Advance in your career with an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education from Campbellsville University.
Ranked in the top 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges in the U.S.
Program Details
Next Start Date: 10/14/2024
Course Length: 8 or 16 Weeks*
Estimated Length: 2 Years
A.S. in Early Childhood Education Overview
The online A.S. in Early Childhood Education prepares you with the foundational skills necessary to help young children build a love for learning. The coursework for this two-year program is 100 percent online and taught by faculty with experience in the field. Graduates also learn through fieldwork that builds knowledge of classroom management, curriculum design and instruction.
An associate degree from Campbellsville University Online will prepare you to deliver excellence in the early childhood classroom. Through the online program, you will gain knowledge in child development, teaching methodologies and other foundational topics in education. CU Online equips you with the global perspective necessary to meet students’ diverse social and learning needs and build inclusive learning environments.
Should you choose to continue your education, you may also apply your associate degree credits toward a bachelor’s and later a master’s degree. 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.
With over 100 years of training teachers, CU offers faith-based education based on the servant leadership model for those seeking to excel and advance 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 graduated with my associate degree in Christian studies, which only gave me a hunger and purpose to go onwards. I am at present doing a bachelor’s in pastoral studies, and I have the desire to go on and do a master’s in theology (or divinity). My end goal is to become a chaplain, where I can work and help those in need. I have so much to learn and yet so much to give. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been satisfying and rewarding as I have grown in my knowledge and understanding of the subjects at hand.”
– Neil Barnett, AS in Christian Studies
Course Map
CU’s online associate degree in early childhood education requires 65 credit hours. This includes 12 foundation course credits, 24 pedagogy course credits and 29 course credits chosen based on your goals as an educator. Additionally, 86 hours of fieldwork are embedded in the Foundation and Pedagogy courses. You will complete a further 16-26 fieldwork hours depending on the elective courses you choose.
- 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)
- 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 385: Infant & Toddler Methodology (8 hours of fieldwork)
Choose three courses from this list:
- 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 475: Organization and Administration of EC Programs (10 hours of fieldwork)
- BA 313: Small Business Management
- ED 371: Children’s Literature
Choose one course from this list:
- CHS 111: Introduction to Old Testament
- CHS 121: Introduction to New Testament
- CHS 130: Christ and Culture
- PHI 241: Introduction to Philosophy
Choose one course from this list:
- ART 110: Understanding Art
- ART 310: Art History I
- ART 311: Art History II
- MUS 125: Understanding Music
- TH 131: Introduction to Theater
- ENG 111: Freshman English I
- ENG 112: Freshman English II
- MAC 120 or MAC 140
- MTH 110, 111, or 130
- PSY 111: General Psychology
- SOC 110: Introduction to Sociology
Choose one course from this list:
- BIO 103: Environment and Man
- BIO 110: Biology
- CHE 100: Introduction to Chemistry
- GEO 105: Introductory Earth Science
Choose one course from this list:
- ECO 110: Introduction to Economics
- HST 110: The United States to 1877
- HST 120: the United States Since 1877
- HST 231: World Civilization to 1650
- HST 242: World Civilization Since 1650
Admissions Requirements
To apply to Campbellsville University’s accredited online associate degree 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 an official high school transcript.
Costs & Financial Aid
The online associate degree 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 32 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. U.S. military veterans and service members who are currently serving at home or abroad can further their education in a conducive online environment.
Careers in Early Childhood Education
With your online associate degree from CU, you can advance in several careers in the field of early childhood education. Graduates of this program often pursue careers as early childhood teachers and childcare center directors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, early childhood teachers, also known as preschool teachers, earned a median wage of $30,210 in 2017. Directors of childcare programs, including preschools and childcare centers, earn about $47,310 per year.
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.