Join the growing field of early childhood education with a bachelor's degree from Campbellsville University Online.
Ranked in the top 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges in the U.S.
Program Details
Next Start Date: 1/15/2025
Course Length: 8 or 16 Weeks*
Estimated Length: 4 Years
B.S. in Early Childhood Education Overview
Campbellsville University’s online bachelor’s degree will prepare you for a successful career in early childhood education. Gain a global perspective to support diverse groups of young learners in inclusive early childhood classrooms. CU’s expert faculty will help you build competency in child development, pedagogy and the early childhood profession.
Complete your Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in four years or less through online coursework that works with your schedule. Solidify your skills with real-world applied learning through required fieldwork guided by industry experts who support students in learning classroom management, curriculum design and instructional practices. A practicum is also required for completion of the B.S. in Early Childhood Education. Additionally, students have the option of teaching overseas to broaden their outlook and expand future professional opportunities.
Campbellsville University’s education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Education Professional Standards Board of Kentucky (EPSB) for teacher education and certification.
Graduates of this fully accredited bachelor’s degree program benefit from CU’s servant leadership model to become critical figures in the lives of young children and their families. With over a hundred years of training teachers, CU offers faith-based education for those seeking to enter the rewarding field of early childhood education and positively impact student learning outcomes.
Optional Montessori Area of Specialty
Students may choose to add the Montessori Area of Specialty to their bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Studying the Montessori Model further prepares future educators to make a difference in the lives of exceptional children through methods in curriculum, instruction and assessment. Graduates will learn to incorporate the Montessori method in their approach to learning environments, collaboration and professionalism.
Director’s Credential Available
Campbellsville University helps students advance their careers by offering the Director’s Credential, which can be earned in conjunction with a bachelor’s in early childhood education.
*The course length may be 8 or 16 weeks depending on the course. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information.
“I couldn’t of done it if I had to go back to campus. Being able to get it online is the only way I would’ve been able to get my degree.”
– David Harris
Course Map
Campbellsville University’s online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education requires 120 credit hours. This includes 42 general education course credits and 78 course credits within the degree program. Additional course credits are required to complete the Montessori Area of Specialty.
The General Education component of undergraduate degrees provides the student with a basic understanding of a broad range of subjects. This supports the liberal arts emphasis of the University’s academic mission.
- ED 199: Entry to Teacher Preparation
- ECE 111: Educational Foundations of Early Education (10 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 130: Child Development I (6 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 140: Guidance of Young Children (6 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 230: Child Development II (6 hours of fieldwork)
- IECE 301: The IECE Profession
- ECE 216: Intro to Special Ed in ECE (20 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 270: Observation & Assessment (20 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 280: Approaches to Curriculum & Methods (10 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 320: Health, Safety & Nutrition
- IECE 360: Cultural & Linguistic Diversity (10 hours of fieldwork)
- IECE 381: Language & Literacy Methodology (6 hours of fieldwork)
- IECE 382: Arts & Humanities Methodology (6 hours of fieldwork)
- IECE 383: Math/Science/Social Studies Methodology (6 hours of fieldwork)
- IECE 384: Interactive & Assistive Technology (6 hours of fieldwork)
- IECE 385: Infant & Toddler Methodology (8 hours of fieldwork)
- IECE 440: Positive Behavior Supports
- IECE 460: Working with Families in EI
- IECE 470: Advanced Assessment in IECE
- IECE 475: Organization and Administration in ECE
- ED 371: P-5 Children’s Literature
Choose one of the following:
- IECE 400: Current Issues in Early Childhood Education Profession
- IECE 410: Special Investigations in Early Childhood Education
- ECE 411: Teaching Practicum in ECE
Students will receive guidance from faculty and advisors in choosing elective courses that further their professional goals.
