The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Early Care and Early Childhood Studies, Bachelor of Science

Program Overview

To prepare highly skilled professionals to assume roles and positions in teaching, research, educational leadership, and human development to contribute to the educational achievement of all young children ages birth - 8 years in early childhood settings.

Admission requirements for this program beyond university admission requirements. 

  • Students must complete an application with the Department of Human Development and School Services and a criminal background check.

Progression requirements for this program.

  • A GPA of 2.5 is required for progression.

Specific graduation requirements for this program beyond university bachelor’s degree requirements. 

  • An overall GPA of 2.5 is required for graduation.

 

Core Curriculum – 42 hours

The Core Curriculum serves as a broad foundation for the undergraduate degree. All candidates for a bachelor’s degree must achieve core student learning outcomes, including communication, critical thinking, empirical and quantitative skills, teamwork, personal responsibility and social responsibility, by completing courses within each category or component area of the Core Curriculum as outlined below.

The University has approved specific courses that satisfy Core Curriculum Requirements. Approved courses can be found on the Core Curriculum Page. Students seeking the most efficient way to complete the core curriculum and major or minor requirements are advised to take approved courses that can fulfill both requirements. Although core curriculum courses can also be used to fulfill major or minor requirements, earned credits hours are only applied once.

Major Requirements - 45 hours

Required Courses - 30 hours

ECED 3307Knowledge & Skills of Preschool Teachers: Profession, Standard, & Ethics

3

ECED 3310Quality Programs for Infants & Toddlers

3

ECED 4312Administration of Child Development Centers

3

ECED 4314Dynamics of Play and Play Environments in Childhood

3

ECED 4315Linguistically-Diverse Early Childhood Students

3

ECED 4391Foundations of Early Childhood Education

3

ECED 4392Guidance of Young Children

3

ECED 4394Principles of Curriculum Design in Early Childhood

3

ECED 4395Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math for Young Children

3

ECED 4380Field Experience Childhood Settings

3

Early Care and Early Childhood Studies Specialization - 15 hours

SPED 3390Introduction to Exceptional Children

3

SPED 4310Inclusion and Differentiated Instruction in Special Education

3

SPED 4395Special Education Practicum in Behavior Techniques

3

EDCI 3331Human Development and Student Learning

3

EPSY 3332Working with Families

3

 

Free Electives – 33 hours

Students should consult with their faculty advisor for free elective options.

Advanced Minimum Credit Hours: 42

Total Credit Hours: 120