Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education


• • The Basics • •


Is the bachelor's in Early Childhood Education program for me?

If you have an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education (or equivalent), experience in the early childhood field, and want to move ahead or get certified to teach at the primary level, this program is ideal for you. We offer B.A. in Early Childhood Education students these program options:
  • Program Administration
  • Teacher Certification
  • Language and Literacy
  • Special Education
  • Infant-Toddler
  • Bilingual-Bicultural

What will I learn in the bachelor's in Early Childhood Education program?

Our bachelor's degree program provides classroom theory and hands-on, work-based learning. You'll gain practical experience, including how to:
  • Apply research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum
  • Assess programming and instructional strategies
  • Incorporate brain development, multi-cultural and anti-bias practices
  • Build relationships with families and communities
  • Plan fun, culturally relevant activities that nurture cognitive, physical, social and emotional development

What can I do with my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education?

As long as people have children, there will be a demand for people who can help them learn. The B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education will prepare you for a career as a program administrator, supervisor or specialist. If you include the teacher certification option and pass the state exam, you can become a preschool-through-third grade teacher.

Why CityU?

  • Because you want an education that's relevant to what's happening in the real world, right now.
  • Our faculty teach what they do for a living, not just what's in the book. They're smart, successful people who can help you get there, too.
  • You'll go through the program with the same group of students. It's like a built-in support group.
  • Over 500 people every year choose CityU to start or advance their career in education.

How to get started:

If you have undergrad credits to transfer and want to become a ECE teacher, you may be eligible to apply. Here's how: Note: You'll need to pass the Washington Educator Skills Test–Basic (WEST-B) Exam before starting any teacher certification program. Check out the WEST-B Exam Web site for more info. Be sure to talk with an academic advisor to see if there are any other requirements for this program.

Required Prerequisites (90 credits required including):

This program is designed for those with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Some applicants without the degree (but with 90 transferable credits and significant ECE coursework or experience) may be accepted with Program Coordinator approval. Please contact an advisor for more details or if you have questions.


• • Course Descriptions • •

Total Required Credits: 180
General Education and Lower Division Requirements: 90
Core Requirements: 60
Students select from one of the following options
(30 credits total):

BA in Early Childhood Education (without teacher certification)

  • Electives: (30 credits total) choose any two emphases area listed below
    • Special Education (15 credits)
    • Language and Literacy (15 credits)
    • Infant-Toddler (15 credits)
    • Bilingual–Bicultural (15 credits)
    • General Ed requirements if needed – talk to an advisor
BA in Early Childhood Education with Program Administration Emphasis
  • Program Administration block (30 credits)
    • Plus any general Ed requirements if needed – talk to an advisor
BA in Early Childhood Education with teacher certification
  • Field Experience Block (15 credits) plus
  • Pick one of the following blocks
    • Special Education (15 credits)
    • Language and Literacy (15 credit)
    • Bilingual–Bicultural (15 credit)
    • General Ed requirements if needed – talk to an advisor
Special Education: 15
Language and Literacy: 15
Infant-Toddler: 15
Bilingual-Bicultural: 15
Field Experience: 15
Program Administration: 30


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Classes are typically held two weekday evenings per week.

Depending on interest, some locations offer programs every other year.