Education Programs

Inspire the Next Generation

Step into a career where you can make a real difference every day. Whether you want to lead a classroom, support students one-on-one, or work behind the scenes in a school, a career in education lets you inspire learning, build connections, and shape the future. It all starts with the right training, hands-on experience, and a passion for helping others succeed.

Apply at Hawkeye Today

Choose Your Early Childhood Education Pathway

Early Childhood Education Certificate (4 Months) Earn a certificate to get to work as soon as possible in an entry-level childcare position.

Start in fall or spring
All classes are about working with children
Learn how children grow and develop from infancy on
Credits count towards diploma or AAS
Go to work right away when you're done
Stack this into the diploma

Explore the Early Childhood Education 4 month certificate

Early Childhood Education Diploma (1 Year) Earn a diploma and in as little as 12 months to start a childcare career with more autonomy.

Start in fall or spring
Includes all classes in the certificate
Learn how children grow and develop from infancy on
Adds supervised field experience
Adds courses for professional growth
Credits count towards diploma or AAS
Go to work right away when you're done
Stack this into the AAS

Explore the Early Childhood Education 1 year diploma option

Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science Degree (2 years) Earn an AAS degree in as little as two years to qualify for lead or assistant teacher/caregiver roles.

Start in fall or spring
Includes all classes as the diploma
Adds more supervised field experience
Adds courses for career development
The strongest start for those who want more responsibility
When you're done, start your career
If you might transfer, talk to your academic advisor early and often

Explore the Early Childhood Education AAS degree 2 year option

Early Childhood Teacher Licensure Transfer Major Start your path to becoming a licensed Pre-K–3 teacher.

Examples of Core Early Childhood Teacher Licensure Courses

Developmental Psychology
Children's Literature
Including Diverse Learners
Math for Elementary Teachers I
Technology in the Classroom

Explore the Early Childhood Teacher Licensure Transfer Major

Elementary Education Transfer Major Embrace new perspectives and make a meaningful impact on future generations.

Examples of Core Elementary Education Courses

Foundations of Education
Composition I & II
Developmental & Educational Psychology
Children's Literature
Including Diverse Learners
Math for Elementary Teachers
Technology in the Classroom

Explore the Elementary Education Transfer Major

Secondary Education Transfer Major Choose from a variety of electives to help you decide which subject you'd like to teach.

Examples of Core Secondary Education Courses

Developmental & Educational Psychology
Foundations of Education
Composition I & II
Including Diverse Learners
U.S. History to 1877
U.S. History Since 1877
Technology in the Classroom

Explore the Secondary Education Transfer Major

How to Get Started

It’s simple! Complete these steps:

Check the status of your application at any time by logging into your admissions account.

Program Contacts

Admissions

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 134
319-296-4000
Email Admissions

Regular Hours — Spring 2026

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Academic Advisor

Lisa Ciesielski
Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 208
319-296-4433
Email Lisa Ciesielski

Faculty Advisor

Last Names A–M

Jane Even
Main Campus
Black Hawk Hall 236
319-296-2320 ext.1431
Email Jane Even

Last Names N—Z

Emily Knutson
Main Campus
Black Hawk Hall 236
319-296-2320 ext.1558
Email Emily Knutson