Those who graduate in early childhood education are qualified to teach in preschool settings and are can become licensed to teach kindergarten through third grade. All students gain a broad knowledge in early childhood education subjects and then choose an emphasis to study more thoroughly. Students may choose more than one emphasis, but only one is required.
Students are also required to participate in practicums and field experiences. Utah States program in early childhood education is unique in that students have the opportunity to work with children starting their first year in the program rather than waiting until their junior year, which is typical at other universities. By the time students graduate, they will have spent more than 600 hours in eight different practicum experiences.
USU's Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services is ranked 10th in the nation among colleges of education in external research dollars.
Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.