Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies (Online)
Help young children from all backgrounds thrive and meet vital developmental milestones during the early years of their lives.
Use Your Expertise to Support Families and Their Young Children
The early years of a child’s life are crucial. As they go through rapid developmental phases, children and their families need the support and insight of experts who understand how children learn and grow. California Baptist University’s innovative Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Early Childhood Studies (Online) program trains you to be a competent professional skilled in understanding children’s cognitive, social, emotional, perceptual-motor and spiritual development.
With a Christ-focused approach, the online early childhood studies degree transforms you into a leader and equips you with the skills and strategies to make a lasting impact in early intervention, research and early childhood advocacy.
*Based on a full-time course load and prior completion of general education and elective requirements
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Why Earn Your BA in Early Childhood Studies (Online) at CBU?
Pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies allows you to merge your passion for working with younger generations with your academic interests in how children learn and develop emotionally, socially and cognitively.
Foster the Next Generation
With coursework focusing on early childhood development and education, you receive comprehensive training and learn how to integrate developmental learning theories in the classroom with children 0-8. You also learn the role of early childhood intervention and how to effectively manage a classroom, childcare operations and other childcare workers and volunteers.
Focus on Social Justice and Advocacy
One of the early childhood studies degree’s primary focus is for students to understand the importance of loving all children, especially those marginalized through disabilities, race or poverty.
Learn Flexibly Online, On Your Schedule
- Classes start every 8 weeks
- Accelerated, asynchronous courses offered 100% online
- Three semesters offered year round allows students the ability to graduate faster
- Transfer friendly — consolidate your undergraduate college credits and finish your degree
Program Details
Consistent with the university student outcomes, upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies degree, graduates will be able to:
- Apply the Christian worldview and ethical standards to decision-making in early childhood settings.
- Promote effective learning environments for children with diverse backgrounds and educational needs as well as promote social justice for diverse populations, including those with disabilities.
- Use theories of children’s development to design a theoretically based learning environment that supports learning across all domains for young children.
- Apply abilities, dispositions and knowledge to collaborate effectively with families and other professionals and to plan for ongoing learning and improvement as a practitioner.
ECH 350: Social and Emotional Development in Infancy and Early Childhood
This course introduces students to the process through which a child develops a sense of self within a socio-cultural system.
ECH 370: Spiritual Development in Young Children
Students will examine the role of the early childhood intervention specialist as a member of interdisciplinary teams through readings, observations, interviews with professionals and family members.
ECH 415: Consultation and Collaboration in Early Childhood Intervention
Students will examine the role of the early childhood intervention specialist as a member of interdisciplinary teams through readings, observations, interviews with professionals and family members. They will acquire skills in working with interdisciplinary team members.
Is financial aid available to help pay for online programs?
Our online degrees offer a reputable and more affordable option for earning your bachelor’s,
master's or doctorate degree. When pursuing an online degree, students are freed from
the financial obligations that accompany some traditional degrees, such as room accommodations,
gas and parking. Additionally, CBU has partnered with select employers to provide their employees with the opportunity to improve their career through their
educational goals and receive a 20% tuition scholarship. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Are CBU's online programs accredited?
California Baptist University (CBU), which includes all programs offered online, is accredited by the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Many prospective
students are uncertain about which college degrees employers or universities will
accept. This regional accreditation by WSCUC means you can be confident that your
CBU degree is recognized and respected by schools and companies across the country.
CBU Online has received various awards and has been ranked in the top 50 in the nation
- best online bachelor’s degree category by U.S. News & World Report for 7 consecutive
years.
What resources do I need to complete my degree online?
To complete your online degree, you will need access to a computer, Wi-Fi and a word
processor like Microsoft Word. These are necessary to access the student learning
system and complete your assignments. Some programs may require different resources.
Check with your enrollment counselor for specific expectations upon applying for your
program, or you can view additional information here.
When you complete and submit your application to CBU, a friendly and knowledgeable admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and all the necessary steps to become a Lancer.
CBU accepts applications for online enrollment throughout the year, and most online degree programs can start at 6 semester entry points per calendar year.
| Online Semester | Classes Begin |
|---|---|
| Summer 2024 - Session 2 | July 1 |
| Fall 2024 - Session 1 | September 2 |
| Fall 2024 - Session 2 | October 28 |
| Spring 2025 - Session 1 | January 6 |
| Spring 2025 - Session 2 | March 3 |
| Summer 2025 - Session 1 | May 5 |
| Summer 2025 - Session 2 | June 30 |
Career Outlook
With your bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies, you are equipped with a deep understanding of child development, how to assess infants and young children with and without disabilities to gauge their social, emotional and cognitive levels and to create safe, nurturing environments for young children to learn and explore.
Our childhood studies program prepares you to pursue a career as:
- Preschool and childcare center director
- Preschool teacher
- Special education preschool teacher
- Child life specialist
- Children’s ministry director
The employment rates for careers in early childhood education are growing each year and offer promising earning potential, which makes this a stable career path for those who want to inspire young children and affect meaningful change.
Learn More about CBU’s Early Childhood Studies Bachelor’s Degree
Through CBU’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies program, you are equipped with the practical skills and knowledge to work with young children and their families, ensuring they receive supportive care that promotes healthy cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual development. To begin your journey at California Baptist University and connect with your God-given calling, request more information or apply today!