Academics

Bachelors
Children playing and hugging teacher.

Family and Child Major

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (On Campus)

Ball State's family and child major will prepare you to make a lasting difference in the lives of families and children. As a student, you will pick from four closely related concentrations in child life, early care, early intervention, and family science. Learn more.

A student working with a young child.

Early Childhood Education Major (Licensure)

bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (On Campus)

Prepare to teach young children (birth through 3rd grade). You will gain a strong foundation in child development theory and research and developmentally appropriate methodology. You may also earn a dual major with special education. Learn more.

Teacher in training with a young child in an early childhood teaching practicum session

Early Childhood Education Major (Non-Licensure)

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (ONLINE)

The online Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education (non-licensure) deepens your knowledge of child development (birth to age 5) for careers outside of the traditional classroom teaching K-primary grades. You'll gain skills to work in childcare settings such as preschool programs, registered ministries, licensed child care centers, licensed family childcare homes, Early Head Start, and Head Start. In addition, when adding the Minor in Family Engagement, choosing nine unique credits to complete the degree, you will gain competencies to work in family support programs, and more through our flexible online, asynchronous format. Learn More

School children sitting on the floor doing their work

Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education Dual Major

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (On Campus)

Get the skills you need to work with all children including those with special needs and disabilities in a preschool or school settings, K-3rdgrade. Graduates with an extended knowledge base in this dual major are in high demand. Learn more.

Minor in Early Intervention
 

Minor in Early Intervention

With a minor in early intervention from Ball State, you will be prepared to work with young children who have developmental delays or disabilities and may require mild interventions qualifying students to meet the Indiana First Steps educational requirements to become a developmental therapist working with children birth through age 3.This minor compliments the Early Childhood Education (non-licensure) major and other majors in human services. Learn more.

Two Ball State students look at a child's book.

Minor in Family Engagement

Whether you plan to work with young children, youth, or adults of any age, understanding and drawing upon the power of family dynamics can enhance your efforts to improve the lives of individuals and families. Learn more.

 Teacher in training with a young child in an early childhood teaching practicum session

Minor in Infant and Toddler Specialization

Acquire the skills and knowledge you need to work with and serve our youngest children. This program covers broad topics related to child care and development. Learn more.

Toddlers blowing bubbles with teacher.

Undergraduat Certificate in Infant and Toddler Specialization 

Online

Earn a specialized credential for working with children three and younger with our infant and toddler undergraduate certificate. Learn more.
Administration professionals walking together.

Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Program Administration

Online

Step up from a role as a teacher in an early childhood program to that of a leader with our all-online graduate certificate in early childhood administration. Learn more.

Two teachers working with students

Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Master Teacher

Online

Gain the skills and strategies you need to be a mentor-teacher with our all-online early childhood education master teacher graduate certificate. Learn more.

Graduate Programs in Education with an Early Childhood Focus

Specialize in early childhood as part of the Master of Arts in Education in Elementary Education, the EdD in Elementary Education, or the PhD in Elementary Education.

Soanirina DeJong holding a child in an early childhood classroom

Transition to Teaching Program

The Early Childhood Transition to Teaching program certifies students who have degrees in other majors to teach in early childhood or kindergarten/primary classroom settings. By completing the program and passing state-mandated licensing tests, students will be qualified to teach elementary children with an Indiana teaching license in preK - 3rd grade. Learn More.