Field Experience
UMC students complete academic coursework in child development and learning, curriculum development and implementation, family and community relationships and professionalism. In addition, they are required to complete field experiences in early childhood care and education program sites.

Many of the courses require laboratory experiences in conjunction with other projects and assignments. Three courses are exclusively field experience courses – "Practicum in Early Childhood Programs," "Pre-Kindergarten Student Teaching," and "Practicum in Early Childhood Management."

Early Childhood Development Center
Students majoring in Early Childhood Education at UMC benefit from this state-of-the-art facility, which provides them with an opportunity to observe and participate in a teacher-training laboratory at an actual child care facility. The facility was meticulously planned to serve as a model center for child development, and, under the supervision of UMC's faculty, students gain experience working directly with children. Observation, seminar, and resource rooms provide areas for students to prepare lesson plans and to analyze interactions. Learn more about this facility.

Early Childhood Club
The mission of UMC's Early Childhood Club is to further its members' education in the field of early childhood education and their understanding of children. The group provides the campus and community with various pamphlets of educational information concerning issues such as safety, age appropriate materials and activities, and guidance. Field trips and conventions also provide opportunities for networking and professional development. The Early Childhood Club also completes many projects each year including the annual Spring Carnival for local children.

Licensure
Through a collaborative degree and licensure program with Bemidji State University, graduates of the program can earn their Early Childhood Teacher License from the Minnesota Board of Teaching. This professional licensure includes children from birth through third grade, allowing graduates to serve as the primary education teacher in Kindergarten through third grade classrooms.

A Campus-Wide Focus on Technology
The distinctive electronic learning environment at UMC complements the business management curriculum. All students are issued laptop computers and use them and related software on a daily basis. The resulting technological skill--or techno-savvy--combined with the degree program's career preparation makes UMC's graduates highly marketable and sought-after by employers. Learn more about UMC's technology-rich environment.

Great Opportunities to Study Abroad
As a coordinate campus of the University of Minnesota system, UMC and its students benefit from the connections the U of M has developed as a leader in international education opportunities.  No matter what your major, you can learn a great deal from a study abroad experience! Learn more at UMC's Study Abroad Office.

One-Rate Tuition Plan
University of Minnesota, Crookston on-campus students are charged a single tuition rate per credit regardless of their resident/nonresident status. Students from other states can save more than $4,000 per year with UMC's one-rate tuition policy. Learn more about UMC tuition rates and student fees.

Apply Online