Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education (BS)
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
Program Overview
Are you passionate about early childhood education? Get your online Bachelor of Science in Education and work with children ages birth through kindergarten (B-K.)
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers a fully online bachelor's degree program with licensure pathways as well as a non-licensure track. Grounded in evidence-based practices, the program emphasizes child-centered curriculum development, high-quality instructional materials, technology integration, and assessments. It prepares educators to work with diverse families and communities, viewing diversity as a valuable opportunity to enrich educational experiences.
Credit Hours
120
Cost Per Credit Hour*
In-State $490
Out-of-State $565
Modality
Asynchronous & Synchronous
Field Experience
Required
*Cost per credit hour is an estimate based on maintenance and university fees. Some programs may have additional course fees. Please contact your department for additional information on any related fees, and visit Tuition and Fees in Detail at One Stop.
Fulfill Your Passion and Work in Early Childhood Education
Licensure Pathway
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Integrated Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) is a fully online teacher licensure program with three pathways and a non-licensure concentration. The ECE program prepares early education practitioners for success in today’s classrooms by developing educators who demonstrate expertise in child-centered education applicable to children with and without disabilities from birth through kindergarten.
Non-licensure Pathway
The Early Care and Education non-licensure track is designed for those who want to work in early care for children but not as licensed professionals, such as childcare workers. Many students are already employed in the field and want to continue working and advance their degrees.
Program Concentrations
Which Pathway is Right for You?
Licensure Pathways
Undergraduate degree
This is for individuals with 24 hours of transferable college credits and a cumulative GPA of 2.50.
The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood (Integrated B-K) concentration is for students looking to transfer, earn a degree in Integrated Early Childhood Education, and gain licensure to teach children ages birth through kindergarten.
Post Baccalaureate
For individuals with an undergraduate degree seeking initial licensure in the state of Tennessee.
The post-baccalaureate option allows undergraduate degree holders to take coursework to earn their first teaching license in the state of Tennessee. While the courses are online, students technically attend our Knoxville campus and will apply as non-degree students.
Add-On Endorsement
For individuals currently certified in Tennessee.
The add-on endorsement is offered to fulfill state requirements for adding an Integrated Birth-Kindergarten endorsement to an active Tennessee license. While the courses are online, students technically attend our Knoxville campus and will apply as a non-degree student
*All students seeking licensure must also apply for acceptance into the Teacher Education Program through UT’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. Application requirements and timelines for completion will be discussed during academic advising.
Non-licensure Pathway for Undergraduate Degree
Admission requirements for Non-Licensure: 12 credit hours, minimum 2.0 GPA
The Early Care and Education concentration is designed for students who desire to work in the education field but not as a licensed teaching professional. Students with degrees are qualified to work in childcare, administration, school assistants, and more.
Featured Courses
The online Interdisciplinary Early Childhood program allows students to take coursework and hands-on practicums based on teaching methods from birth through kindergarten, developmental theories, and inclusive interactions.
IEC 423: Pre K-K Teaching Methods
In this practicum-based course, you will learn the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to become an inquiry-based, reflective practitioner who is a teacher of young children (birth through six years of age), in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms.
IEC 205: Early Childhood Language Development & Inclusive Interaction
Current theories and practices associated with the development and enhancement of language in young children (birth through 8) from diverse backgrounds and ability levels are discussed.
IEC 330: Global Perspectives on Childhood & Learning
This course explores basic concepts, rationale, frameworks, and vocabulary related to global citizenship, intercultural competence, and international perspectives of childhood education and learning with a critical comparison of international learning environments.
What Can I Do as an Early Childhood Educator?
Graduates of the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood program can pursue careers in the following roles:
Voluntary Pre-K or Title 1 Preschool Teachers
Developmental/Special Education Preschool Teachers
Blended Preschool Teachers
Kindergarten Teachers
Special Education Preschool Teachers
Head Start Early Childhood Classroom or Leadership Positions
Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) Classroom or Leadership Positions
Private Childcare Positions
