Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Unified Program Curriculum & Admission

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Coursework

Students take a major concentration of courses entailing a minimum of 27 credit hours of coursework designed to develop the knowledge base necessary for effective teaching.

Practicum

The practicum provides a supervised teaching experience in a setting appropriate to the goals of the aspiring teacher.

Program Curriculum

The program’s curriculum prepares educators for a variety of settings. The student will work closely with an advisor to determine a plan of study. The curriculum requirements outlined below are the minimum required for the graduate certificate. To be adequately prepared for an intended career, the student’s advisor may encourage additional coursework or opportunities which may include presenting and/or publishing scholarly papers.

Course Requirements

Courses

Please note, this is a potential plan of study. Please consult with your faculty advisor before enrolling.

Additional requirements

  • Minimum program credit hours = 27

Graduate Admission

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements. International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa-related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. The Department of Special Education reviews applications giving equal consideration of the applicant’s professional experiences and academic preparation as well as professional dispositions related to career paths that align with the program to which the individual is applying.

Application Deadlines

Aug. 1, 2025
Fall semester application deadline

Application Checklist

Graduate Certificate in Licensure Endorsement in Early Childhood Unified (birth-k) (KS)

Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:

List

  • Online application

    Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions.

  • Transcripts

    One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended.

  • Resume or CV

  • Letter of Introduction

    A letter addressing: 1.) professional background including work experience and the focus of undergraduate degree; 2.) professional/educational learning goals; and 3.) endorsement/licensure program you would like to complete (if applicable).

  • Letters of recommendation

    Two letter of recommendation.

  • Proof of English proficiency

    Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency in the skill areas of reading, writing, and listening. Please read the full policy and acceptable proof of proficiency options by clicking the link above for details.

Admission & Curriculum Resources

The online application is designed to give you the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.

Apply Online request info

Related Info:

Program Faculty

Judith J. Carta
Judith J. Carta
Professor; Senior Scientist, Interim Director, Juniper Gardens Children's Project
Gregory A Cheatham
Gregory A. Cheatham
Professor
Paige Eyler
Paige Eyler
Assistant Teaching Professor
Maria Hugh
Maria L. Hugh
Assistant Professor
Alana Schnitz
Alana Schnitz
Assistant Professor, Special Education, Assistant Research Professor at Juniper Gardens Children's Project
Kathleen N Tuck
Kathleen N. Tuck
Professor
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