Overview
The University of Cincinnati Online's Early Childhood Education associate degree program prepares graduates to design and implement developmentally appropriate learning environments for children Birth - Age 5. The ECE online degree program provides students the opportunity to specialize in Nature-Based Early Learning. Students will study how to design and implement curriculum to enhance children's learning and development through the exposure to nature and nature-based activities.
UC's Nature-Based Early Childhood Education program is perfect for anyone seeking to learn in-demand skills and to strengthen professionals' ability to provide high-quality experiences in Nature-Based programs. Whether you are interested in working as an outdoor educator at a Preschool, Nature Center, Children's Museum, Science Center, or Forest School, our Online Early Childhood Education program provides the flexibility and accessibility you need. Graduates will learn the latest instructional techniques in Nature-Based learning that promote the implementation of progressive and interdisciplinary curricula in natural settings in ways that view children as capable, able to problem-solve, and make decisions that affect their own lives.
The online associate degree does not lead to Ohio's Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 5 teaching licensure.
Career
Graduates of this concentration pursue careers such as:
Preschool Outdoor Educator
Nature Center Teacher
Children's Museum Educator
Science Center Teacher
Forest School Teacher
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
Expected November 2025
Start date
January 2025
UC Uptown West Campus
2600 Clifton Avenue,
CINCINNATI,
Ohio,
45221, United States
This program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.
English test score requirements: ELS - 112 Graduation; IELTS - 6.0 Overall minimum of 5.5 on each section; PTE - 46; TOEFL - 66 iBT minimum of 15 on each section; Duolingo - 95; Cambridge - 169 minimum, Recommended exam: C1 Advanced.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
The balance of teaching quality and real-world experience has secured UC’s position amongst the world’s premier higher education institutions.