Early Childhood / Special Education - Major

Major: Early Childhood and Special Education
Degree awarded: Bachelor of Arts
Total credit hours: 84
Internship/Practicum opportunities: Field and Student Teaching experiences available.

Online Academic Catalog Details / Required Courses

About Early Childhood and Special Education

The Department of Education provides students with an opportunity to gain a firm foundation in the elements of early childhood education (PreK-4) and special education (preK-12). Students will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and research-based teaching strategies to ensure they will be successful teachers and leaders in today’s ever-changing classrooms.

Early Childhood and Special Education Objectives

At Thiel College, the bachelor’s degree courses in early childhood education and special education prepare students to:

Complete field and student teaching experiences and complete the PRAXIS exam.
Apply the Council for Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) standards.
Demonstrate mastery of major content knowledge areas and pedagogical strategies.
Design engaging and meaningful instruction and learning activities.
Be knowledge of diversity by addressing learners’ commonalities and individual differences to design inclusive learning experiences.
Understand and demonstrate effectiveness by designing rigorous and effective lessons and learning experiences.
Master effective communication in oral and written forms in the field.
Cultivate interpersonal skills and learn to be a valuable member of a team.
Network with distinguished Education alumni.

Early Childhood and Special Education Curriculum

At Thiel, you’ll find a comprehensive curriculum, a dedicated and engaging faculty – and a background in critical thinking and writing that will serve you well whatever your goals. The combination of theory and practical application of best practices offers a complete spectrum of courses in early childhood (PreK-4) and special education (Prek-12). Review the Academic Catalog (2023-2024) for detailed course listings.

Scholarship Opportunities

Thiel College offers scholarships to our undergraduate Early Childhood and Special Education students for reasons of academic success, community service or involvement, exemplary leadership and more.

The scholarships available to Early Childhood and Special Education majors are:

Ralston Memorial Scholarship for Education
The J. Fred Reinhardt Scholarships
Elijah G. Paraskos ’99 History Scholarship (History)
Kathryn E. Pearce Scholarship
Charles E. Rogers ’36 and Ruth G. Rogers Education Scholarship
Beverly Birkenmeier Thomas Memorial Scholarship
Dorothy E. Whitehill Endowment Fund

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about the types of aid available to students.

Clubs and Organizations

It's easy to get involved on campus at Thiel. Joining a student club or organization is an excellent way to meet fellow students and gain leadership experience.

An Early Childhood and Special Education major might be interested in the following student organizations:

Kappa Delta Pi (International Education Honorary Society)
Chi Alpha Epsilon (National Honorary for Academic Achievement)
National Society of Leadership and Success

Explore a full list of Thiel student clubs and organizations.

Alumni and Careers

Early Childhood and Special Education students are exceptionally successful in finding first-time jobs after graduation. Our faculty members work closely with students to assist them in developing the knowledge and skills they need, as well as mentoring them as they prepare for and pursue a range of professional opportunities. For example, the department hosts many networking events that allow students to speak with professionals from numerous institutions and companies in the area.

Potential career paths for graduates of the Early Childhood and Special Education program include:

Teacher
Academic Advisor
School Administrator
Educational Technologist

Thiel College has a strong and active alumni community that supports recent Thiel graduates as they begin their careers in education.

Learn More About Thiel’s Education Majors

At Thiel College, our Bachelor of Arts in Education degree programs combine a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities to provide students with a transformative education. The major’s courses build deep knowledge and skills needed to excel in a variety of fields.

Request information to learn more about majoring in education at Thiel.