Program Overview

Overview of the Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Studies

The online Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Studies at Arizona State University is designed for individuals who have earned an Associate of Applied Science and seek hands-on skills to make a direct impact on children, families, and communities. This program focuses on career-ready coursework and practical application, preparing students to support young children's development and improve long-term educational outcomes.

Program Details

• The program is 120 credit hours and consists of 40 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks.
• The next start date is 01/12/2026.
• Students can transfer up to 60 credit hours toward this BAS if they have earned an Associate of Applied Science from a regionally accredited institution.
• If the AAS is from a regionally accredited Arizona community college, students may be eligible to transfer up to 75 credit hours.

Curriculum

The curriculum explores emerging language and literacy, highly individualized teaching and learning, and computer and mobile technologies. Students will put theory into practice through experiential learning with children from birth to age 5 in real-world settings. Ideally, students will complete the required 15 hours per month in an early childhood setting licensed by the Department of Human Services where they currently work or volunteer.

Course Examples

• CDE 430: Infant and Toddler Development in the Family
• ECD 310: Applied Early Child Development
• ECD 322: Cognition and General Knowledge: Science, Math, Logic and Reasoning
• ECD 325: Supporting Dual Language Learners
• ECD 327: Becoming a Teacher Leader
• ECD 476: Intentional Teaching
• ECS 312: Social and Emotional Development of the Young Child
• ECS 315: Classroom Organization and Child Guidance

Career Opportunities

By completing this program, students will be equipped to launch or advance their career as a preschool teacher, instructional specialist, early childhood coach, center director, and more. They can pursue roles in community- and home-based settings and with private organizations, influencing children's long-term success in school.

Potential Careers

• Child Care Worker
• Education Professor
• Preschool Director
• Preschool Teacher

Admission Requirements

To apply for this program, students must have attended one or more regionally accredited colleges or universities and earned their Associate of Applied Science (AAS). The application process involves speaking to an enrollment counselor, finding out how credits transfer to ASU, completing the online application, sending transcripts, and filing the FAFSA.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students can estimate their full-time or part-time tuition fees using the tuition calculator. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. The FAFSA can help students find federal student aid, and ASU's Federal School Code is 001081.

Accreditation and Rankings

The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation at Arizona State University is recognized for its excellence in education. The university has been ranked #1 in best online master's in educational administration programs, #1 in best online master's in curriculum and instruction programs, and #1 in best online master's in educational/instructional media programs by U.S. News & World Report.