Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Education program in Educational Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Studies prepares students for careers working with and advocating for children from birth to age 5 (not yet in kindergarten).

Program Description

This program integrates experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum, enabling students to put coursework into practice. Students must be able to work or volunteer with learners in an early childhood setting (birth to age 5, not yet in kindergarten) for at least 15 hours per month throughout their junior and senior years.

At a Glance

• College/school: Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation
• Location: Online, ASU Local
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Attend Online

ASU Online offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Apply theories of child development, culture, and context to make evidence-based decisions that support children’s learning and well-being.
• Collaborate with families and community organizations to support the learning and well-being of young children.
• Use observation, documentation, and assessment tools to inform planning and support individualized instruction in early learning environments.
• Implement developmentally, culturally, and linguistically responsive teaching strategies that promote each child’s learning, development, and sense of belonging.
• Plan curriculum using early learning standards and child-centered approaches.
• Create advocacy strategies to address an early childhood policy issue.

Global Opportunities

Because of climate change, geopolitical instability or economic factors, the United Nations and other institutions predict that migration is expected to increase globally for the foreseeable future. Learners will be migrating to new communities. Increasingly, educators will be asked to meet the needs of students who speak languages other than English and bring a variety of cultures into classrooms and learning environments.

Career Opportunities

This program is a great option for students who are already working in the field of early childhood education. Career opportunities for graduates include positions as early childhood educators in various settings, such as Head Start programs, early care and education centers, private preschools, nonprofit centers and home-based service providers. Other career opportunities include positions as center-based administrators or directors; topic specialists who provide resources, training and technical assistance to early childhood professionals and programs; program managers; family support specialists; and consultants.

Example Job Titles and Salaries

• Education Professor: 2.1% growth, $72,090 median salary
• Kindergarten Teacher: -1.6% growth, $61,430 median salary
• Preschool Teacher: 4.1% growth, $37,120 median salary