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Early Childhood Development and Education Major

What is a Major in Early Childhood Development and Education?

The major provides in-depth, foundational knowledge on how children develop that prepares you to become an effective educator. Our students also have opportunities to put their knowledge of development and family life influence into practice within an educational setting. These experiences support graduates as they pursue licensure through a graduate program and contribute to the learning and growth of children.

Why Study Early Childhood Development and Education at Virginia Tech?

Our faculty have expertise in child development and conduct research on various intersections between development and learning. The Department of Human Development and Family Science also sponsors a state-of-the-art childcare facility, The Child Development Center for Learning and Research, which provides you with a variety of learning opportunities through observation and practice. A field study experience will also give you the hands-on teaching opportunities that will set you up for success in future classroom settings.

 
100%
Of Our Students Complete Fieldwork

 
22
Average Class Size

 
75
Years Providing Preschool to Local Children

Careers and Further Study

What Can You Do with a Early Childhood Development and Education Major?

Jobs Held by Our Graduates

  • Teachers
  • School counselors
  • Pre-School Administrators
  • Reading Specialists
  • Case managers
  • Behavioral counselors
  • Social workers
  • Youth advisors

Beyond the Classroom

Experiential Learning

Get Experience

Our program includes a field study experience in an educational setting. You will get the chance to see first-hand what it is like to be an educator and learn the challenges and triumphs educators deal with every day.

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Learn With Us

We have four centers that serve as living laboratories where we train students in the human services professions, serve the community, and conduct research that improves people's lives and sets new standards for the care industry.

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Faculty Mentor

There are opportunities to perform top-notch research with our faculty, who have a reputation among their peers for designing complex research studies. Talk to a professor about designing your own research project or investigating a topic that interests you. You will work closely with a faculty mentor to plan a course of action, discuss your findings, and write a report. You can also assist a faculty member with their research project. 

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Bachelor of Science in Human Development Degree

Childhood Pre-Education Major Requirements

  • Infancy and Early Childhood
  • Middle Childhood and Adolescence
  • Curriculum in Early Childhood
  • Principles of Human Services
  • Issues in American Schooling
  • Educating Exceptional Learners
  • Field study work

Minor and Elective Hours

Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.


120 hrs
B.S. Human Development

45 hrs
General Education

46 hrs
Major Requirements

29 hrs
Elective


 

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