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, individual academic readiness. A College of Education academic advisor will help develop a path to graduation that is best suited for you.
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (B.S.E.)
What can you do with this degree?
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 over 200 hours of field experience through classroom observations, community outreach, school visits, and a full semester of student teaching, ensuring you graduate with proven teaching skills and valuable connections in the field.
Program Details
Delivery Method: On Campus, In-Person
Teacher Education Program: Teacher Certification Information
Scholarship Information: Student Scholarships and Awards
Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, & Counselor Education
What You'll Study
Year 1
Semester 1 (16 course hours)
- UK Core Composition & Communication I: CIS or WRD 110 (3)
- UK Core Quantitative Foundations: MA111- Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics (3)
- UK Core Social Science: EPE 174- The College Student (3)
- PSY 100: Introduction to Psychology (4)
- IEC 120: Introduction to IECE (3)
Semester 2 (15 course hours)
- UK Core Composition & Communication II: CIS or WRD 111 (3)
- UK Core Humanities: HIS 108- UK History Until 1877 (3)
- STA 210: Statistical Inferential Reasoning (3)
- EDS 375: Introduction to Teaching Exceptional Children (3)
- BIO 102: Human Ecology (3)
Year 2
Semester 3 (15 course hours)
- UK Core: Global Dynamics (3)
- UK Core: Arts and Creativity (3)
- UK Core: US Citizenship: HIS 109- UK History after 1877 (3)
- IEC 255: Child Development (3)
- EDP 202: Human Development and Learning (3)
Semester 4 (16 course hours)
- EPE 301- Education in American Society (3)
- IEC 256: Guidance Strategies for Young Children (3)
- IEC 260: Curriculum Planning in IEC (4)
- BIO 103: Introduction to Biology (3)
- BIO 111: Introductory Biology Lab (1)
- Free Elective Course (2)
Year 3
Semester 5 (15 course hours)
- IEC 512: Language and Literary for Young Children (3)
- EDS 513: Legal Issues in Special Education (3)
- EDS 530: Moderate/Severe Disabilities (3)
- SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (3)
- Free Elective Course (3)
Semester 6 (15 course hours)
- EDS 516: Principles of Behavior Management and Instruction (3)
- IEC 546: Transdisciplinary Services for Young Children (3)
- IEC 557: Infant Development (3)
- IEC 522: Children and Families (3)
- Free Elective Course (3)
Year 4
Semester 7 (16 course hours)
- *EDC 317: Technology in the Classroom (3)
- *IEC 507: Assessment of Young Children (3)
- *IEC 508: Advanced Curriculum Planning in IEC (3)
- *IEC 509: Intervention Planning for Children with Special Needs (3)
- *IEC 510: Practicum in IECE (1)
- *IEC 552: Admin and Supervision in IEC Programs (3)
Semester 8
- *IEC 411: IEC Student Teaching (12)
*Requires admission into the Teacher education Program*
Cost of Attendance
Understand the total estimated expense to attend UK, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
Tuition and Fees
Understand the specific charges for instruction and related services, excluding other living and personal expenses.