Learning in small classes taught by professors with Early Childhood classroom experience, you will develop a strong foundation in child development and learning, assessment, curriculum design and other critical topics. You will also spend plenty of time observing and teaching in real classrooms. Because MSU Denver stresses real-world learning, your program will offer considerably more field experience than the state requires.

In the Denver Early Childhood Education program offered by the Metropolitan State University of Denver, you can choose from two concentrations, one that leads to licensure and one that does not.

Select the licensure option if you want to become Colorado Department of Education-licensed teacher of young children. Opt for the non-licensure choice if you want to become an Early Childhood teacher, director or coach in centers and agencies that require Colorado Department of Human Services credentials but not licensure; an early childhood professional, such as an advocate or policy expert, or want to pursue graduate studies in Early Childhood Education or related field.

Career prospects

Many MSU Denver Elementary Education students graduate to become public school teachers at the level of pre-kindergarten through third grade. Others go to work in childcare centers, government agencies or pursue graduate studies.