A Bachelor of Science degree program for teachers, administrators, and owners of child care organizations.

Have you taken Wisconsin Child Care Registry courses? This program accepts these in the major, allowing students to graduate more quickly.

In the child-care submajor in the BS in Community Engagement and Education you will:

• Advance your career with relevant content
• Inform your passion for the development of young children
• Develop skills in:
  • Leadership
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Program Development
• Learn strategies for working with diverse communities and families
• Thrive in a supportive environment with experienced faculty

The program is offered fully online or hybrid. The hybrid format generally consists of 4 face-to-face meetings for each course in a semester.  

Students can earn up to 42 lower-division elective credits for prior professional experience (all credits free after the fi­rst 3 credits).

Transfer your Wisconsin Registry credentials

• The child-care sub major is acknowledged by the Wisconsin Child Care Registry as a "related" degree for professionals.
• 18 credits of child care credentials courses are taken at or transferred from other institutions into UWM.

Students are eligible for the TEACH Scholarship Administered by the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA).

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Requirements

General Education Requirements (GERs)

UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some of the requirements of your program may fulfill the campus GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.  

Program Core

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Students must complete one approved Wisconsin Registry credential (12-18 credits) and a total of 18 credits for the submajor. Six of these credits will count as Lower Division Electives. These lower-division credits may come from any of the Wisconsin Registry credentials.

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Students must complete the credits for one of the “Foundations” or “Administrative” credentials developed and overseen by the Wisconsin Registry at an institution that offers these to complete the submajor. (“Specialty” credentials cannot be used for this purpose.) Child Care Registry credits are completed at other institutions and transferred in - UWM does not offer these courses. Twelve credits from “Foundations” or “Administrative” credentials will count as upper-division credits in the major once the full credential is completed. Credentials do not need to be “commissioned.” Eighteen total credits of child care credential courses must be completed for the submajor. All credits must be completed with a grade of C or better. (Child care registry courses completed by students at UWM when they were offered will also count.) The “Administrative” credentials are: Administrator, Leadership, Program Development. The “Foundations” credentials are: Preschool, Infant Toddler, Family, and Afterschool & Youth Development. Visit the Wisconsin Registry for the list of all credentials offered under the auspices of the Registry, as well as the institutions that offer each of them.

 

 

Requirements for Graduation

For information on credit, GPA, and other requirements for graduation, see UWM Degree Requirements.

Opportunities

Prior Professional Education Experience (PPEE)

A student who has been accepted as a major in Community Engagement and Education is eligible to earn credit for their professional/life experience by demonstrating their competency through essay examinations (PPEE). Credits earned, by passing individual exams with a grade of C or better, will be counted toward the Community Engagement and Education degree in 3-credit blocks. Students pay for one 3-credit course, and all additional credits they receive through the course are awarded without cost. In order to "pass" the course and receive at least 3 credits, a student must attempt 7 of the 14 competency area essay exams listed below.

Competency Areas

Community Engagement and Education majors wishing to demonstrate their competencies for these credits are required to enroll in the competency examination course, ED POL 100 Community Education I, during their first or second semester of study. PPEE students have the opportunity to earn a maximum of 42 credits, which will only apply toward a Community Engagement and Education degree and only as lower-division electives. Students who leave the CEED program will not be able to use these credits in other programs.

Student Advising and Support Services

At the College of Community Engagement and Professions (CCEP), your success is our priority. Our dedicated student advising and support services team is here to help you navigate your academic journey, from your first semester through graduation.

Whether you’re exploring majors, planning your course schedule, or preparing for your career, our advisors offer personalized guidance tailored to your goals. You’ll also find a range of support services designed to help you thrive—academically, personally, and professionally. We’re committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

For more information, visit the CCEP Student Advising & Support Services website.
Email: ccep-advising@uwm.edu | Phone: 414-229-4707

Graduate Advising

If you are a School of Education graduate student, you may schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor by contacting your faculty advisor directly. Faculty contact information can be found in the Directory. Your faculty advisor will be listed in your PAWS account. 

Transfer of Child-Care Registry Credits

Child-care Registry credits are completed at other institutions and transferred in - UWM does not offer these courses. Students must complete one of the “Foundations” or “Administrative” credentials developed and overseen by the Wisconsin Child Care Registry at an institution that offers these. Eighteen total credits of WI Registry credits are required to fulfill the Child Care submajor. Students who complete a 12-credit credential through the Registry must transfer in additional Registry credits. Visit the Wisconsin Registry for the list of all credentials offered as well as the institutions that offer each of them.

Honors in the Major

Honors in the Major are granted to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.200 or above on all School of Education credits. 

High Honors in the Major

High Honors in the Major are granted to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above on all School of Education credits. 

College of Community Engagement and Professions Dean's Honor List

GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.

Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction

Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.

Commencement Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).

Final Honors

Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.