College of Education & Professional Studies

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

ECE4U Online/Hybrid Bachelor’s Degree Program

A flexible program designed for YOU.

At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, you can earn your Early Childhood Education bachelor’s degree while still working in the field.

One of the only online/hybrid Early Childhood Education degree programs of its kind, UW-Whitewater’s ECE4U offers Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction dual licensure: Early Childhood Regular Education License #1777 and the Early Childhood Special Education License #1809.

You’ll be licensed to work with students from birth through age 8 in a variety of educational setting.

2-year plan

CAN WE BRAG A LITTLE?

Best value for the money

We’re ranked No. 1 for value among all schools in the University of Wisconsin system.

Scholarships available

Eligible students may apply for a TEACH scholarship, which awards 75% to 90% of tuition.

Sought-after by employers

92% career placement rate for early childhood education majors (2018-19).

Why study Early Childhood Education at UW-Whitewater?

Designed with working professionals in mind, you’ll take your Early Childhood Education classes online with six meetings per semester.

At UW-Whitewater, you’ll also receive personal academic advising. This means we’ll help you build a plan based on your prior education, such as considering the credits you’ve already earned in your associate degree program and your current work and family schedule.

More and more employers in the childhood education field, and especially in child care, are seeking candidates with a bachelor's degree. The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association has also established its REWARD stipend program to encourage continuing education. Give yourself an edge by advancing your education.

What our Early Childhood Education students do

Develop strong relationships with fellow students through a cohort model

Gain real-world experience through field study

Become licensed in regular and special Early Childhood Education

Fieldwork and student teaching

As a student in the online Early Childhood Education degree program at UW-Whitewater, you’ll gain experience working with a variety of age levels and in multiple education settings.

Explore Field Experiences

50-hour placement working with children ages three to five years old and the special education professionals who work with them
50-hour placement in an elementary school working in a first to third grade classroom

In addition, if pursuing licensure:

Student teaching placement (150 to 300 hours) working with young children birth to three years old and their families
9-week full-time student teaching placement in a first to third grade classroom
9-week full-time student teaching placement working with an elementary school special educator

What our graduates do

County birth-to-three home early intervention educator

4k-3rd grade classroom teacher

Special education teacher

Jobs in Early Childhood Education: Career success

Whether you’re looking to advance in your current position, increase your Early Childhood Education salary, and explore new opportunities in the field, graduates of our degree program work in a variety of locations or positions, including:

With teaching licensure:

County birth-to-three programs
School district early childhood classrooms
School district-funded kindergarten and 4k programs
Early elementary grades, special education
Early elementary grades, classroom teacher (1st, 2nd and 3rd grades)

Without teaching licensure:

Preschool
Head start
Community child care
Early intervention home visitor
Curriculum specialist
Technical assistance provider
Program director or administrator
Community and non-profit organization advocate or educator
Trainer or technical advisor

Our Early Childhood Education faculty

In our ECE4U program you’ll learn from faculty members and instructors with a wide range of experience in early childhood education, special education, curriculum and design, policy and more.

Meet our faculty

Want to learn more about our online/hybrid Early Childhood Education program? education@uww.edu »

Designed for transfer students, UW-Whitewater’s ECE4U Bachelor of Science in Education program is open to applicants who’ve earned an associate degree in early childhood education from a Wisconsin Technical College or the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Community College.

At UW-Whitewater, you’ll complete a variety of general education requirements (based on what you transfer in) as well as fulfill the Early Childhood Education course requirements and field placements that lead to licensure. Your advisor will work with you to develop a personalized plan and schedule.

Explore individual full degree requirements

Transfer pathway programs and admissions programs

To apply, first you’ll complete UW-Whitewater’s standard application for admission and indicate your interest in earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. In your personal statement, please mention your interest in pursuing the degree through the ECE4U program.

Apply now

The ECE4U program is a hybrid version of our Early Childhood Education degree program. While most of your coursework is completed online, you’ll also attend on-campus meetings a six times each semester.

2-year plan [DOC]

These meetings are required and we announce the dates a year in advance, so please plan accordingly.

Spring 2025 Saturday Classes, held virtually through Webex: