The Early Childhood Unified (ECU) Program is designed to prepare teachers of young children with and without exceptionalities. At the completion of their ECU degree, ECU candidates are eligible for dual licensure: ECU birth-grade 3 and Elementary Education K-6. The ECU program develops reflective practitioners who possess theoretical and practical developmental, educational, communicative, collaborative, and family- and child-centered skills.
If you already have a bachelor's degree and are interested in teaching Early Childhood Unified (birth through grade 3), you may qualify for the Early Childhood Unified Residency Program.

Why study Early Childhood Unified at Wichita State?
Students completing this program will be eligible for two initial licenses. Upon completion of all courses and program assessments, graduates will be eligible to apply for both the elementary teaching license (K-6, general education) and the early childhood unified license (birth-grade 3, general and special education) after they successfully complete the Kansas teacher licensure exams required by the State of Kansas for application for a teacher license or endorsement.
The undergraduate Early Childhood Unified (ECU) Program is a dual-licensure program meaning ECU candidates are eligible to test for licensure in:(1) Birth-Grade 3 Early Childhood Unified (Regular and special education) and (2) Elementary Education K-6. The program requires 36 general education credits, 65 required credits from the Elementary Education program, and 28 required credits from the ECU program for a total of 129 credit hours. Students take ECU courses along with the Elementary education courses. ECU students begin with a course in the foundations of ECU and follow with several courses in instructional strategies, assessment, and management for three age groups: 1) Infant/Toddler; 2) Preschool/PreK; and 3) K-3. Students will also have two practicum courses in both an infant/toddler environment and a preschool environment in addition to those required in the elementary education program. ECU candidates learn hands-on approaches to promoting an inclusion-based classroom setting.
Prospective WSU students:
Current WSU students:
Students completing this program will be eligible to apply for two initial licenses including:
Please know that these are sample degree plans. If you would like to talk to an academic advisor, please call the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.
Tuition and Fees
Learn more about tuition and fees at Wichita State.
Tuition Discount Programs
WSU offers tuition discounts for out-of-state students paying nonresident tuition.
Find out more about tuition discounts at WSU.
WSU Merit Scholarships
Students admitted to WSU are automatically considered for merit scholarships. Merit
scholarships are awarded to both incoming freshman and transfer students. Learn more about merit scholarships at WSU.
College of Applied Studies Scholarships
Both prospective and current exercise science majors are eligible for scholarships
through the College of Applied Studies. Only one application is necessary to apply
for all scholarships available to students in the College of Applied Studies. Complete
the College of Applied Studies Scholarship Application.
All items must be completed prior to starting the Teacher Education Program. If you have questions or need assistance contact the College of Applied Studies Advising Center at (316) 978-3300, option 2.
CBASE registration website: www.registerblast.com/wsu
If you do not meet this requirement, your academic advisor can assist you. Contact (316) 978-3300, option 2 for more information.
Complete the Teacher Education Application Packet which includes: