Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

The Early Childhood Education Certificate offers additional coursework in Early Childhood Education to public and private school teachers, administrators, and support professionals who hold a baccalaureate degree and who are seeking additional knowledge and training in the field of Early Childhood Education. This Certificate can be used as an area of emphasis in many M.Ed programs within the College of Education. 

This Graduate Certificate is eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loans by request. To be considered for aid, students need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Note: The graduate certificate in Early Childhood Education DOES NOT lead to teacher certification.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate certificate program in Early Childhood Education must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

  1. Graduate Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcript from the baccalaureate degree granting institution
  4. A list of 3 professional references with contact information.
  5. Writing sample

For recommendation forms and writing sample instructions, please contact the School of Teaching and Learning or visit the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education program landing page.

Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Specified Courses
Select 4 courses from the following:12
Curriculum Dev-Early Child Edu
Lang & Lit Dev In Young Child
Curr Pract-Early Child Setting
Buildg Rel With Div Fam& Child
Theor. Perspctv-Early Child Ed
Development Of The Young Child
Special Topics Erly Childhd Ed (Can only be taken once )
Total Hours12

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills: 

  • Learn about child development and best practices
  • Teaching methods for young children and families
  • Learn how to assess young children
  • Community and family relations skills