Chattanooga Schools with Early Childhood Education Degree Programs
Students in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area who are interested in pursuing a degree in early childhood education have several options within the city and in the nearby area. This article profiles two schools no more than a 40-minute drive from downtown that offer undergraduate degrees in early childhood education, some of which qualify graduates to test for teacher licensure. All these programs include general education courses, classes in education and field experience working with children.
In addition to information on the degree programs, this article contains a table that presents important facts about each school, such as school size, tuition, graduation rates and acceptance rates. At the end of the article is a listing of two nearby schools, both over the state line in Georgia, that offer early childhood education degrees.
- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers a bachelor's degree program that prepares graduates for licensing to teach pre-kindergartners through third graders. It is just a half-mile from the heart of the city.
- Lee University in nearby Cleveland, Tennessee, offers bachelor's degrees in early childhood education as well as teacher licensure programs for pre-K through grade three. Lee is 26 miles from downtown Chattanooga.
Comparison of Schools
Aspiring students need to look at many aspects of a school when making a decision on their education. This table presents vital information in a format that allows for easy comparison.
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | Lee University | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year, public | 4-year, private, not-for-profit |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 11,457* | 4,505* |
| Campus Setting | Midsize city | Small city |
| Tuition & Fees (2022-2023) | In-state: $9,848, out-of-state: $25,966* | $21,730* |
| % of Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 97%* | 98%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2020) | 86%* | 83%* |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021) | Full-time: 73%, part-time: 50%* | Full-time: 81%, part-time: 50%* |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate | 54% (began Fall 2015)* | 58% (began Fall 2015)* |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was founded in 1886 as a private Methodist Episcopal university, and it remained a private university for more than 80 years before joining with the University of Tennessee. The university offers teacher education programs through its School of Education. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers one early childhood education program.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interdisciplinary Educational Studies: Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education
This B.S. program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will prepare students to teach children in early childhood and special education classrooms. Students will complete the core classes required to earn a bachelor's degree, along with a number of early education classes, such as child development, strategies for young learners, classroom diversity, literacy for young learners and early intervention methods. The program also includes a professional seminar and two-part residency.
Lee University
Lee University is a private, 4-year school that enrolls more than 5,000 students annually. The 100-year-old school is affiliated with the Church of God. The university offers teacher training programs through its Helen DeVos College of Education. Lee offers two programs for students interested in early childhood education.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Development/Early Childhood, PreK-3 Licensure
This B.S. program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will prepare students to teach at the preschool through third grade levels. Students will complete the core classes required to earn a bachelor's degree, along with a number of early education core and specialty classes, such as child development, observation and assessment of young children, classroom instruction principles and teaching diverse learners. A student teaching seminar and two student teaching practicums are also included.
B.S. in Human Development/Early Childhood and Interdisciplinary Studies, PreK-3 and K-5 Teacher Licensure
Students of this program take the same professional education requirements as in the previous program, in addition to specialty area coursework in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. A capstone course, Integration of Faith and Learning, must also be completed.
Other Options
Although there are no other early childhood education programs in Tennessee that are within 50 miles of Chattanooga, some neighboring schools in Georgia offer early childhood education programs within 55 miles of the city. Students who are interested in looking outside the state may be interested in Dalton State College, located in Dalton, Georgia, a little more than 27 miles from Chattanooga. Another option is Berry College, located in Mount Berry, Georgia, about 51 miles from Chattanooga.
