Summary
The early childhood general and special education and lower elementary education: birth through grade 3 major within the College of Education and Human Development is the first step to a rewarding career ready to lead and teach in diverse environments You will gain extensive hands-on experience through multiple clinical placements while following a curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional learning and evidence-based teaching practices.
Program Stats
97%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates working full time have a job related to their degree
98%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning
95%
of College of Education and Human Development graduates working are satisfied with their job
Pursue a B.S. in early childhood and special education: B-3
The bachelor of science in early childhood general and special education and lower elementary education: birth through grade 3 at Western Michigan University is a nationally accredited program designed to prepare educators for the unique needs of children from birth through third grade. The curriculum provides an interdisciplinary foundation that integrates child development theory with specialized training in special education, diverse family relationships, and core content pedagogy. Aligned with state and national standards, the program places a strategic emphasis on social-emotional learning and Michigan Core Teaching Practices, ensuring you are equipped to support both typical and atypical development in inclusive classroom environments.
Through the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies, you will gain extensive real-world experience through multiple clinical placements and a comprehensive final internship across a variety of diverse public and private settings. Upon graduation, you will be eligible for dual Michigan teaching certifications—the Birth-Kindergarten (ZN) and Pre-K-3rd Grade (ZO) endorsements—qualifying you for roles as a lead teacher, childcare center director, or early intervention specialist.
What you’ll learn
In this program, you will develop an interdisciplinary foundation in child development, social-emotional learning, and specialized pedagogy to effectively teach and lead in diverse early childhood and special education settings from birth through third grade. Through a curriculum that bridges research and practice, you will gain extensive hands-on experience through clinical placements and a final internship in both public and private educational environments.
Student quote
You get to do classroom observations and have opportunities to start working with children right away as a first-year!
Where you’ll be after graduation
Upon graduating from this program, you will be eligible for Michigan teacher certification in two high-demand areas: Early Childhood General and Special Education (Birth-Kindergarten) and Lower Elementary (PK-3rd Grade). Opening doors to roles as a lead teacher in public and private elementary schools, Head Start programs, and Great Start Readiness classrooms.
For 95% of College of Education and Human Development grads, they got that job or got into that graduate school program after graduation. That is because your journey of self-discovery begins the moment you step on campus. At WMU's Career and Student Employment Services, career specialists help you align your passions and abilities with future careers and advanced degrees. They will connect you to practical experiences like internships, job shadowing, research projects and professional mentors.
What others have achieved
Learn about the successful journeys of recent program graduates and the advice they have to share for prospective WMU students.
Meet Caitlin
President of Blankets for Bronson RSO, Caitlin's classes have helped with her communication and leadership skills. As a result, she won WMU's First Year Student Leader Award in 2023.
Meet Gabi
Team captain for the Women's Basketball Team, Gabi has received support on and off of the court as a student-athlete; including internships at elementary schools and day-care centers.
Making the most of your learning experience
In the College of Education and Human Development, you'll embark on an incredible journey of experiential learning that goes beyond textbooks. Collaborating closely with faculty members, you'll dive into cutting-edge research, fieldwork and professional pursuits. Pushing the boundaries of the traditional classroom, you'll gain practical skills and make a tangible impact.
You will engage in a series of progressive clinical experiences and a comprehensive final internship that provide hands-on practice in both public and private settings from infancy through third grade. Throughout the program, you will develop an electronic portfolio to document your growth and mastery of state and national standards, including social-emotional learning and core teaching practices. Your education is further enriched by faculty mentorship, opportunities for study abroad, and integrative learning projects focused on areas like diversity, inclusion, and leadership.
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What scholarships are available for an early childhood and special education degree ?
Students have access to a wide range of financial aid, starting with comprehensive university-wide scholarships available through the ScholarshipUniverse portal. In addition to general WMU funding, future educators can tap into nearly $1 million in annual scholarship awards offered specifically through the College of Education and Human Development. With these extensive resources, WMU makes it possible to turn your passion for inclusive education into a rewarding career.
