University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

What you'll study

Coursework integrates content across culturally responsive practice, strategies for inclusion, trauma-sensitive care, learning through play, and developmentally appropriate practices. The program includes intensive field residencies and supervised distance-education methods to connect classroom learning with real-world inclusive early childhood settings.

Entry requirements

Students must complete at least 120 credit hours with a cumulative CU GPA of 2.5. At least 45 credits must be upper-division (3000+). All upper-division IECE courses must be completed with a minimum grade of B-. All 3000- and 4000-level IECE courses and field placement courses must be completed as a student at UCCS. Courses numbered below 1000 do not count toward the degree. For licensure recommendation, candidates must demonstrate content competency per Colorado Department of Education policy through Praxis exams or approved Multiple Measures of Content Competency (MMCC) and provide proof of CDE approval when using MMCC.

Career prospects

Completers are prepared for roles as early childhood classroom teachers (birth–3rd grade), early childhood special educators (birth–3rd grade), and child care center directors, reflecting the program’s licensure and director-qualification outcomes.

Scholarships & funding angle

The university provides standard tuition, financial aid and scholarship resources; prospective students should consult UCCS Admissions and the listed tuition and financial-aid tools to estimate costs and identify scholarship opportunities.