School of Education · Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's in Elementary/Early Childhood Education

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Program Overview

Nurture Today, Shape Tomorrow

Maryville University's Bachelor's in Elementary/Early Childhood Education prepares future teachers for dual certification in elementary education (grades 1–6) and early childhood education (birth–grade 3). Through classroom instruction and extensive field experiences, you'll develop the knowledge and practical skills to help young learners build strong academic and social foundations.

What sets the program apart

    • Prepare for certification in early childhood education, birth through grade 3, and elementary education, grades 1–6.
    • Begin gaining experience in schools early in the program through observations, practicums and classroom placements.
    • Spend eight hours each week in an assigned classroom during sophomore practicum experiences.
    • Learn in multiple school settings through partnerships with diverse St. Louis-area school districts.

Early Childhood Education | Maryville University

 
(upbeat music) I'm Mary Lou Farb. I teach early childhood education at Maryville University. If you come to our program and complete our program in early childhood education, you will be in a position to teach in the classroom children between birth and third grade. Early childhood education focuses attention on the very very youngest of our children in the classrooms, those that come in as preschoolers through about third grade. The focus of the classes that you would take as an early childhood student would be related to the social-emotional development of children, the cognitive development of children, of young children, as well as the physical development of young children. In addition to focusing a lot of our coursework and content on the child, since it is an early childhood degree, you will be working a lot with the parents. So we do have courses that focus on how to work with parents of early childhood students. If you're interested in pursuing a degree in early childhood education, I would love to speak with you about your interest and help you answer any questions you might have.
Why Maryville

Why students choose Maryville for Elementary/Early Childhood Education?

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

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We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
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Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Elementary and early childhood educators play an essential role in helping children develop academically, socially, and emotionally during their most formative years.

Maryville's dual-certification program prepares graduates for careers teaching children from birth through elementary school while providing extensive classroom experience before graduation.

Career Paths

Create developmentally appropriate lessons and learning experiences for children from birth through the early elementary years.
Teach foundational subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies to students in elementary grades.
Introduce young students to core academic concepts while supporting their social, emotional and physical development.
Educate and care for children before kindergarten through play, exploration and structured learning activities.
Coordinate curriculum, classroom activities and family engagement initiatives for early childhood education programs.
Lead an early childhood or childcare program by supervising staff, coordinating activities and overseeing daily operations.
103,800Annual Job Openings

About 103,800 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, from 2024 through 2034.

$62,310Median Salary

Median annual wage reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for kindergarten and elementary school teachers (except special education).*

*Source: Career statistics are based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers (2024–2034 projections). These figures represent nationwide labor market data for the occupation and are not specific to Maryville University graduates, Missouri employment, or guaranteed individual outcomes.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Elementary/Early Childhood Education program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The program prepares students for dual certification in Elementary Education (grades 1–6) and Early Childhood Education (birth–grade 3).
Students begin practicum experiences during their sophomore year, spending approximately eight hours each week in a classroom.
Students complete placements in at least three different school settings.
Partner districts include Parkway, Ritenour, Lindbergh, Hazelwood, and Kirkwood School Districts.
Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Graduates can pursue roles such as early childhood teacher, kindergarten teacher, elementary school teacher, preschool teacher or early learning program coordinator. Public school teaching positions generally require state certification or licensure.