Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Early Childhood Education & ESL)

This Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies offers an endorsement in early childhood education (PreK-3) and a secondary endorsement in English as a second language (ESL). The degree prepares students to be competent and compassionate teachers of young students and those with language barriers, providing them with the strong foundation and early intervention they need to excel in learning.

Program Benefits

• Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who make an effort to know you personally, and who have relevant and valuable real-world experience in both public and private school settings.
• Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
• Gain hands-on student teaching experience in both public and private school settings.

What to Expect

Trevecca’s early childhood education and ESL program equips you to work with young students and students with language barriers who can benefit from early intervention. When children have positive support in their early years of schooling, it sets them up for long-term success. As an early childhood and/or ESL educator, you won’t only be providing foundational skills like math, science, and literacy, but you’ll also be teaching children crucial skills in how to engage socially and emotionally in the world.

This program offers a solid foundation in early education combined with 12 hours of ESL instruction. Coursework covers topics like effective classroom environments; learning through play and expressive creation; education in urban culture; methods of assessment and evaluation for ESL; trends, models, and methods in ESL instruction; and linguistics for teachers of ESL. In addition, the courses and content in this program are consistently updated to reflect the ever-changing needs of modern education. Our technology course prepares you to confidently use technology to supplement traditional teaching methods and to present engaging virtual instruction.

This program also offers incredible field experience in a diverse range of learning environments. You’ll acquire 120-140 hours of hands-on experience with student teaching opportunities in both public and private schools. Trevecca has partnerships with both Wilson County Schools and Metro Nashville Public Schools. As part of your field experience, you’ll get valuable feedback from faculty and experienced teachers aimed at helping you improve your teaching craft.

Why Choose Trevecca?

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers, and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth.

As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you and your goals.

As part of earning a dual endorsement in early childhood education and English as a second language (ESL), Trevecca students receive training in both subject areas to prepare them for early childhood instruction and language intervention.

Coursework covers topics such as effective classroom environments; learning through play and expressive creation; education in urban culture; methods of assessment and evaluation for ESL; trends, models, and methods in ESL instruction; and linguistics for teachers of ESL. Students receive a strong foundation in language and literacy instruction, children’s literature, early childhood math, social studies, and science methods.