Online Bachelor of Arts in Education in Educational Studies – Early Childhood Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Education in educational studies with a concentration in early childhood studies prepares students for careers focused on the care of children, from birth to age five. You’ll learn how to provide support, increase school readiness and set children up for success in future educational environments.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 06/29/2023


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

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What is an online early childhood studies degree concentration?

The online early childhood studies degree concentration teaches students how young children learn and develop. You’ll learn how to support children from an early age, leading to increased school readiness and long-term educational success.

This degree is primarily for those already working or volunteering in early childhood settings. This includes child development centers, preschools, public or private childcare and Head Start. Although intended for students with previous or current experience, this degree still provides those with no background in education the skills needed to support and advocate for young children.

Students who already hold an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in the field of early childhood studies should consider the Bachelor of Applied Science in early childhood studies.

Can I become a teacher with an early childhood studies degree concentration?

 

This program does not provide or prepare students for teacher certification. However, the early childhood studies degree concentration provides students with a foundation for further education. For instance, some students pursue a master’s degree in early childhood education upon graduation, which is a complementary online master’s program in early childhood education that allows students to expand their future career into broader age ranges. Other students pursue a teacher certification graduate certificate, a two-semester program aligned with the Arizona Department of Education requirements for teacher certification in elementary education or secondary education.

Students entering the program may even have years of work experience but want to earn this degree due to the changing requirements of the field. Overall, as a student, you’ll learn several vital aspects of childcare, including child development, support, care and education. Transferable skills include:

  • Communication.
  • Family-centered practice.
  • Intentional planning and teaching to improve student outcomes.
  • Leadership.
  • Reflecting on practice.
  • Teamwork.

What can I do with an online bachelor's degree concentration in early childhood studies?

 

With an online bachelor’s degree concentration in early childhood studies, you’ll have the tools needed to care for children from an early age. This degree can serve as a stepping stone into other fields or can stand alone for those who want to learn more about early childcare.

Common career paths for graduates include childcare professional, childcare center director or instructional specialist. With increased efforts to professionalize early education, those who wish to or who currently work in this field should consider this degree. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has stated that by 2025, all Head Start teachers will need a bachelor’s degree in early childhood.

Professional licensure and certification

Please note: the program does not lead to teacher certification. ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the state of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check the professional licensure list for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to determine if this program meets requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College lead to professional licensure. Speak with an enrollment coach for more information.

Will my early childhood studies degree concentration say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Your concentration in early childhood studies will appear on both your diploma and transcripts.

Online early childhood studies degree concentration courses

The early childhood studies degree concentration offers courses in child development, education and care. You’ll have the opportunity to explore specific courses of interest while also gaining real-world experience through in-person learning opportunities at a center of your choice. Courses offered in this program include:


ECD 476: Intentional Teaching


CDE 350: Inequality and Diversity in Education (L & C)


ECD 322: Cognition and General Knowledge: Science, Math, Logic and Reasoning


PAF 410: Building Leadership Skills (SB)


ECD 325: Supporting Dual Language Learners


ECS 430: Systems, Policy, and Advocacy in Early Childhood/Special Education


ECS 315: Classroom Organization and Child Guidance


FAS 370: Family Ethnic and Cultural Diversity (SB & C)


Online early childhood studies degree concentration career options

Earning an early childhood studies degree concentration online prepares you for diverse career opportunities in the childhood development field. Rewarding careers range from early education in private or public settings to home-based child care. You’ll gain the preparation you need to address challenges in the field and redefine young children’s futures.

Education Professor


Growth: 4.8 %
Salary: $65,440

Kindergarten Teacher


Growth: 3.7 %
Salary: $57,860

Preschool Teacher


Growth: 2.5 %
Salary: $31,930

Study with scholars and experts in education programs

The faculty of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College draws from a range of academic disciplines – including cognitive science, psychology and economics – to gain insight into important questions about the process of learning, the practice of teaching and the effects of education policy. The faculty is committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. Our teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Study with scholars and experts in education programs

The faculty of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College draws from a range of academic disciplines – including cognitive science, psychology and economics – to gain insight into important questions about the process of learning, the practice of teaching and the effects of education policy. The faculty is committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. Our teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Early childhood studies degree concentration admission requirements

I am a future

You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).

1. Review competency requirements

2. Review other admission requirements

3. Complete online application

4. File your FAFSA

5. Request ACT or SAT scores

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

Join one of the best colleges of education in the nation

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of individual educators and the performance of education systems. According to U.S. News & World Report, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is the only U.S. college of education to rank in the top 15 in both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.

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Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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