.edu
Abington
DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7802
reb37@psu.edu
https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/majors-at-abington/early-education
Altoona
DIVISION OF EDUCATION, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Hawthorn Building 225
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5594
kae116@psu.edu
https://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/elementary-early-childhood-education
Berks
HUMANITIES, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Gaige Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6413
BKElemEarlyChEd@psu.edu
https://berks.psu.edu/academics/bs-elementary-and-early-childhood-education
Erie
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
170 Kochel
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6108
HSSOffice@psu.edu
https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-humanities-social-sciences