The Early Childhood and Elementary Education (ECEE) program prepares teacher candidates to work with children ages 3 to grade 5. The program aligns to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation's K-6 standards and is also guided by recommendations from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Upon successful completion of the EdTPA and Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) exams, the program grants initial licensure for preschool-grade 5. The program provides intensive and sustained clinical experiences that are paired with integrative coursework with emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices, inclusive environments, and critical pedagogy.

Ohio University offers the Bachelor of Early Childhood and Elementary Education as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Athens, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for early childhood and elementary education and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 22, 2027.
About Bachelor of Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Ohio University
Entry Requirements
- Earn at least 30 hours and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Complete EDTE 1000 and ECEE 1600 with a "C" or better grade in each
- Complete ENG 1510 with a "C" or better grade
- Complete HIST 2010, HIST 2000, or POLS 1010 with a "C" or better grade
- Complete one math requirement, taking MATH 1101 or Math 1102 with a "C" or better grade
- Complete two of three science courses, a minimum of one with a lab with a "C" or better grade from the approved courses listed on your DARS
AA1106 Child Development & Early Childhood and Elementary Education Pre-Major
If your major is AA1106 Child Development, your academic advisor may sign a permission slip to enroll you in a course that is required for AA1106 and has the prerequisite of Admission to Teacher Candidacy.
If your major code is ND8929 Pre-Early Childhood & Elementary Education, your academic advisor may NOT sign a permission slip for courses that have the prerequisite of Admission to Teacher Candidacy. You must first have been admitted to Teacher Candidacy.
Admission to the Pre-Primary Internship
Admission to Advanced Standing
Candidates must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75, as well as a 2.75 GPA in each teaching field for which licensure is sought to continue to take education courses numbered 3000 or above. Methods courses can be taken no more than twice. Failure to obtain a satisfactory grade can result in dismissal from the program. Generally, candidates apply for Advanced Standing in Teacher Candidacy at the end of the second semester of the sophomore year.
These requirements are subject to change.
- 60 hours
- 2.75 cumulative GPA
- 2.75 GPA in teaching field
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6
- TOEFLMin 68
English Program Requirements
- Provide a recent TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score. See minimum requirements below. IELTS reports should be sent directly from the testing agency. TOEFL results should be sent electronically directly from the testing agency (school code 1593). Duolingo English Test results can be shared online with Ohio University once your test has been certified.
English Proficiency Minimum Score Requirements
TOEFL Paper: 520 (composition score of 5)
TOEFL Internet (IBT): 68 (writing subscore of 17)
IELTS: 6.0 (no sub-score below 5.5)
Duolingo English Test: 95 -
Complete at least three years in a high school in an English-speaking system, including three years of high school English (not ESL) courses with a grade of B or better.
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Submit an ACT composite score of 21 with 21 ACT English and 21 ACT Reading subscores.
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Submit a 1060 SAT Total with 540 SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing subscore.
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Have completed the equivalent of Ohio University's English 1510: Writing and Rhetoric I (Freshman Composition) with a grade of C or better. Course equivalency will be determined during the application process.
Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Early Childhood and Elementary Education
The program provides teacher licensure for children age 3 to grade 5. Graduates are licensed to teach in public and private preschool and elementary settings. The program is accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and licensure can be transferred to other states that have reciprocity with the Ohio Department of Education.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Ohio University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Ohio University
- Application form
- USD $70 international application processing fee
- Academic records from every secondary/post-secondary institution you have attended, with a certified or attested translation if the original document is not in English. Unofficial academic records may be submitted via email to [email protected] to receive an admissions decision. Official academic records must be provided upon arrival to campus, before the first day of classes, or sent by mail in envelopes sealed and stamped by one of the following:
- Your school or university
- Ministry of Education of your home country
- EducationUSA or related binational organization
Please note: We cannot accept scanned or faxed copies as official results. Official academic records must be submitted by mail, as previously noted, to:
Undergraduate Admissions
Chubb Hall 120
1 Ohio University
Athens OH 45701 - USA
- Official proof of English proficiency, if available. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams should be taken within the last 12 months.
- Proof of citizenship: a copy of your passport information page.
- Evidence of sufficient funding to support your educational and living expenses for a 9-month period. Learn more about the necessary amount on our Costs & Aid page. Your financial documentation must include:
- A letter from your sponsor confirming the amount of funding that will be provided and stating your relationship to the sponsor (a PDF sample sponsor form is available but not required) and a letter or statement from your sponsor's bank confirming that the funding is available in an accessible account. The name on the bank document must match the sponsor letter and must be written in English.
- If you will receive a government or other external scholarship, please provide proof of nomination of the award with your application packet.
- Optional materials can be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions via postal mail or by emailing [email protected]. Optional materials may include:
- Standardized test scores, if applicable. Ohio University has adopted a test-optional pathway for freshman applicants to the Athens campus. If you choose to submit standardized test scores, they must be submitted directly from the testing agency: SAT (school code 1593) or ACT (school code 3314). Ohio University considers the Evidenced-based Reading and Writing scores from the SAT.
- Essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Lists of extra-curricular interests and activities
United States of America, Athens