We offer three certification options to pair with your online English Language Arts degree, helping to accelerate you towards your goals of becoming a teacher!
Credit Hours: 120 | Transfer: Up to 90 Credits | Tuition Cost
What is English Language Arts with certification in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education?
Individuals who complete this dual certification program will be eligible for New Hampshire Department of Education teacher certification in Early Childhood (Birth-Age 8) and Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Age 8). The program aligns with the NH Department of Education’s standards for teacher credentialing and qualifies individuals to teach children in public schools from Preschool to Grade 3. The Early Childhood Special Education certification prepares individuals to work with young children needing special education services. This is a field-based program for qualified participants working or volunteering in approved educational settings. The key components of the program include mentorship of teacher candidates by highly skilled professionals in the field, the hands-on experience of working with children in educational settings, and the opportunity to build teaching capacity over time. Graduates of this program will be eligible for teaching certification and highly qualified in both early childhood and early childhood special education.
Why study English Language Arts with certification in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education at UNH College of Professional Studies?
Our English Language Arts degree is a flexible program that provides a pathway to a career in education and eligibility for the New Hampshire Department of Education teacher certification in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. The program aligns with the NH Department of Education’s standards for teacher credentialing. A career combining early childhood education with expertise in literacy and special education puts you at the foundation of young children's learning journey, including those who need additional support to thrive. This comprehensive program prepares you to nurture early learners' language development while adapting instruction for diverse learning styles and implementing individualized educational strategies. For those passionate about giving our youngest students the strongest possible start through inclusive early education, this specialized degree provides the advanced credentials needed to expand both your impact and your career advancement potential.
Potential Career Areas
- PK - Grade 3 Teacher
- PK - Grade 3 Special Education
- PK - Grade 3 Special Education Case Manager
Course Highlights
- Professional Communication
- Introduction to Literature
- Introduction to Language and Linguistics
- Children’s Literature
- Creative Writing
…and more!
Why UNH CPS?
- Regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE).
- Available fully online with select on-campus courses.
- Affordable tuition.
- Nationally ranked online programs.
- About 89% of our students are transfer students. Making the most of your transfer credits is our specialty.
- Career advising is available to all students and alumni. We also extend this service to those considering their college options.
- Faculty who are subject matter experts and share their real-world expertise, helping you apply what you learn to your personal goals and career.
- We’re experts at assessing credit toward your undergraduate degree – not only from previous college coursework, but also for other college-level knowledge demonstrated outside the traditional classroom.
- Completion of our free, online application for admission
- High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC
Programs leading to teacher certification or licensure are available to new students in New Hampshire, Maine*, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
*Maine teacher candidates must complete clinical work in placements located in York, Cumberland or Oxford county.
Specific requirements include:
- General Special Education Certification
Rhode Island requires that candidates hold a certificate in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, a content area certification in Middle or Secondary Grades in addition to a Special Education certification.
Curriculum & Requirements
Individuals who complete this dual licensure program will be eligible for New Hampshire Department of Education teacher licensure in Early Childhood (Birth-Age 8) and Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Age 8). The program aligns with the NH Department of Education’s standards for teacher credentialing.
This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.
Sample Course Sequence
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| MTH 402 or MTH 504 or MTH 510 | Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| ENG 450 | Introduction to Literature | 4 |
| PSY 525 | Human Development | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENG 555 or ENG 585 | Children's Literature or Short Fiction | 4 |
| ENG 620 or ENG 615 | Multicultural Perspectives through Literature or Young Adult Literature | 4 |
| ENG 675 | Survey of Classic Literature Through Film | 4 |
| CRIT 602 | Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 590 | Professional Communication | 4 |
| ENG 505 | Introduction to Language and Linguistics | 4 |
| ENG 604 | Creative Writing | 4 |
| PSY 470 | Child Development | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Summer | ||
| ENG 645 | Disability in Literature and Culture | 4 |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| IDIS 601A or IDIS 601B or IDIS 601C | Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities | 4 |
| EDC 501 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 4 |
| EDC 700 | Introduction to Clinical Experience Nonclinical; Complete CHRC Process | 1 |
| EDC 703 | The Dynamic Role of the Special Educator | 4 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDC 701 | Special Education Law Nonclinical | 4 |
| EDC 702 | Young Children with Exceptionalities, Birth to Age 8 | 4 |
| EDC 704 | Assessment of Young Children in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Spec. Education, Birth to Age 8 Clinical B | 4 |
| EDC 707 | Behavior Interventions for Young Children in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education Clinical A | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDC 705 | Collaboration, Consultation and Teaming In Early Childhood & Early Childhood Special Education Clinical B | 4 |
| EDC 708 | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Spec Education Clinical A | 4 |
| EDC 706 | IFSPs, IEPs, and Transition Planning - Birth to Age 8 Clinical B | 2 |
| EDC 709 | Teaching Language Arts and Literacy in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education Clinical A | 6 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDC 710 | Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction in Early Childhood/Early Childhood SPED - Birth to Age 8 Clinical A | 4 |
| EDC 798 | Culminating Teaching Experience and Seminar Clinical A | 4 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 121 | |
Note: Only 1 Clinical A course allowed per term
Degree Requirements
General Education Program Requirements
A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.
