Northwestern College of Iowa

What you'll study

The curriculum builds competency in core early childhood topics rather than licensure coursework. Program learning areas named in the course materials include:

• Child development across the early years
• Behavior and classroom/child guidance strategies
• Assessment practices for young children
• Early childhood policy and systems
• Designing impactful learning experiences and supporting diverse learner needs
• Collaboration with families and co‑teachers

Entry requirements

Admissions are rolling with no application fee. Required items and conditions stated on the program page are:

• Official transcripts showing an associate (AA, AS, AAS) or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; send to the Graduate & Professional Studies office as directed
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.25 on a 4.0 scale; applicants below 2.25 may be considered for conditional admission
• Successful completion of a background check prior to program admittance
• Note: students with an AAS may not meet NWCore and could require additional credits; consult an enrollment counselor and the registrar for transfer evaluation

Career prospects

Graduates are described as being prepared for roles in Head Start programs, childcare centers, preschools, before/after school programs, and regional or state education agencies (for example AEAs or IAAEYC). The degree supports advancement in early care and education settings rather than initial K–12 licensure placement; Northwestern also advertises a separate B.A. in Early Childhood + Licensure pathway for those who want a teaching license.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Program materials note a listed cost of $370 per credit and point to scholarship and grant opportunities. Students in Iowa may be eligible for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship, which can cover a substantial portion of tuition, textbooks and related supports, and for the Child Care WAGE$ salary supplement program administered by IAEYC. Northwestern maintains partnerships with multiple Iowa community colleges to facilitate transfer and may advise applicants about funding options.