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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. 

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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.

48 Units

View All Courses

16 Months to Completion

*Based on a full-time course load and prior completion of general education and elective requirements

$541 +fees Cost Per Unit

*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.

View Additional Cost of Attendance and Fees

Resources

Explore helpful tools to plan your path in the online Early Childhood Studies program at CBU, including course details and transfer credit guidance.

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The Online Student Experience at CBU

What can I expect as an online student at CBU?

Your Schedule. Your Pace. Your Purpose.

Prefer the flexibility of online classes? With CBU, you can learn anytime, anywhere and on your own terms.

8 Week Sessions

Restart and complete your academic journey at your own pace with the full support of CBU staff and faculty.

100% Christian Faculty

Learn from professors, many of whom are experts in their field, who care for your edification as much as they care about your education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Completion will depend on transfer work and pace of attendance but most programs can be completed within 16 months. This is based on a full-time course load and prior completion of general education and elective requirements.
Yes! Most students studying online with CBU are working professionals and/or parents. With the asynchronous format, our programs are designed to balance work, family, faith and life with your education.
We have rolling admissions throughout the year allowing you to start a program at any of the 6 start dates throughout the year. For a list of our upcoming start dates, please visit https://calbaptist.edu/admissions-aid/online/calendar.
An Admissions Counselor will call you the same business day you apply, or the following day if after hours. You can expect an admissions decision with a breakdown of transfer work within 1-3 days after your application and all official transcripts are received.

All online programs are designed to be transfer friendly. An admissions decision and degree review with a full breakdown of transfer work will be provided in 1-3 business days once a completed application and all official transcripts are received.

A maximum of 100 units can be transferred in, and more information on transferring to CBU Online can be found here: https://calbaptist.edu/admissions-aid/online/transfer

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Career possibilities with an online degree in Early Childhood Studies from CBU

Discover just a few of the professions CBU graduates have found themselves in thanks to their degree in Early Childhood Studies.

  • Preschool Teacher
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Substitute Teacher
  • Instructional Aide
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Childcare Worker
  • Behavioral Interventionist
  • ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher
  • School Counselor
  • School Social Worker

Krystal Andreina Marquez

The Early Childhood Studies online program has undoubtedly been the best choice I've made in my educational career. Initially, I was nervous about online courses, but as a mother, employee and homemaker, I quickly realized the program is designed for people like me to succeed. The support and feedback from CBU’s professors reassured me that I was living my purpose.

Krystal Andreina Marquez

Program Details

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

Consistent with the university student outcomes, upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies degree, graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply the Christian worldview and ethical standards to decision-making in early childhood settings.
  2. 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.
  3. Use theories of children’s development to design a theoretically based learning environment that supports learning across all domains for young children.
  4. Apply abilities, dispositions and knowledge to collaborate effectively with families and other professionals and to plan for ongoing learning and improvement as a practitioner.

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 2026 - Session 2 July 6
Fall 2026 - Session 1 August 7
Fall 2026 - Session 2 November 2
Spring 2027 - Session 1 January 11
Spring 2027 - Session 2 March 8
Summer 2027 - Session 1 May 10
Summer 2027 - Session 2 July 5

How to Apply

Related Programs

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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!