Ohio State University Early & Middle Childhood Education

OhioState UniversityEarly & Middle Childhood Education (EMCE) Pre-Licensure

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Undergraduate students who seek teacher licensure in Early Childhood Education or Middle Childhood Education should first complete an undergraduate degree and then apply to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in their field of interest. All admissions at the graduate level are selective.

An undergraduate early and middle childhood education pre-licensure program is available through the Ohio State regional campuses. This program prepares students for application to the master’s program for teacher licensure in early childhood (pre-K through grade 3) or middle childhood (grades 4-9).

On the Columbus campus, students interested in early and middle childhood education should first complete a baccalaureate degree in a major of their choice, and then apply to the M.Ed. licensure program in early or middle childhood education. Majors such as English, math, science, psychology, or early childhood development and education are recommended.

Pursuing Early & Middle Childhood Education (EMCE) Pre-Licensure Program at Ohio State

High school students interested in early and middle childhood education should complete a college preparatory program and have good written and oral communication skills. Leadership activities and experiences working with children are helpful.

To be considered for the early and middle education pre-licensure program, students must have completed 65 quarter hours with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA and have a grade of C- or higher in the following: First-Year English Composition, Math 105 or higher, General Psychology, two courses in laboratory sciences, Speech, and satisfactory completion of Introductory Experience in a School System.

Early & Middle Childhood Education (EMCE) Pre-Licensure Requirements

In addition to the GEC requirements, students will complete credit hours in communication, mathematics, and social sciences; introductory education courses; and two areas of concentration chosen from early childhood education, mathematics, reading and language arts, science, or social studies. A minimum of 196 quarter hours, an overall GPA of 2.0, and a GPA of 2.5 in each area of concentration are required for graduation.

Students who intend to pursue the Master’s of Education licensure program must maintain a 3.0 or better point-hour ratio overall as well as a 2.7 in their areas of concentration, complete the Graduate Record Exam, and apply for admission to the Graduate School. In addition to successfully completing the graduate program, candidates for teacher licensure must pass the PRAXIS National Teachers Exam.

Co-Curricular Opportunities

OhioStateoffers many opportunities for students to learn and grow outside of the classroom. These range from cooperative education (co-op) and internships to study abroad programs to student organizations. Co-ops and internships place students in professional environments while they are Ohio State students. Ohio State offers more than 100 study abroad programs in 40 countries around the world. In addition, there are hundreds of student organizations on campus to meet the interests of a diverse student population.

These experiences enable students to gain valuable work experience, learn about different cultures, and take on leadership roles before they enter the workforce. All of these experiences enhance learning and may provide an advantage in the job market.

Honors & Scholars Opportunities

OhioStateoffers the Honors & Scholars programs to create an environment of intellectual support and stimulation within a close-knit community of high-ability undergraduate students. Through these programs, students have access to smaller classes, undergraduate research opportunities, close working relationships with faculty, priority scheduling, and unique housing options.

Honors & Scholars programs represent great opportunities to be part of a smaller community within a large university. Good candidates for these programs are invited to apply upon admission to the university. For more information about these opportunities, refer to the Honors & Scholars web site at honors-scholars.osu.edu.

Career Prospects in Early & Middle Childhood Education (EMCE)

Students who complete the early and middle childhood education pre-licensure program receive a Bachelor of Science degree in education. They are eligible for a variety of positions in child care and social service organizations.

Students who complete the master’s degree program with teacher licensure are eligible for early or middle childhood teaching positions in public and private schools.

Average salaries in the continental United States for beginning early and middle childhood education teachers at the master’s degree level range from $24,000 to $42,000.

Curriculum Sample

This is a sample list of classes a student take to pursue the early and middle childhood education (EMCE) pre-licensure major. Since university students need more than specific education in a narrow field, they also take classes to complete the General Education Curriculum (GEC). The GEC allows students to develop the fundamental skills essential to collegiate success across major programs. Course work options satisfying the GEC often come from a variety of academic areas of study allowing students to tailor their GEC toward their interests. Note: This sample represents one of several possible paths to a degree in early and middle childhood education (EMCE) pre-licensure major. Consult the departmental web site, coe.ohio-state.edu/edtl, for details.

Freshman Year:

Education Survey 1

First-Year English Composition 5

Mathematics Concepts for Teachers 5

Introductory Field Experience 8

Introductory Sociology 5

GEC (history sequence) 10

GEC (arts and humanities) 5

GEC (social science) 5

GEC (math) 5

Total hours 49

Sophomore Year: