10 Best HBCUs for Early Childhood Education

The bachelor of elementary education program at the University of the District of Columbia can prepare you for meaningful work in elementary schools or further study toward a master's in teaching, administration, or public policy. This program emphasizes creative approaches to outcomes measurement, teaching, and curriculum reform.

Education majors can join the Education Club or the Association for Childhood Education International to supplement their coursework and access research and community-based learning opportunities. UDC also charges some of the most affordable tuition rates in the DC metro area.

If you've just graduated from high school, the early childhood education major at Morris College allows you to take summer courses to help you fast-track your degree and get started before your first year. The Division of Education offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics like visual and performing arts in early education, reading difficulties, and contemporary affairs.

Located in Sumter, South Carolina, Morris College is a private school with just over 400 students and a 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. If you want a career-focused degree that provides a strong liberal arts background, Morris College may be the place for you.

Established over 150 years ago, Le Moyne-Owen College is the only HBCU in Memphis' city center. LeMoyne-Owen College's educator preparation program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

As a student, you'll receive instruction and obtain experience preparing you to educate students in a diverse global society. In addition to earning a bachelor of science degree, completing the licensure program makes you eligible to apply for a Tennessee teaching license.

The Division of Professional Education at Hampton University prepares graduates to work in educational environments that are increasingly diverse, technological, and global. If you enroll, you can pursue student teaching, study abroad, and research opportunities.

With a student body of about 3,300, Hampton University is a private school that provides a close-knit environment with its 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The retention rate of first-year students is 81%, which is higher than the national average.

Alabama State University's early childhood education program may be a good fit if you want a liberal arts education that prepares you for a teaching role or a graduate-level education. As a teacher candidate, you'll develop knowledge and skills related to language, art appreciation, and building relationships with families. You'll also develop competencies in math, physical sciences, and government.

Alabama State University combines the affordability of a public school with a low 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university is located in Montgomery — a city with a rich history and a strong civil rights legacy.

At Claflin University, you can prepare for a license to teach pre-K through third grade in South Carolina while earning your bachelor's degree. The course requirements include broad exposure to math, fine arts, literature, technology for teachers, language skills, and other subjects. 

With an early childhood education degree, you can also explore other occupations like education consultant, children's museum educator, child education advocate, and personal care aide. Claflin University is a private institution that educates about 1,900 students and boasts a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Florida A&M University offers a bachelor of science in elementary education that prepares graduates to pursue a teaching license in Florida. You'll complete a three-part field clinical series, as well as courses like behavior management, child and adolescent development for educators, and science for the elementary school.

Florida A&M University reports a 33% acceptance rate, reflecting its high academic standards. Students at this public university also benefit from a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

If you earn your BS from Delaware State University's early childhood education program, you'll gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to find work in teaching, administration, research, and other fields.

Participants build practical skills at the Lab School, where they have the opportunity to interact with young children and parents in a real-world setting. If you enroll, you can also accumulate teaching hours at one of many schools and childcare centers in the Delaware area.

Central State University — based in Wilberforce, Ohio — offers a bachelor of science in primary education. This program prepares graduates for a pre-kindergarten through grade five teaching license. In addition to required courses for the major, you can get exposure to specialized subjects like technology in teaching, educational psychology, and students with special needs.

Established more than 135 years ago, Central State University is Ohio's only public HBCU. With a relatively small student body of just over 6,000 learners, you can experience more personal connections with faculty and other attendees on campus.

Wiley College — with a main campus in Marshall, Texas — oversees an early childhood education department. The school's Educator Preparation Program can put you on the path to earning a bachelor of science in early childhood education and teacher certification. Courses for the major include general ecology, Texas history, and probability and statistics for elementary teachers.

This private college is home to about 670 undergraduates, which may be appealing if you prefer a close-knit academic community. Marshall is an economic hub serving the tri-state area of east Texas, western Louisiana, and southwest Arkansas.