Spring 2026 Graduate Spotlight: Emily Schnicke (BS in Early Childhood Education)

Emily Schnicke, a recent University of Cincinnati graduate, always wants to learn more.

Take, for instance, her career in early childhood education: after over ten years in the field, she still felt that she could go deeper. As a result, she enrolled in UC’s online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She completed her bachelor’s degree 100% online, balancing her education with increasing responsibilities at work and raising children at home. 

In honor of Emily’s graduation, we’d like to highlight her journey with UC Online and her walk across the graduation stage.

Before she came to UC, Emily was pursuing her Associate of Arts in Education at a community college. She was several years into her career as an early childhood educator and had begun the transition from assistant teacher to lead teacher. Amidst these career milestones, she was also navigating raising her second child.

“Though I’d been in the field since 2014, I wanted to know as much as I could,” Emily said of her decision to pursue her bachelor’s degree. “I wanted to continue my education to better serve the children and families in my care.” 

She compared several universities before ultimately landing on the University of Cincinnati. As a working mother, online learning was a non-negotiable for Emily. She needed the flexibility to earn her degree without sacrificing her career; after all, her desire to grow professionally and make a bigger impact as a teacher was what motivated her to continue her education.

Once she discovered that her employer, Butler County Educational Service Center, would offer tuition assistance as needed, enrolling in UC’s online program was a no-brainer.  

Of her experience as an online learner, Emily said, “Being an online student gave me the ability to balance work, school, and home life while feeling part of the UC community.”

While it wasn’t always easy, Emily expressed how supported she felt during her time at UC. The manageable workload and flexible schedule meant that school became another part of her routine.  

“I would set aside a few evenings a week to focus on my coursework,” she said. Her degree didn’t interrupt her life; it became another important part of it. Earning her degree even gave her the chance to build new skills and strengthen existing ones, such as her time management skills.

A highlight of her UC experience was when she received a scholarship and was invited to accept it at a dinner party hosted by the university. “It made me feel important, and it was a great experience.” 

Because they don’t attend on-campus lectures or live in dorm rooms, online learners sometimes feel cut off from the “traditional” undergraduate experience. At UC, one of our priorities is helping online Bearcats connect with the broader UC community. UC offers numerous campus resources both in-person and virtually, ensuring that online learners have access to mental health care, career advice, academic services, and peer support. 

But for many online learners, they truly feel like a Bearcat when they receive their diploma onstage at graduation. 

“I remember my husband texting me where they were seated,” Emily recalled. “I looked up, found them all waving at me, and I was choked up with emotion. Getting my degree was for me personally, but it was also for them.” 

Online students aren’t required to attend graduation in person, but many choose to come to campus and walk with their graduating class. It's an opportunity to celebrate a major achievement among peers, professors, and loved ones. For Emily, graduation was the perfect way to cap off her UC experience. 

“Being an online student, I truly felt like part of the community during graduation. I was comfortable, and the entire ceremony was easy to navigate and well organized. I couldn’t believe how quickly it came!”  

Even now, after graduation has come and gone, she still feels a swell of pride when she looks at her diploma. “It represents my dedication and my purpose.” 

Now armed with her bachelor’s degree, Emily is already benefiting from the boost in education. 

“It made me feel like a professional in early childhood education,” she said.

While she’d already gained ample hands-on experience in her career, Emily’s degree both complemented and enhanced her teaching skill set. Along with coursework in ECE language arts, math, science, and natural history, UC’s online curriculum also dives into concepts of theory and practice within the field. Some of these courses include:

• Classroom Organization and Guidance
• Families, Communities, and Schools
• Physical, Cognitive, and Language Development in Infant and Toddlers
• Social Issues in Early Care and Education
• Administration and Leadership in Early Care and Education

When asked how her time at the University of Cincinnati influenced her career trajectory, Emily emphasized her new confidence as a leader within the classroom and her company. Her coursework solidified her knowledge as an educator, and it changed her perspective on many aspects of teaching. Not to mention, it also helped her secure a salary increase.

For other adult learners considering online education, Emily’s advice was simple: “There is always an opportunity to grow and continue your education, so just go for it. You will be rewarded in more ways than you think.”

We’d like to congratulate Emily again on her graduation from the University of Cincinnati! This is a huge milestone, both educationally and professionally. As a result of her passion for learning, she is sure to make an impact on her students for years to come.

Have you been considering going back to school? Let Emily’s story be what motivates you to get started. And if you have questions about the BS in Early Childhood Education, you’re in luck: you can find answers to nine common ECE questions from Program Coordinator Kathleen Bryan. 

If you’re not ready to apply, you can still get the ball rolling. Your first step is to connect with your Enrollment Services Advisor. There’s never any pressure—just guidance and support as you determine your path forward!