The Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences at The University of Montana prepares undergraduate students for careers in elementary, middle, and secondary school settings. It is our goal to prepare teachers and school services personnel who demonstrate competence in their subject matter and an understanding of the interrelatedness of knowledge, intellectual skills that lead to reflection, creativity, and risk-taking in their professional lives, a sense of self-worth and a respect for the uniqueness and dignity of others, communication skills in a variety of types of expression, a spirit of cooperation and the ability to problem solve as citizens in a democratic society, and a lifelong love of learning.<br><br>Students preparing to teach in elementary schools are either licensed for grades Preschool through Grade 3 (P-3), or Kindergarten through Grade 8 (K-8) and complete a major in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education. The undergraduate early childhood and elementary education programs embed content coursework, general education coursework, and professional licensure coursework into 120-credit bachelor's degrees. Candidates must complete all specific requirements listed with a grade of C- or better. None of these courses may be taken as credit/no credit except where that is the only option.<br><br>The University of Montana now offers a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. The major in Early Childhood Education: P-3 effectively blends existing courses in the Elementary Education (K-8) major and the minor in Early Childhood Education to meet required state standards with the addition of four new courses. Students declare the Early Childhood Education major as entering freshmen and apply for admission to the teacher education program at the beginning of their sophomore year.