B.A.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (BAED)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Mississippi

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education at the University of Mississippi is designed for students who want to support young children's learning, development, and well-being during their formative years. The program combines child development, educational psychology, teaching methods, literacy, and practical classroom experiences to prepare future educators to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a foundation in general education, child development, and educational principles. Introductory coursework in educational foundations, child development, and English composition helps students understand how children learn, develop communication skills, and build the academic knowledge needed for professional teacher preparation.

Year 2: Students explore how young children develop language, social skills, and early academic abilities. Coursework in educational psychology, early childhood development, and literacy instruction helps students understand children's learning needs and select age-appropriate strategies for supporting reading, communication, and social-emotional growth.

Year 3: Students develop practical teaching skills through curriculum planning, instructional methods, assessment, and classroom management. Studies in early childhood teaching methods, classroom assessment, and inclusive education help students design engaging learning activities, evaluate children's progress, and respond to varied developmental and educational needs.

Year 4: Students consolidate their knowledge through advanced professional coursework and supervised school-based teaching experiences. Activities involving instructional planning, classroom management, and student teaching help students apply educational theory, work with children in authentic learning environments, and prepare for professional responsibilities.

Focus Areas

Early childhood development, infant and toddler education, preschool and kindergarten learning, early literacy, language development, STEAM education, social-emotional learning, classroom management, inclusive education, child guidance, curriculum planning.

Learning Outcomes

Understand children's developmental milestones, design age-appropriate learning activities, support early literacy and language development, encourage creativity and problem-solving, assess children's progress, manage classroom behavior, adapt instruction for children with disabilities, and create safe, nurturing learning environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.A.Ed. in Early Childhood Education at the University of Mississippi is an approved pathway for Mississippi Birth–Kindergarten teacher licensure. The program also offers eligibility for a Special Education Endorsement after students pass the Foundations of Reading Test, subject to applicable requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Mississippi's School of Education emphasizes practical classroom experience and preparation for careers supporting young children's development. The program requires 124 credit hours and includes field placements, practical learning in infant and toddler settings, and a senior-year teaching internship. A specific program-level employability ranking or graduate employment rate was not verified in the official information reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical skills through field placements, classroom-based assignments, and supervised teaching experiences. The University of Mississippi's program connects child development theory with practical learning in infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten settings, helping future educators understand children's needs at different developmental stages. Students progressively build their teaching abilities through coursework and professional experiences coordinated by the School of Education's Student Advising and Field Experience Office.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Early childhood methods: EDEC 320 – Early Childhood Methods develops strategies for planning and delivering developmentally appropriate learning activities.
Early literacy: EDRD 355 – Early Literary Instruction I and II focuses on foundational literacy development and early reading instruction.
Child development: EDEC 321 – Early Childhood Development I and EDEC 328 – Infant and Toddler Development and Program explore developmental needs and age-appropriate educational practices.
Classroom guidance: EDEC 312 – Action Lab ECE Child Guidance/Classroom provides practical opportunities to understand classroom routines and child guidance.
STEAM learning: EDEC 400 – STEAM in Early Childhood Education explores ways to introduce science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through early learning activities.
Arts integration: EDEC 401 – Integrating Arts into the Curriculum helps students incorporate creative expression into children's learning.
Infant and toddler fieldwork: EDEC 304 – Action Lab Infant and Toddler Settings includes supervised fieldwork visits to an infant or toddler classroom.
Senior-year teaching experience: Students complete a senior practicum and student-teaching placement, gaining experience in a professional educational setting with guidance from a clinical instructor.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers focused on early childhood education, child development, and the creation of supportive learning environments. The program prepares students to work with young children and families across educational settings, with opportunities in classroom teaching, childcare management, and early intervention services.

Potential career opportunities include:

Birth–Kindergarten Teacher
Preschool Teacher
Early Intervention Educator
Childcare Center Director — additional experience or qualifications may be required.

Students can prepare for professional progression through the following opportunities:

Career support: The School of Education's Student Advising and Field Experience (SAFE) Office assists with academic advising, field experiences, and teacher licensure. It also manages a School of Education job board.
Employment statistics and salaries: A specific graduate employment rate or salary range for this degree was not verified in the official information reviewed.
Practical experience: Field placements and supervised student teaching help students develop classroom skills and professional readiness.
Certification value: The Birth–Kindergarten licensure pathway supports eligibility for relevant teaching positions in Mississippi, subject to successful completion of program and state requirements. Requirements may differ in other states.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates may work in public or private schools, childcare centers, early learning programs, and early intervention settings.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education, a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction, or further study in child development, early childhood policy, or educational leadership. Advanced study can help educators deepen their expertise in early learning, develop specialized teaching approaches, or prepare for leadership roles in childcare and educational programs. Admission and professional requirements vary by program.