Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education is perfect for students dedicated to nurturing the development and learning of young children. This program equips students with expertise in child development, inclusive teaching strategies, and family engagement.
Program Overview
The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education degree prepares you to work with children, both with and without disabilities, from birth through age five in various settings such as First Steps, publicly funded Pre-K, Head Start, and kindergarten. You will learn to:
- Develop age-appropriate lesson plans
- Assess child behavior
- Plan and monitor interventions, and assist families
- Consider all aspects of a child’s environment, including home, school, and neighborhood
The program offers extensive field experiences, including hands-on work in the Early Childhood Lab on campus and other settings. Students gain experience through classroom observations, community outreach, and school visits, ensuring you graduate with proven teaching skills and valuable connections in the field.
The program offers two tracks: one that leads to teacher certification, preparing students to teach in public preschool and kindergarten settings, and a non-certification track designed for those who wish to work with children in a variety of early childhood settings outside of the public school system.
Our Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), recognizing our commitment to high standards in teacher preparation. This accreditation assures prospective students that our program meets rigorous benchmarks for quality, continuous improvement, and positive impact in the field of education.
Related Careers
- Pre-Primary Teacher
- Preschool Teacher
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Early Childhood Special Education Provider
- Head Start Teacher
- Program Director
- Day Care
- Positions in State and Local Government Agencies
- Early Childhood Trainor & Technical Assistance Provider
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
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What You'll Learn
The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education program prepares students to support the growth and development of young children. Coursework emphasizes child development, early literacy and numeracy, inclusive practices, family engagement, and hands-on experience in diverse learning environments.
Below is a template that outlines the typical course progression for this major. Actual progression may vary based on factors such as AP/IB credits, dual enrollment, transfer credits, and individual academic readiness. A College of Education academic advisor will help develop a path to graduation that is best suited for you. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View PathwaysAdmission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2025
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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