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

Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Education in educational studies with a concentration in early childhood studies online 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: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Educational Studies – Early Childhood Studies (BAE)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What you’ll learn in this early childhood studies degree concentration

This 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 with the skills needed to support and advocate for young children. These transferable skills include communication, intentional planning and teaching to improve student outcomes, leadership and teamwork.

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.

Does this program prepare me for teacher certification?

While this program doesn’t grant you with or prepare you for teacher certification, it’ll provide you with a foundation for further education. For instance, some students pursue a master’s degree in early childhood education upon graduation. This 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.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

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.

Prepare for careers in early childhood education

Upon graduation from this early childhood studies degree concentration, you’ll be equipped with 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 care and education.

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.

Professional licensure and certification

Please note: the program doesn't 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 diploma 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.”

Early childhood education courses

This 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 an early childhood center of your choice.


Jobs you could get in early childhood education

Upon graduating from this early childhood studies degree concentration, you’ll be prepared 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. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Education Professor


Growth: 3.7 %
Salary: $66,930

Kindergarten Teacher


Growth: 0.5 %
Salary: $60,490

Preschool Teacher


Growth: 3.4 %
Salary: $35,330

Study with scholars and experts in education programs

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

Study with scholars and experts in education programs

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

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at 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 Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at 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 Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

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 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 for both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.

#2


best online master’s in educational administration programs.

#3


best online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs.

Top 5


best online master’s in educational/instructional media programs.

Top 10


best online master's in education programs.

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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