Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education

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 not eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Loans, Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, SEOG Grant, or Federal Work Study.  Students enrolled in this program should explore alternative funding options and are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for assistance.

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:

Spring 2025

  1. Graduate Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcript from the baccalaureate degree granting institution
  4. Minimum undergraduate GPA of a 3.0, either overall or in the last 60 credit hours
  5. Two Recommendation Forms

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

Fall 2024

  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
ECHE 5343
Curriculum Development-Early Childhood Education
ECHE 5349
Language and Literacy Development in the Young Child
ECHE 5355
Current Practices in Early Childhood Settings
ECHE 5363
Building Relationships with Diverse Families and Children
ECHE 5373
Theoretical Perspectives in Early Childhood Education
ECHE 5375
Development Of The Young Child
ECHE 6088
Special Topics in Early Childhood Education (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