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UF
College of Education
Early Childhood Education Prospective Students Ph.D. Graduate Minor

Ph.D. Graduate Minor

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Program Overview

The minor in early childhood provides on-campus doctoral students across campus expertise in young children’s early development and learning with a focus on children (birth – five years old) who are vulnerable due to biological, environmental, or established risk conditions and their families. The minor is designed to offer interdisciplinary graduate education by combining coursework and applied research opportunities focused on areas within the field of early childhood including health, mental health, early education and care, early intervention, policy and law, and family and community-based social supports. The minor provides a unique opportunity for graduate students to interact with faculty across disciplines who have diverse academic backgrounds and areas of research and expertise.

Program Highlights

The Ph.D. Graduate Minor in Early Childhood at the University of Florida offers doctoral students across disciplines a cutting-edge specialization in the development, learning, and support of young children (birth to age five), particularly those facing biological, environmental, or risk-based challenges. Rooted in interdisciplinary coursework and applied research, the minor draws on strengths across education, psychology, policy, and community systems to equip scholars to lead innovative inquiry, evidence-based interventions, and policy initiatives. Through close mentorship, engagement with UF’s renowned faculty and centers, and integration with doctoral work in related fields, participants deepen their expertise in assessment, advocacy, early systems design, and family–community partnerships. Graduates emerge ready to contribute meaningfully to scholarship, practice, and leadership roles advancing quality early childhood education locally, nationally, and beyond.

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    Admission Requirements

    The early childhood minor is administered through the School of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood, College of Education. The minor is open to all on-campus doctoral students across campus.

    A student can earn a minor in Early Childhood Studies by completing the following course requirements (15 total credit hours):

     

    Early Childhood Studies Minor Coursework (15 hrs)

    • EEC 6326 Social & Pre-academic Instructional Methods for Young Children
    • EEC 6419 Families, Disabilities, & Diversity
    • EEC 7056 Early Childhood Policy & Advocacy
    • EEC 7666 Theory and Research in Early Childhood Studies
    • EEC 7617 Early Childhood Assessment & Evaluation