Applied Studies: Early Childhood Education at a glance
North Central University’s Applied Studies: Early Childhood Education program will prepare you to develop and lead activities in urban childcare centers, nursery schools, elementary classrooms, and after school programs. Offered in partnership with Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC), you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree from North Central and an associate’s degree from MCTC while pursuing a fulfilling career in an in-demand field.
What sets us apart
Vocational training
Get practical, relevant training in a high-demand vocational field.
Read more. HideOur Early Childhood Education program focuses on preparing you for success in a fulfilling career
Our Applied Studies: Early Childhood Education program, in partnership with Minneapolis Community & Technical College, gives you opportunities to focus on gaining the applicable knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on training you need to pursue a career in the high-demand and rewarding field of childhood care.
By earning a liberal arts bachelor’s degree from North Central University and a career specific associate’s degree from MCTC, you’ll be a well-rounded, highly-skilled, marketable employee when you graduate. The broad worldview and critical thinking skills you’ll gain at North Central, along with the training and experience you’ll get at MCTC, will help you land that first job right out of college and will give you opportunities to pursue a calling that’s professionally and personally rewarding.
North Central community
Join North Central’s spirit-filled, faithful, supportive community.
Read more. HideGet all of the benefits of our Christian community
One of the best things about being a North Central University student is joining our spirit-filled, faithful, vibrant urban community. In the Applied Studies program, you’ll be a full NCU student, meaning you’ll live on campus, attend daily chapel with your friends and classmates, find mentors in NCU professors, and participate in student organizations and events.
Plus, you’ll get all the benefits of a well-rounded Christian liberal arts education. You’ll take the Christian Studies Core (and graduate with a Christian Studies minor) just like all North Central students. You’ll also take general education courses and electives at North Central. The Christian liberal arts education that North Central provides will prepare you with a firmly rooted faith, a broad and informed worldview, cultural and global awareness, and the critical thinking skills you need for any career field.
Partnership with MCTC
earn about our partnership with one of the region's best technical schools.
Read more. HideOur MCTC partnership gives you access to courses, resources, and expert faculty
By partnering with Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC), we can offer you access to career specific courses and training, opportunities to gain real-world experience, and expert faculty in the Early Childhood Education field.
MCTC is a public two-year college located in downtown Minneapolis. As a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, MCTC offers a wide range of learning opportunities and has access to many unique resources.
These resources will prepare you with the skills and knowledge you need to find your first job out of college, succeed in your career, and pursue a calling that is fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding.
In the Applied Studies: Early Childhood Education program, you’ll take career-specific courses at MCTC, accounting for 30-50% of the credits towards your bachelor’s degree.
The Applied Studies program may not be VA benefit eligible. Please contact Student Financial Services to learn more.
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Skills you’ll gain
When you graduate from the Early Childhood Education program, you’ll be prepared with the skills and knowledge to:
- Work with children and families in urban settings
- Understand cultural diversity
- Teach children at various developmental stages
- Use a variety of teaching methods
- Observe, document, and assess children
- Act professionally and ethically in classroom settings
- Create healthy, respectful, and challenging learning environments
- Foster and maintain respectful and supportive relationships with families
- Design and implement developmentally and culturally appropriate activities and curriculum
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Potential careers
Our graduates succeed in a variety of jobs and careers. Here are some possibilities:
- Child Care Worker
- Child Care Center Director
- Para-Educator in Preschool or Elementary School
- Instructional Coordinator
- Special Education Para-Educator
- Teacher Aide
You could work in a variety of settings, including:
- Childcare Centers
- Family Support Agencies
- Public Schools
- Afterschool Programs, or Head Start
- Nursery Schools or Preschools
- Childcare Resource Agencies
- Child Life Programs in Hospitals
- Private Households
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Minors & supporting programs
We want you to be well-rounded and well-prepared when you graduate, so you’ll have the opportunity to choose a minor or supporting program so you can explore another area of interest. Here are some possibilities:
- Alcohol & Drug Counseling
- Campus Missions
- Children’s & Family Ministries
- Deaf Culture Studies
- Intercultural Studies
- Leadership Development
- Sociology
- Urban Studies
- Youth Ministries
See the full list of minors and supporting programs.
Alex Giselle '13
Burnsville, MN
"I had incredible professors who did more than teach me important ideas, concepts, and strategies. They cared about who I was as a person, and inspired me to become the best teacher and person I could be."
Requirements
All students must complete the General Education Core and Christian Studies Core. General electives may be added or an optional minor may be selected. You need 124 total credit hours to complete an Applied Studies: Early Childhood Education degree.
Want to learn more?
Download the one sheet!
Simply fill in your info on the form to download the informational one sheet that covers:
- An overview of the program
- Classes you’ll take
- Exciting jobs you can get after graduation
Interested in earning your degree in Applied Studies:Early Childhood Education at NCU?