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Human Development & Family Studies Early Child Education Preschool Emphasis

Catalog Year 2024-2025

All courses must be completed with a C- or better.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) emphasis prepares students for careers working with young children (0-5) in early care, education, and other applied settings. Students develop knowledge and skills in child development, learning, observation, assessment, pedagogy, and research through classroom and field experiences. This emphasis prepares students for employment in fields involving children and families and provides a foundation for graduate training leading to careers in education, academia, research, health professions, or social work.

Graduation Requirements

To fulfill general education and graduation requirements, each student must have a minimum U of U 2.0 GPA, 122 minimum credits, 40 upper division credits, and 30 residency credits.

HDFS Core (23 Credits)

C- or better required


  • FCS 1500 Lifespan Human Development (3) BF
  • FCS 2400 Modern Family (3) BF
  • FCS 3200 Research Methods (4) CW
  • FCS 3210 Statistics (4) QB QI*
  • FCS 3450 Family Economic Issues (3) BF QI*OR FCS 3500 Financial Skills for Life (3) QI*

Community/Diversity Focused Courses (Choose two from the following):

    • FCS 2180 Family, School, Community Connections (3)
    • FCS 3290 Race, Ethnicity and Family Diversity (4) DV HF^

Early Child Education Core (21 Credits)

C- or better required


  • FCS 2216 Interacting with Infants and Toddlers (3)*
  • FCS 2600 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3)
  • FCS 2610 Understanding Children's Behavior (3)
  • FCS 2620 Child Development Practicum (3)
  • FCS 2640 Integrated Curriculum Methods (3)
  • FCS 3215 Beginnings: Development Infancy and Childhood (3)
  • FCS 5170 Creativity in Young Children (3)

*Waived by completion of ALL Pre-Licensure courses

Early Child Education Capstone

C- or better required
ONE course required


  • FCS 5190 Early Childhood Capstone 6)
  • FCS 5900 Early Childhood Capstone for In-Service Educators (6)

Last Updated: 11/21/24