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A leading research university in Atlanta, Georgia

Birth Through Five

College: College of Education
Degrees: B.S.E.
See Also: Department of Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Birth Through Five (B-5) teacher preparation.  Program graduates will also earn the PreSchool Special Education Endorsement.  Major coursework is provided to prepare new teachers or further develop the competencies of current teachers to work with children from infancy through Kindergarten, both typically developing and those with disabilities.  Extensive field work throughout the program culminates in a student teaching experience at one of the age levels.  With approval, many of the field placement requirements may be completed in the current work setting of early care and education teachers. Courses in the major will be offered in the early moring and/or late afternoon and evening to accommodate working professionals.  One online course and one hybrid course (a combination of face-to-face and online coursework) are currenty available, however, the majority of courses are university classroom based and held on the GSU campus.

B-5 Program Features:

  • Articulation or transfer agreements with technical colleges
  • Evening courses
  • Admission three times year year: fall, spring and summer
  • Opportunities to complete fied experiences and internships in work-based setting, as approved
  • Extensive coursework and experience with children with special needs and their families

Program Application Deadline:

  • Fall Semester         June 1
  • Spring Semester    October 1
  • Summe Semester  April 1

Career Opportunities

The Birth Through Five (B-5) program prepares student for employment in varied settings with very young children (birth through Kindergarten) inlcuding those that require teacher certification.  Graduate of theprogrm are well preared for jobs as teachers, administratrs, or early education specialists in the Birth Through five and Preschool Special Education fields.  Upon successful completion of the program, which includes a passing score on GACE (see:  http://www.gapsc.com/TeacherCertification.asp), the College of Education recommends the student for initial certification in Birth Through Five in the State of Georgia. 

Opportunities for B-5 Graduates:

  • Certified Kindergarten Teacher
  • Certified Pre-K Teacher
  • Head Start Program Professional
  • Early Childhood Program Director
  • Child Care Teacher
  • Preschool Special Education Teacher
  • Home Visitor Program Specialist
  • Family Agency Professional
  • Child Care Center Owner-Operator
  • Early Intervention Specialist

Academic Guide

This is a suggested 4-year schedule of courses for students to follow, including milestones that should be met each year.

B.S.E. in Birth Through Five