Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

It's never too early to start making a difference in a child's life.

Gain the expertise you need to make a positive educational impact in the lives of children from the very beginning — from infancy to the Kindergarten classroom — with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education online degree.

At University of the Cumberlands, we’re here to help you help even the littlest ones find learning success through our early childhood education bachelor’s degree. From providing free textbooks to offering this degree in an online format, we're committed to making it as easy as possible for you to get the education you need to succeed in this important sector of education. With the exception of field/clinical and student teaching hours, this online early childhood education degree program provides the convenience and flexibility needed to pursue a teaching degree in early childhood settings on your schedule and at your pace.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

Anchor: Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

For many educators, there is nothing more fulfilling than helping a child discover the joys of learning. Teachers enter the profession because they want to make a difference. And while “lightbulb moments” are priceless, what educators really want is the kind of wealth that multiplies and brings prosperity to generations of learners. At Cumberlands, we understand that passion, that mission, and we're ready to prepare you to step into a successful career in early childhood education.

The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Program (IECE) is an online program designed for those candidates who plan to enter the field of Birth-Primary Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education with competencies in Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Movement, Adaptive Behaviors, Health and Safety, Special Education, and Family Involvement Strategies. This program leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science and certification for Birth-Primary Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. Individual programs should be planned in partnership with the candidate’s education advisor.

Course Requirements

Required IECE Courses (63 hours)

Required Related Studies (27 hours)

Electives (6 hours)

Technology Elective (Choose one of the following)

Diversity Elective (Choose one of the following)

Pathways for KCTCS Students

Under this pathway, students who have completed an Associate’s degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education at Somerset KCTCS may transfer up to 80 hours of course credit to University of the Cumberlands.

University of the Cumberlands and Somerset KCTCS have correlated efforts for Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education students. This effort provides for a seamless pathway for students completing the Associate of Applied Science degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education through KCTCS to move towards completion of the Bachelor of Science degree in Education through the School of Education at University of the Cumberlands.

The general requirement for graduation from University of the Cumberlands with the Bachelor of Science in Education is the completion of at least 120 semester hours including:

General education – 50 hours
Education major – 78 hours, including student teaching

(Some of these hours may be completed at the community college level.)

KCTCS students interested in additional information regarding transferring coursework to University of the Cumberlands should visit our Transfer Student page to learn more and request a review of their transcripts.

Option 9 Education Certification Program

The influence of a teacher on a child’s life leaves an immeasurable impact. Now is your time.

University of the Cumberlands offers an EPSB-approved Option 9 program. This alternative route is available to both in-seat and online Cumberlands students. Cumberlands offers programs in early interdisciplinary education, elementary education, and middle school education.

While education students at Cumberlands are completing coursework, they will have the opportunity to immediately put their learning into practice as an instructional assistant in a classroom, receive mentorship from experienced teachers in the district, and complete their bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate, in as little as three years.

We offer Option 9 pathways for candidates pursuing certification in early childhood education, elementary education, and middle school education.

To learn more information or to find out if your school district has an Option 9 partnership in place with Cumberlands, visit our Option 9 page.

Learn More

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

Develop entry-level education students into highly qualified, knowledgeable and caring teachers who provide for diverse learners.

Provide the pedagogical instructional methods necessary to meet the Kentucky Teacher Standards and University of the Cumberlands’ Standards.

Strengthen your abilities to critically reflect and evaluate your skills, thereby providing the opportunity for growth.

Nurture an appreciation and refinement of ethical and Christian moral values in future teachers.

Build robust oral, written, and information literacy skills in students.

Anchor: Career Outcomes

Early Childhood Education Careers & Outcomes

Preschool Teacher: $30,210

Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten.

Childcare Worker: $27,490

Childcare workers attend to children's needs while helping to foster early development.

Childcare Center Director: $47,310

Preschool and childcare center directors supervise and lead their staffs, design program plans, oversee daily activities, and prepare budgets.

SPED Preschool Teacher: $62,240

Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Elementary School Teacher: $61,350

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.

Preschool Administrator: $49,690

Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

What is an interdisciplinary early childhood education degree?

An interdisciplinary early childhood education degree focuses on training educators to work with children from infancy to kindergarten. It combines elements of education, psychology, and child development, preparing students to address the diverse needs of young children in various learning environments.

How long does an interdisciplinary early childhood education degree take?

A bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary early childhood education typically takes about four years to complete, requiring approximately 120 credit hours. The timeframe may vary based on course load and prior credits.

Can I get an interdisciplinary early childhood education degree online?

Yes, many institutions, including the University of the Cumberlands, offer interdisciplinary early childhood education degrees online. These programs often include flexibility in coursework, with field/clinical and student teaching hours being completed in person.

Is an interdisciplinary early childhood education degree worth it?

An interdisciplinary early childhood education degree is worth it for individuals passionate about shaping young minds and pursuing careers in early childhood education. It provides a foundation for working in roles such as preschool teacher, childcare center director, or special education teacher.

What can I do with an interdisciplinary early childhood education degree?

With this degree, you can pursue careers such as preschool teacher, childcare worker, childcare center director, special education preschool teacher, or elementary school teacher. You’ll have the skills needed to create positive learning experiences for young children.

How to get an interdisciplinary early childhood education degree?

To earn this degree, you need to complete the required coursework, including general education and specialized early childhood education classes. Many programs also require field experience or student teaching.

Is child development an interdisciplinary education?

Yes, child development is interdisciplinary, combining knowledge from psychology, education, and sociology to understand how children grow and learn. This field plays a significant role in early childhood education programs.

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