If you want to work with young children outside of a traditional elementary classroom, Carlow’s Early Development and Learning degree will give you the skills you need.  This unique major prepares you for educator roles in out-of-school learning environments, community based centers, childcare centers, museums, or nonprofit organizations. In your senior year, you’ll complete a personalized internship individually tailored for your career interests.

Carlow University accepts state-sponsored scholarship opportunities, including TEACH, Rising Stars and PASSHE.

A Carlow professor leans over the desk of two students. They are discussing the classwork.
Professor Monique Hockman works with students, including Mary Opipery, left, (Class of ’22, biology)and Kinzie Walker (Class of ’22, biologry/perfusion) as they do redox titrations to determine the chemical composition of synthesized salt during a general chemistry II lab, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in AJ Palumbo Hall. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers. You will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School.  You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices.  Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers.. You can will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School.  You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices.

You will use the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) three core considerations when planning learning environments for young children: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness, and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Power to the Profession.

Accelerated

Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Quick facts

  • Participate in grant-funded projects that make sustainable changes to the early childhood workforce 
  • Complete an individualized senior capstone internship
  • Utilize the CREATE Lab

Become part of a supportive community

“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. … Every student in the Education Department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”

— Bailey Pallus ’20

Career opportunities for Early Development and Learning

With a degree in early childhood development, you can work as a lead teacher in a child care program, Head Start teacher, home care coordinator, education consultant, grant writer, juvenile corrections worker, museum educator, quality coach, early learning engagement specialist or public policy advocate, or work in a hospital, family support center, community outreach, homeless programming, social work, early learning resource center support or intervention services, workforce development, or research.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 2% from 2019 to 2029; employment of preschool and child care center directors is projected to grow 1% from 2019 to 2029.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
  • Must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative high school or 3.50 cumulative college GPA.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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Jeremy Rhine, Early Development and Learning graduate 
 
“I selected Carlow because coming from a bigger high school experience, I knew I wanted to be more than a number and be somewhere I would be given unique opportunities. Here at Carlow, this is true, and there is still history to make.  

“I absolutely love how early you dive into the classroom experiences. The professors are always willing to help you out in any way that they can. You not only get experience within traditional classroom settings, but also in nontraditional settings as well! I loved all of the different times I got to connect, present and share ideas with professionals from all around the Pittsburgh region in early and higher ed.” 

Bailey Pallus, Early Development and Learning Program graduate 

“I selected Carlow for their small class sizes and amazing education program. There are so many pathways for success and the programs are really tailored to your specific needs. I knew I would be getting a high quality education by attending Carlow. 

“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. I feel so comfortable around all my teachers and really view them all as strong mentors in my education career. I also love the Carlow friendships I have made throughout the years. Every student in the education department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”

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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.