The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program is designed for individuals pursuing careers in the early childhood field. Completion of Montana Western’s ECE program results in a certificate, associate’s degree, or one of two bachelor’s degree options.

The Early Childhood Education Program courses are fully online. Some general education courses may require alternate modes of delivery.  These will be identified individually though the transcript evaluation.

Online classes through Montana Western are semester-long classes.  Fall and spring semesters span 16 weeks and the summer semester is 10 weeks long. The Early Childhood Education Program requires that students have access to an early childhood environment.

View the current Montana Western tuition and fees online at https://www.umwestern.edu/section/tuition-and-fees/.  You may qualify for a fee waiver as an “E-Learner,” if you live outside the 59725 zip code.

In most cases, textbooks are a requirement of most courses. On average, textbooks cost $100-150/course.

The credit load varies. Individuals choose to attend full time (12+ credits) or part-time (4-11 credits) per semester. Credit load will depend on plan of study, workload, home life, and other factors.

1. Apply online at https://apply.umwestern.edu/apply/. Choose “Post-baccalaureate Student” and “Certificate”.
2. Currently, the application process is FREE!  Typically, the application fee is $30.00
3. Once you have submitted your application for admission, the Office of Admissions may send you information about submitting an additional application for some program areas.
4. Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Costs will vary from institution to institution for sending official transcripts.
5. Submit proof of immunizations; need two immunizations for Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR).
6. Once the admission process is complete, Montana Western will start the transcript evaluation process to determine what courses are required.

A transcript evaluation is completed for individuals transferring in coursework from previous institutions. Transcripts are reviewed by a faculty member to determine which courses are required for a certificate or degree. The transcript evaluation is used to create a plan of study individualized for each situation.

An official transcript evaluation takes approximately two weeks once officially admitted to Montana Western.

Please plan to allow at least 4-6 weeks to complete the admission and registration process before the start of a semester.  For Summer & Fall semesters, begin the registration process in March.  For Spring semester, begin the registration process in October.