Online BSOLL, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (Track)
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Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (BSOLL Track), Online
The online Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) track is designed to prepare early childcare professionals to deliver high-quality, effective and diverse education to young learners in Pre-K classrooms.
The University of Louisville’s Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education bachelor’s track enables you to develop your core education knowledge and communication skills that allow you to work with children as well as their families or caretakers.
In this program, you gain proven interdisciplinary early childhood education expertise and learn to apply practical knowledge through the program’s commitment to three pillars: Play, Practice and Policy. You will also be equipped to help at-risk learners in low-income or impoverished communities.
If you’re looking to start or advance your career as a childcare professional, preschool teacher, infant-toddler teacher, teaching assistant, Head Start teacher, a center director or in other interdisciplinary early childhood education areas, our program can help you get there.
US News & World Report Recognition
This program is offered through the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Louisville. For over a decade, UofL Online bachelor’s degrees have been recognized as Best in the Nation and Best for Veterans, by US News & World Report, reflecting the university’s focus on academic excellence and student support.
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Track, BS in OLL 100% Online
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Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Track, BS in OLL
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The Big Picture
The online IECE Track is designed to prepare you to meet the challenges of being an effective interdisciplinary educator for early childhood. This online program offers the tools and resources you need to succeed on your pathway to becoming an educator.
Your previous education, training and work experience can count toward UofL’s online BSOLL degree requirements. You could earn up to 48 credit hours (or 16 courses equivalent) tuition-free for prior learning, which can save you up to $26,832 in tuition cost and time to graduation.
IECE (BSOLL Degree Track) Highlights
- Develop your understanding of child development in education and discover how you can help children create positive social relationships while also learning the ins and outs of day-to-day facility administration operations
- Earn credit for prior learning and work experience as an early childcare professional through a designated course and assessment
- Move through your accelerated coursework in the student-preferred timeframe of 8 weeks per course
- Get started on your degree as soon as you’re ready with 5 available starts per year
- Transfer in your associate degree or other earned credit from accredited institutions or earn the entire degree at UofL
- Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of 100% online classes and 24/7 access to learning tools
Credit for Prior Learning
In the first online core course, LEAD 300 Prior Learning Assessment, you will work very closely with program faculty to build an academic portfolio by documenting your on-the-job learning and previous work experiences and other specialized training. With this portfolio, you could earn up to 48 credit hours toward your degree at no cost (equivalent of up to 16 courses).
Transfer Credit
If you previously started a bachelor's degree but didn't finish, UofL's online organizational leadership and learning bachelor's is designed to help you achieve degree completion. Transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college. You can also take all your general education requirements online at UofL! UofL Academic Advisers are available to assist with your degree planning.
Are you a KCTCS student? Students who have been enrolled at a KCTCS school and have fulfilled all general education requirements can have them transferred in their entirety and may begin immediately with online upper level coursework at UofL. Visit our KCTCS Transfers Page for more information.
"The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood track provides an exciting opportunity for early childhood professionals to pursue their bachelor's degree while also receiving acknowledgement - and college credit - for their experience and knowledge in the field of early childhood education."
Jane Andris, PhD
Start your journey as an early childhood educator today!
How to Apply to UofL’s Online BSOLL Degree IECE Track
Check out typical application deadlines for the IECE program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application Deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall I | August |
| October 1 | Fall II | October |
| December 1 | Spring I | January |
| February 1 | Spring II | Late February |
| May 1 | Summer | May |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
What Are the Steps to Apply to the Online BSOLL Program?
- Start your application for undergraduate admission
- Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
- Verify your identity - provide ID/documentation as requested
- Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292 - Create a financial plan
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What Is Required for Admission to the Online BSOLL IECE Track?
New Students and Transfer Students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
- High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent also accepted)
- Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
- Composite ACT score of 21 or higher (test optional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis)
- Minimum of 2,000 hours (approximately one year total) of work experience
- Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) preferred, but not required for admission
Transfer Students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
- Minimum GPA of 2.25 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
- Minimum of 2,000 hours (approximately one year total) of work experience
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
Need more guidance or have questions about your application? Contact our enrollment counselors team today to get started!
How Much Will It Cost to Earn an IECE Degree at UofL?
Academic Year Tuition
$559 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
Many employers often have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
Ready to take the next step in your teaching career growth journey?
What You Learn in the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Track?
The University of Louisville’s Organizational Leadership & Learning: Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education track enables you to help at-risk learners in low-income or impoverished communities by developing your core education knowledge and communication skills—allowing you to work with children as well as their families or caretakers. You will gain proven interdisciplinary early childhood education expertise and learn to apply practical knowledge through the program’s commitment to three pillars.
