Overview

The Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs programme at Purdue University provides a robust foundation for students dedicated to teaching children from birth through to the third grade. This curriculum is specifically designed to address the requirements of young learners, including those with developmental delays and disabilities. By blending academic rigour with practical experience, the university ensures that graduates are fully equipped to lead inclusive and effective classrooms.

Why Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs at Purdue University?

Purdue University is recognised as the top public institution in Indiana for return on investment, providing students with a high-quality education that translates into professional success. A defining feature of this programme is the extensive hands-on training provided through the Ben and Maxine Miller Child Development Laboratory School. Students benefit from diverse practicum opportunities in local community settings, culminating in a full-time, semester-long student teaching placement during their final year. This immersive approach ensures that graduates meet the standards for Indiana teaching licensure across infant, toddler, preschool, and early elementary special education settings.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 32104 per year
National fee: USD 28794 per year
Local fee: USD 9718 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on human development, pedagogical strategies, and specialised support for exceptional needs. Modules may include:

Early Childhood Education
Exceptional Needs
Human Services
Developmental and Family Science
Kinesiology
Brain and Behavioral Sciences
Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Careers with Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs

Graduates are prepared for a variety of impactful roles within the education and social services sectors. The programme provides the necessary credentials to pursue careers in both public and private organisations. Potential career paths include:

Early childhood teacher (pre-K to third grade)
Early intervention specialist
Special education teacher
Childcare centre director
Educational consultant
Title I teacher

In addition to immediate employment, many alumni choose to pursue advanced qualifications, such as a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, to further specialise in supporting children with complex developmental needs.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Orientation To Current Issues In Human Development And Family Studies
Human Development
Diversity In Individual And Family Life
Child Development
Research Design And Program Evaluation
Educational Technology And Computing
Literacy In The Primary Classroom
Assessment Literacy
Assistive Technology
Medical And Physical Management Of Individuals With Multiple Disabilities

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

More details

If you're applying to begin in the spring or summer term, submit application as early as possible prior to the start of the term.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

West Lafayette, United States

Disciplines

Early Childhood Education View 608 other Bachelors in Early Childhood Education in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.8

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Apply Online: $60 Application Fee
Secondary School Grades
Official SAT or ACT Score: SAT or ACT scores with writing is strongly encouraged for international citizens.
Proof of English Proficiency
Letter of Recommendation: Though not required, a letter of recommendation is strongly encouraged, especially for students eligible to be considered for scholarships, for the Honors College or for those who are applying to highly competitive programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32104 USD / year

≈ 32104 USD / year
Out-of-State

28794 USD / year

≈ 28794 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9718 USD / year

≈ 9718 USD / year

Living costs

West Lafayette

United States

1096 - 1774 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

West Lafayette

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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