Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Education with a Concentration in Early Childhood Education (Pre K-2)
100% of education majors participate in at least one practicum. It’s your chance to take what you’ve learned at Merrimack and apply it at one of the many schools in the area.
In the early childhood education program (Pre K-2), you’ll gain the expertise, skills and confidence to teach young children while deepening your understanding of how young students develop and learn.
Early Childhood Education Concentration at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
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The Early Childhood Education Concentration
As an education major concentrating in early childhood education (PreK-2), you’ll develop your educational philosophy, create a portfolio and hone your classroom-management skills.
What You'll Study
At Merrimack, you’ll study a variety of subjects to prepare for future careers. Key areas include:
Child Growth and Development
Prenatal Development
Children's Literature
Sheltered English Instruction
Teaching and Accessing Writing
Positive Learning Environments and Behavior Interventions
Skills You'll Learn
Level up your skills in the classroom, so you’re the most prepared for your future career!
Early Childhood Education Courses You'll Take
Introduction to
Early Childhood Education
EDU 2310
This course will focus on an understanding of early childhood care and education. Students will be introduced to the importance of individual and cultural variations in growth and development of the young child. Topics also include curriculum and pedagogy for program quality to support children’s learning.
Teaching Science, Health & Physical Education
EDU 3360
This course examines how children learn science and how teachers facilitate that learning. Science is essential in the elementary classroom and can inspire and support students as they utilize their ELA and Mathematics skills to work through investigations connected to their lives.
Psychology of Learning and Assessment
HDE 3210
This course will integrate the theories of learning and assessment by demonstrating their use in education and human development fields. We will consider the impact of factors such as culture, language, mental health, and varying physical and cognitive abilities on how professionals support learning.
See All Courses & Options Available to Early Childhood Education Majors
Early Childhood Education Major Requirements
To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Early Childhood Education Students In the Classroom & Beyond
When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.
Career Outlook: Where Can an Education Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
96% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in the School of Education and Social Policy were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
100% of Education majors participate in at least one practicum. You’ll gain invaluable classroom experience during your pre-practicum and practicum student teaching.
Graduate School
Northeastern University, Ottawa University, Vanderbilt University and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs SESP graduates are attending.
Jobs with an Early Childhood Education Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in early childhood education and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- 1st-grade teacher
- Guidance counselor
- School administrator
- Elementary school principal
- PE teacher
- Kindergarten teacher
Where Merrimack Early Childhood Education Graduates Work & Intern
Atkinson Elementary School
Tutor
Woburn Public Schools
Teacher
Easton Public Schools
Graduate Teaching Fellow
Norton Public Schools
Teacher
Early Beginnings Preschool of the Arts
Preschool Teacher
Marlborough Public Schools
Teacher
Malden Public Schools
Teacher
Children's Friends and Family Services
In Home Therapy Intern
Why Choose the Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Early Childhood Education?
Merrimack’s Bachelor of Arts in Education provides students with a robust curriculum and practical teaching experiences to prepare them to run and manage their own classroom.
FOCUS ON HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Our curriculum focuses on human development which allows students to gain a deep understanding of child development, effective teaching strategies and how young children develop and learn.
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM
Gain practical experience teaching the all-important foundation topics of reading, math and science.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Build your expertise by choosing from a wide variety of electives, including cultural diversity in the schools, children’s literature and comparative politics.
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Related Education Concentrations
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
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