Want to make a lifelong impact during the most important years of a child’s life? Shape the future through early education.

Major in Early Childhood Education

What is Early Childhood Education?

A major in early childhood education prepares you to nurture young minds from birth through third grade — some of the most crucial years in a child's development. You’ll learn how to create fun, engaging, and inclusive learning environments, develop strong bonds with families, and make a real difference in children’s lives. With nationally recognized programs and hands-on teaching experience, LSU gives you the tools to thrive in early childhood education jobs as a teacher, advocate, and leader in early learning.

Program Website

Degree Details

Admissions Info

Program Highlights

University Lab Schools Get hands-on training in LSU’s on-campus University Laboratory School and Early Childhood Laboratory Preschool — real classrooms where you’ll build real experience teaching preschool and early elementary students.

Dual Certification Pursue Birth-K or PK–3 certification and graduate with real classroom experience teaching children from birth through third grade — giving you confidence to lead as soon as you graduate.

Residential College Live and learn with your peers in Cypress Hall, creating a smaller network within the larger campus. Some classes are available on-site, as well as academic advising, study groups, and professional networking events.

Geaux Global Travel with faculty and experience early education on a global scale by studying abroad in Italy where the highly respected Reggio-Emilia approach to education originated.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Preschool Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Parent Program Coordinator
Parent & Community Agency Partner
Curriculum Specialist
Child Development Specialist

Workplace Settings

Preschools
Elementary Schools
Childcare Centers
Private Homes
Public, Private, Charter Schools
Family Support Services

$49,000

Average alumni Early Childhood Education salary 5 years after graduation

What Early Childhood Education Looks like

LSU Early-Childhood Education Graduate Committed to Shaping Louisiana’s Future Leaders

Building Skills

Personalized Learning Design Create age-appropriate lessons tailored to each child’s strengths and needs.

Family Collaboration Work with families to support children’s growth, engagement, and motivation.

Strategic Planning & Instruction Use evidence-based strategies to plan impactful lessons with clear and purposeful goals.

Classroom Management & Engagement Establish clear expectations and a positive environment, motivating students to succeed.

Being a product of the state’s flagship university has given me the opportunity to be taught by some of the best in the field of education. My goal is to give back to the students I encounter daily and be a positive influence like the teachers I had once did for me. It is my way to pay it forward.Caroline Hargrave
BS Early Childhood Education ‘23

Advance your Career

Post-graduate education

LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.

EdS or MEd – Counseling EdS, MA, or MEd – Curriculum & Instruction EdS or MEd – Educational Leadership MA – Educational Leadership & Research MAT - Teaching PhD – Curriculum & Instruction PhD – Educational Leadership & Research

Related Majors

Elementary Grades Education

Dual Certification: General/Special Education

Human Development & Family Science

Apply Today!