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
Start working on your application and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
What can I do with a degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education?
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education degrees give you the education you need to start or advance your career in interdisciplinary early childhood education areas including:
- Childcare professional
- Childcare center director
- Preschool teacher
- Infant-toddler teacher
- Teaching assistant
- Kentucky Head Start teacher
Numerous graduates pursue careers as childcare directors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2020 average salary for a director was $49,160. Earning your bachelor's degree can prepare you as a leader in your organization and provide you with access to higher pay, greater job security and a path to teacher certification.
UofL’s interdisciplinary early childhood education track within the bachelor’s in organizational leadership and learning is designed specifically to be a quicker and more affordable pathway to a degree for early childhood professionals by delivering tuition-free college credit based on past work experience.
How can I use Interdisciplinary ECE as a steppingstone to become a certified teacher?
Graduates of this program can earn teaching certification through UofL by completing their Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. UofL’s online MAT in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education is an alternative certification program to get a jump start on your career.
Turn your knowledge and skills into career growth and see where this degree can take you! Get started today!
What Your Support Network Looks Like
From application through graduation, accountancy students are backed by a knowledgeable team that understands the demands of working professionals. Enrollment counselors, academic advisors, program leadership staff and faculty collaborate to provide clear guidance, timely support and practical insight so you can stay focused, confident and on track throughout your degree.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Jennifer Ferguson | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Jennifer Huff | Academic Advisor | Jennifer.huff@louisville.edu |
502.852.2547
|
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Randy Whetstone Jr., EdD | Program Director (BS OLL) | Randy.whetstone@louisville.edu | 502.852.0635 |
If this education opportunity matches your needs and goals, contact us today and let us help you get started on the path to success!
What Else Should You Know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission, internship process and options or how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
- Can I enroll in the program if I still have General Education courses to complete?
Yes, as long as you have been admitted to the College of Education & Human Development and the Organizational Leadership and Learning degree program. The academic counselor will work with you to identify the necessary courses and options.
- Will I pay UofL tuition for the credits I am awarded from my work experience?
No, you will earn those credits free of charge! In other words, by completing the LEAD 300 Prior Learning Assessment course (which is a 3-credit hour class at normal tuition cost), and submitting a completed portfolio in which you will document and validate your work experience (i.e. on-the-job training, professional development, etc.) and/or military and/or industry training.
- Is there a part-time option?
Yes, you can complete this program as a part-time student.
- Do I have to have my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential?
The CDA credential is preferred when applying to the BS OLL IECE online program, but it is not required for the acceptance into the program. That said, if you do have your CDA, you can earn college credit for it as part of the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
- Does this program lead to teacher certification?
No, this program does not lead to any certifications. Graduates will earn their bachelor’s degree only. Teachers within the state of Kentucky are required to have a certification to teach in K-12 classrooms. If you are outside of the state of Kentucky, consult the licensing board in your state for more information about regulations that may apply to you. If you are interested in adding on teaching certification after you complete this bachelor’s degree, we do offer a Master of Arts in Teaching.
- Is there a GPA requirement for admission?
Yes, you must have a minimum of GPA of 2.25 (on a 4.0 scale) to be considered for admission to the program unconditionally. If you do not have a 2.25 GPA, you can be accepted provisionally. The Admissions Committee will assess applications on a case-by-case basis, carefully considering all qualifications.
- Is this program suitable for me as an out-of-state student?
Yes, this program is applicable to students in other states.
- Is this program open to international students?
Yes, this program is available for international students.
- Can I transfer in credits?
Yes, you can transfer up to 60 hours from an accredited community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college. We recommend that you have a transcript evaluation completed to understand how many transfer credits will count toward your degree.
- I’m a KCTCS Student, is there a transfer pathway for me?
Check out the transfer pathways available from our KCTCS Transfer Page for more information.
- How long are the courses?
The courses are offered in an 8-week format with the exception of LEAD 540.
- Does this program have a student teaching requirement?
No, there is no student teaching required for this degree. The BS OLL IECE track does not require student teaching because it is not a teacher certification program. If you are interested in a program that leads to teacher certification, contact Betty Hampton at betty.hampton@louisville.edu. Application to the teacher certification programs requires a passing score on the PRAXIS CASE exam. The BS OLL in interdisciplinary early childhood does not require any entrance or exit exams because it is not a teacher certification program.
- Can I take summer classes?
Yes, you can take summer courses. However, none of the IECE track-specific courses are currently available during the summer term.
- Are there any scholarships available?
Scholarships available for students who qualify. Check out our Scholarships page to learn more.
Still have questions? Talk to our enrollment team today to get your questions answered!
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