• Course Delivery
    100% Online
  • Total Credits
    21
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit
    $332.44
  • Out of State Tuition Per Credit
    $491.08

Early Childhood Education

Graduate Certificate

Early childhood education is a broad term that encompasses any type of educational program that serves children in their preschool years from birth to age 8. It includes a range of activities designed to aid in the cognitive, physical, language, and social development of children before they enter elementary school.

The IU Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Development is open to students from numerous professional or academic backgrounds who desire to gain a documented concentration in teaching in early childhood environments. The curriculum is designed to examine the components essential to effective early childhood programs, and to explore practical, research-based strategies for creating environments where all children and families can thrive and grow.

Your IU Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Development prepares you for such careers as:

  • Childcare staff  
  • Childcare teacher
  • Family childcare provider
  • Preschool teacher
  • Head start and early head start staff 
  • Program director
  • Special educator
  • Early intervention specialist
  • Child development associate

Certificate Requirements

To earn the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education, you must complete a minimum of 21 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • Early childhood education core courses (18 credit hours) 
  • Internship in elementary/early childhood education (3-6 credit hours) 

NOTE: This program does not lead to an initial teacher license. This program only adds early childhood to an existing teaching license.

Admissions

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

  1. A bachelor's degree
  2. 2.7 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states.


To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes:

  • Transcripts
  • Personal statement
Application Deadlines

Rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.

Courses

Core
EDUC-E 505Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Education3 Credits
EDUC-E 506Curriculum in Early Childhood3 Credits
EDUC-E 507Evaluation of Classroom Behavior3 Credits
EDUC-E 508Seminar in Early Childhood Education3 Credits
EDUC-E 509Internship in Elementary/Early Childhood Education3 Credits
EDUC-E 525Advanced Curriculum study in Early Childhood Education3 Credits
EDUC-E 555Human Diversity in Education3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Tuition & Fees

Cost for Indiana Residents

  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $332.44
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $997.32

Note: Additional fees will apply. This program is ineligible for financial aid.

Cost for Out of State Residents
  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $491.08
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $1473.24

In accordance with Federal Financial Aid requirements, IU has calculated a “Cost of Attendance” for this program based on the most common enrollments from students who are enrolled full time for the academic year. We’re showing you the estimated cost of attendance for the full 2023–24 academic year (fall and spring semesters). Cut these numbers in half to figure out the cost of a single semester. Your actual costs for housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses will vary based on:

• The number of credit hours you take
• Whether you’re an Indiana resident
• Your personal choices
• Your travel habits

Your cost of attendance may differ from these estimates.

Full time Students

Part time Students

Direct Costs:

 

Tuition & Mandatory Fees

Indiana Residents

$332.44 per credit hour

Non-residents

$491.08 per credit hour

Direct Costs:

 

Tuition & Mandatory Fees

Indiana Residents

$332.44 per credit hour

Non-residents

$491.08 per credit hour

Indirect Costs:

 

Food & Housing    $10,244

Books & Supplies    $460

Transportation    $2350

Personal Expenses    $2200

Indirect Costs:

 

Food & Housing    $10,244

Books & Supplies    $184

Transportation    $2350

Personal Expenses    $2200

 

If you would like a more detailed estimate of expenses, please use IU's Tuition and Fee Calculator.

IU Tuition & Fee Calculator

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