Early Childhood & Special Education Major

The early childhood and special education major offers engaging academic courses and hands-on experiences that will prepare you to be an effective teacher.

Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education (ECSE)?

The field of special education is rapidly changing. There is a critical need for teachers who can meet the cognitive, behavioral, social, emotional, linguistic and cultural needs of each student in the classroom.

This specially designed major gives you the opportunity to become certified to teach both early childhood (pre-K through grade 3) and special education (birth through grade 3). This comprehensive program offers:

  • innovative and dynamic course work that helps you develop successful instruction and classroom management strategies
  • transformative, real-world experiences through internship placements, offered in multiple school districts throughout the state of Maryland
  • experienced faculty-mentors committed to your success
  • a supportive cohort of fellow Towson University students studying early childhood-special education
  • collaborative partnerships with families, communities and agencies

The Center for Professional Practice connects students to clinical internships. The major will prepare you for a career as an early childhood classroom teacher or as an infant/primary special education teacher.

Sabreen Kabir
About Our People
Meet Sabreen Kabir, who is working to improve outcomes for English language learners. More Information

Admission and Degree Requirements

Admission to the early childhood and special education major is every Fall and is selective. Students must meet the university’s requirements for admission to the professional education program and to internships.

You can view for the early childhood and special education major in the Undergraduate Catalog. 

View the Early Childhood - Special Education Academic Checklist (PDF). 

At this time, the College of Education is in the process of building an online application. Please check back soon for more information!

Early Childhood Special Education Advisors

Program Advisor/Office Email Phone
Pre-ECSE Amy Noggle
Hawkins Hall 404A		 410-704-4848
ECSE Kandace Hoppin
Hawkins Hall 405G		 410-704-3614

Why Towson University?

Program Advantages

  • Towson University’s long history and reputation as an excellent teacher training institution
  • programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Maryland State Department of Education
  • professional development and networking opportunities with alumni in the field through social media and on-campus programs
  • interaction with diverse populations during service-learning activities with students and families
  • technology-rich coursework and internships

Earn Your Degree at Towson University in Northeastern Maryland

Students in northeastern Maryland can obtain a bachelor’s degree in early childhood-special education at Towson University in Northeastern Maryland (TUNE), located on the Harford Community College campus. Earn your bachelor’s degree without leaving Harford County. Read more about undergraduate programs at TUNE, or email program coordinator Toni Guidi, .

 

What Faculty Say

“I believe wholeheartedly in our program. Our students are fully prepared to meet the demands of teaching due to our rigorous coursework, diverse field placements and internships and commitment to modeling the very best teaching strategies, interventions and use of technology. We expose students to the opportunities and challenges in the classroom so they are prepared for their teaching position from day one.” — Toni Guidi, Program Coordinator and Clinical Instructor, TUNE