Study.com ranks AU’s early childhood education program among the top in the U.S.

07/24/2020 ASHLAND, Ohio – A new ranking by Study.com of the nation’s top 50 early childhood education programs puts Ashland University’s program at number 16, the highest ranking of any Ohio college or university.

“Those who choose to attend Ashland University will receive an excellent education,” Study.com said in releasing the rankings. “Those wishing to prepare for a career working with young children might complete their Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education (PreK-3) program. This school … boasts that it not only has class sizes that are small, but that it also helps students gain experience through internships and field experiences. The College of Education offers quite a few different student organizations, including the Kappa Delta Pi international honor society in education, the Ohio Student Education Association, and the Council for Exceptional Children.”

"We are thrilled that our program is getting the recognition it deserves,” said Dr. Donna Breault, Dean of the AU Schar College of Education. “Our early childhood program, which is now redesigned as our primary program based on new state standards, has a long and rich history of providing a strong preparation from dedicated faculty. It is why many superintendents tell me that they consider our graduates before they'll consider those from other institutions when looking for new teachers." 

The only other Ohio schools appearing on the list where Muskingum University (23), Lake Erie College (34) and Lourdes University (42).

In creating the list, Study.com looks at the specific courses offered, the extracurricular activities available and data from the U.S. Department of Education. The rankings “are unique in that they emphasis access, affordability and the quality of education,” according to a release.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.###