Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education

OU-Tulsa / Education / Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education

Oklahoma is a national leader in early childhood education, and OU-Tulsa is committed to improving services for young children and their families across our community through our Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education degree completion program. This degree program provides junior and senior level courses needed to complete a bachelor’s degree after students finish their initial two years of study with our program partner, Tulsa Community College, or at another university.

Why Study Early Childhood Education at OU-Tulsa?

The OU-Tulsa ECE program offers several unique features, including:

The program can be completed in five semesters, including a summer semester.
Students begin the program in the fall semester and complete the program, including student teaching, in the second spring semester.
The program focuses on a comprehensive range of young children from birth through age 8, with nine credit hours dedicated to infant/toddler course work.
The program is designed for working adults, with most courses scheduled for evenings or occasional weekend classes on the OU-Tulsa campus.
ECE students can complete at least one field experience with the following age groups: infants/toddlers, preschoolers, and primary grade-level children.

Program Requirements

A minimum of 24 semester hours earned from an accredited institution of higher learning;
A minimum of 2.75 combined retention grade point average on all coursework attempted;
A declared major in education.

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Geroge Kaiser Family Foundation Loan Forgiveness Program

All students who are admitted to the OU-Tulsa Early Childhood Education program are eligible to apply for the George Kaiser Foundation Loan Forgiveness Program. The program provides an in-state tuition waiver from the University of Oklahoma for required early childhood education courses taken at OU-Tulsa. The GKFF Loan Forgiveness Program allows students the choice between two options.

Option One

Full 100% loan forgiveness is available to students who choose to teach:

children from birth through age 4
in licensed nonprofit agency settings such as Head Start and Tulsa Educare (excluding public school settings)
within Tulsa county

Students receive 25% loan forgiveness per year for 4 consecutive years of employment (12 consecutive months per year) post graduation. Contact us for a list of qualified work settings.

Option Two

Partial 20% loan forgiveness is available to students who choose to teach:

children from birth through grade 3
in public or private school systems or for profit, non-subsidized agencies/schools
within Tulsa county

Students receive 5% loan forgiveness per year for up to 4 consecutive years of employment (12 consecutive months per year) post graduation.

Those not eligible for 100% loan forgiveness may be eligible for the Inspire to Teach Employment Incentive Program, which offers a scholarship and yearly stipend for 5 years of qualified employment.

Early Childhood Education student with children

Career Paths

A Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education opens up a variety of career paths for individuals who are passionate about working with young children. Here are some potential career options:

Birth through Third Grade Teacher
Parent Educator

Early Childhood Education Program FAQ's

Who is eligible for the loan forgiveness programs and Inspired2Teach?

GKFF: all students accepted to the OU-Tulsa ECE program are eligible. OU waives tuition for those who are part of the GKFF loan forgiveness program.

Inspired to Teach: all full-time students enrolled in a teacher education program in OK are eligible. The money you receive as a student for Inspire to Teach is folded into your GKFF loan but once you graduate and teach in an Oklahoma public school, you will receive $4,000 each year for five years, which totals $20,000 permitting state funds are available.

Can I apply for both GKFF and other loan forgiveness programs?

No. Students can apply to only one loan forgiveness program.

When I graduate must I work full time to have my GKFF loan forgiven?

Yes.

What if I have a 9-month appointment?

Nine month appointments are considered full-time employment.

What if I don’t finish the program?

GKFF: You must pay back the money that has been loaned to you.
Inspired to Teach: N/A

What if I decide to teach outside of Tulsa County, change from non-public to public school settings, change from teaching 0-4 to 4-8, or change to teaching families who are not considered low income?

GKFF teaching 0-4 in non-public school setting in Tulsa County: forgiveness will switch from 25% to 5% per year.
GKFF public school setting: forgiveness will remain the same at 5% per year.
GKFF loan forgiveness only applies to Tulsa County.

Is this considered a private loan?

GKFF: Yes
Inspired to Teach: No

When is the deadline to apply for programs?

GKFF: application is due along with application for the OU-Tulsa ECE program
Inspired to Teach: We advise you to apply during the first few weeks of your first semester in our program.

Is it possible for assistance in finding qualifying work in case we are not able to find it in time?

OU-Tulsa ECE program has a 100% employment rate for students who want to stay in OK.

Is there a document that lists the qualifying employers for the GKFF loan forgiveness?

Yes.

How are other scholarships considered with this program?

You may secure scholarships and they will not impact your GKFF loan.

What if I am employed at EDUCARE and then move to TPS?

GKFF loan forgiveness will switch from 25% to 5% per year.