- ED 199: Entry to Teacher Preparation
- ECE 111: Educational Foundations of Early Education (10 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 130: Child Development I (6 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 140: Guidance of Young Children (6 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 230: Child Development II (6 hours of fieldwork)
- IECE 301: The IECE Profession
- ECE 216: Intro to Special Education in ECE (20 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 270: Observation & Assessment (20 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 280: Approaches to Curriculum & Methods (10 hours of fieldwork)
- ECE 320: Health, Safety & Nutrition
- IECE 360: Cultural & Linguistic Diversity in ECE (10 hours of fieldwork)
- IECE 384: Interactive & Assistive Technology (6 hours of fieldwork)
- IECE 385: Infant & Toddler Methodology (8 hours of fieldwork)
- IECE 440: Positive Behavior Supports
- IECE 460: Working with Families in EI
- IECE 470: Advanced Assessment in IECE
- ED 371: P-5 Children’s Literature
Choose one of the following:
- IECE 382: Arts and Humanities Methodology
- IECE 400: Current Issues in the Early Childhood Profession
- IECE 325: Foundations in Montessori Education
- ECE 326: Practical Life & Culture Methodology
- IECE 327: Sensorial Methodology
- IECE 328: Language & Literacy Methodology
- IECE 329: Math Methodology
- IECE 450: Classroom Leadership-Montessori
- IECE 498: Montessori Practicum/Seminars I
- IECE 499: Montessori Practicum/Seminars II
Students will receive guidance from faculty and advisors in choosing elective courses that further their professional goals.
Admissions Requirements
In order to apply to Campbellsville University’s accredited online bachelor’s in early childhood education program, prospective students must submit or complete the following:
- Complete the online application.
- Official college transcript and a complete record of all courses attempted from each college or university previously or currently attended.
- If transferring less than 24 credit hours, submit official high school transcript.
Costs & Financial Aid
The online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education costs $424 per credit hour. In order to help students afford their education, Campbellsville University’s staff is available to work with students to discover available financial aid options.
Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what scholarships, grants, loans and payment plans are available for them. There are numerous options available, and not all financial aid is based on need.
Students can transfer a maximum of 72 credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university.
Campbellsville University is a Military Friendly® School and a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon program. Students who are currently serving at home or abroad or are veterans can further their education in a conducive online environment.
Careers in Early Childhood Education
Upon completion of your Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, you'll be eligible for a number of careers in this rapidly growing field. Graduates qualify for roles such as preschool teacher and Kindergarten teacher. Further, those who choose the bachelor's degree with Montessori Area of Specialty expand their career options to schools and programs that follow the Montessori Model. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for preschool teachers was $30,210 per year in 2017. Meanwhile, the median annual salary for Kindergarten teachers was $61,350.
Why Choose CU?
Campbellsville University Online seeks to provide an affordable faith-based education that fosters personal and professional growth for its students. Learning in small, 100% online classes, you'll have opportunities to connect one-on-one with expert professors who prioritize your success and value the experience you bring to the table. From day one, you'll also benefit from Campbellsville's student services, including a personal online academic advisor who will provide tailored assistance on your journey toward graduation. Access further support in the areas of mental health, career and finance, life management, technical resources and more. Finish strong with CU.
Learn MoreBenefits of Learning Online
Choosing to finish your degree 100% online means having the flexibility to study at the times and places that are most convenient for you. You'll learn from supportive, expert faculty members who are experienced in their fields and deliver the wellrounded education you need to take the next step in your career. Campbellsville is committed to the quality of its online courses and offers a dynamic selection of degree programs that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
- Early childhood education involves early care, early education and family support for children aged birth through six years. Campbellsville University offers several degrees in early childhood education. Explore our education programs to learn more.
- Early childhood education is a highly rewarding field. By creating safe, quality learning environments for young children, early childhood educators are uniquely positioned to have a positive impact on the future. This field also offers steady job growth and opportunities for employment, with approximately 56,300 openings for preschool teachers expected each year through 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Campbellsville University offers several degrees in early childhood education. Explore our education programs to learn more.
- Yes, you can. CU honors your educational journey with a generous transfer credit policy that empowers you to make the most of your earned credits. Upon your admission to Campbellsville University, we'll complete a transfer credit evaluation to find out how many of your credits will apply toward your degree. For more information, visit our transfer students page.