All General Education requirements must be taken prior to the capstone.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
MTH 402 | Math for Our World | |
MTH 504 | Statistics | |
MTH 510 | Pre-Calculus | |
| Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems: PSY 525 | 4 | |
| Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World | 4 | |
| Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression | 4 | |
| CRIT 602 | Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking | 4 |
| IDIS 601A | Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy | 4 |
| or IDIS 601B | Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer | |
| or IDIS 601C | Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Writing Program Requirements
All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
ENG 420 | The Writing Process | |
One Writing Intensive course in the Major | ||
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above | ||
One Additional Writing Intensive Course | ||
Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.
Major Requirements
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for state licensure.
Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete all General Education program requirements. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. Refer to the Degree Plan for a sample course sequence. Academic Advisor approval is required for registration to be processed.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major in English/Language Ats EC/ECSPED | ||
| COM 590 | Professional Communication | 4 |
| ENG 450 | Introduction to Literature | 4 |
| ENG 505 | Introduction to Language and Linguistics | 4 |
| ENG 555 | Children's Literature | 4 |
| or ENG 585 | Short Fiction | |
| ENG 615 | Young Adult Literature | 4 |
| or ENG 620 | Multicultural Perspectives through Literature | |
| ENG 604 | Creative Writing | 4 |
| ENG 645 | Disability in Literature and Culture | 4 |
| ENG 675 | Survey of Classic Literature Through Film | 4 |
| ENG 730 | The Graphic Novel | 4 |
| Declaration of Candidacy Form Required 1 | ||
| Basic Academic Skills Assessment (BASA) Required 2 | ||
| PSY 470 | Child Development | 4 |
| EDC 501 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 4 |
| Introductory Level Education Courses | ||
| EDC 700 | Introduction to Clinical Experience | 1 |
| EDC 701 | Special Education Law | 4 |
| EDC 702 | Young Children with Exceptionalities, Birth to Age 8 | 4 |
| EDC 703 | The Dynamic Role of the Special Educator | 4 |
| Intermediate Level Education Courses | ||
| EDC 704 | Assessment of Young Children in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Spec. Education, Birth to Age 8 | 4 |
| EDC 705 | Collaboration, Consultation and Teaming In Early Childhood & Early Childhood Special Education | 4 |
| EDC 706 | IFSPs, IEPs, and Transition Planning - Birth to Age 8 | 2 |
| EDC 707 | Behavior Interventions for Young Children in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education | 4 |
| Advanced Level Education Courses | ||
| EDC 708 | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Spec Education | 4 |
| EDC 709 | Teaching Language Arts and Literacy in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education | 6 |
| EDC 710 | Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction in Early Childhood/Early Childhood SPED - Birth to Age 8 | 4 |
| EDC 798 | Culminating Teaching Experience and Seminar | 4 |
| Total Credits | 89 | |
- 1
Required prior to beginning the last 60 credits of degree program
- 2
Passing BASA scores must be submitted prior to taking EDC 700 Introduction to Clinical Experience
Electives
Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.
State Licensure Requirements
The following requirements must be completed in order to be recommended to the state for Teacher licensure:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for state licensure
- Basic Academic Skills Assessment (BASA) required. Passing Exam scores must be submitted prior to taking EDC 700 Introduction to Clinical Experience
- Pearson Early Childhood Exam and Early Childhood Special Education Exam- Passing scores must be submitted prior to taking the Culminating Teaching Experience & Seminar
- Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam required. Passing Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam Scores must be submitted prior to taking the Culminating Teaching Experience & Seminar.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Develop a working understanding of current brain research and its implications for teaching and learning.
- Develop the skills to access and utilize technology as a tool to empower teaching and learning.
- Develop a solid understanding of the utilization of formative and summative assessment for program design, monitoring student progress and evaluating teaching effectiveness.
- Work with colleagues to observe, analyze and provide feedback on student progress and teaching effectiveness.
- Utilize research methods and materials, pedagogies and assessment strategies to teach for understanding and application specific to content area.
- Apply content knowledge to develop PK-12 students’ skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking.
- Identify and explore connections between content areas and teaching methodologies.
- Create learning experiences to foster PK-12 students’ independent, collaborative, and creative problem-solving skills.
- Devise strategies to facilitate mastery of course content using technology.
Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures
The University of New Hampshire offers a number of academic programs designed to lead to professional licensure or certification in New Hampshire. However, completing a UNH degree/program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like years of work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria.
UNH does not guarantee that its professional licensure programs will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states. Some states maintain different requirements for professional licensure or certification and requirements can change frequently. Federal regulations require the University to make public disclosure of certain information regarding professional licensure or certification programs, regardless of the modality the program is offered (i.e., in-person or online). The University provides guidance below but recommends students contact their state/territory licensing or certification board to ensure a program meets specific state/territory requirements.
Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for information about whether this program meets professional licensure requirements in your state.
Your Prior and Current Learning Counts
Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.
How to Ensure Our Online Programs are Available to You
Students who reside outside New Hampshire and plan to enroll in UNH CPS certification programs are responsible for verifying that the program meets requirements for licensure for educator certification in their state. Some states may have additional requirements and different certification areas.
Attend a Teacher Prep Info Session
We have online Information Sessions regularly scheduled, which give you valuable insights into our teacher certification options.
Career Outcomes
Talk with your advisor to discuss how your program, experience, and goals align.