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Applied Science (Early Childhood Studies) ,BAS

Applied Science (Early Childhood Studies), BAS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Applied Science (Early Childhood Studies)

Childcare, Coach, Community, Early Childhood, Education, Head Start, Preschool, Teacher, youth

You can take your AAS further by developing a range of skills in high demand by many kinds of employers that run early childhood educational services.

Program description

The BAS with a concentration in early childhood studies is a two-year program for students who already have an AAS in early childhood education or a similar field.

Students gain skills in communication, critical thinking and leadership so they can positively affect school readiness for children from birth to age 5 (not yet in kindergarten). Through online coursework, students deepen their understanding of the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of young children. Students learn to set developmentally appropriate learning goals, create and support effective instructional strategies, and develop highly individualized instruction for young learners.

This program integrates experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum, allowing students to put coursework into practice. Students must be able to work or volunteer with learners in an early childhood setting (birth to age 5, not yet in kindergarten) for at least 15 hours per month throughout their junior and senior year.

Individuals who don't have an Associate of Applied Science degree may consider the BAE program in educational studies with a concentration in early childhood studies, which has a parallel curriculum.

This program does not lead to teacher certification. Students seeking teacher certification should enroll in one of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College undergraduate programs that lead to institutional recommendation for teacher certification.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Additional requirements:

This program is not available to first-year students.

Transfer admission requirements:

Students applying to this program must have completed an AAS degree from a regionally accredited institution and be employed or volunteer in an early childhood setting (e.g., Head Start, child development center, early care and education center, private or public preschools, home-based child care) to successfully participate and complete coursework.

Students with an Associate of Applied Science degree, which consists of courses in specialized occupational areas built upon a general education core, will receive 60 hours of credit through a block transfer to the university. The block transfer applies only to the BAS degree program. Students may receive up to 15 more credit hours for additional coursework completed at the community college or university that, through transcript evaluation, is determined to match a course in the degree program major map.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student must have completed an Associate of Applied Science in early childhood education or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution to change to this major.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Because of climate change, geopolitical instability or economic factors, the United Nations and other institutions predict that, for the foreseeable future, migration is expected to increase globally. Learners will be migrating to new communities, and in response, educators will be asked to meet the needs of students who speak languages other than English and who bring a range of cultures into classrooms and learning environments.

Education students can prepare for this reality by engaging in Global Education programs, in which they can expand their notion of normal schooling and deepen their understanding of how to foster inclusive and inspiring learning environments.

Career opportunities

This program is a great option for those who are already working in the field of early childhood education.

Graduates may become early childhood educators in various settings, such as Head Start programs, early care and education centers, private preschools, nonprofit centers and home-based service providers. Other career opportunities include center-based administrators or directors; topic specialists who provide resources, training and technical assistance to early childhood educators and programs; program managers; family support specialists and consultants.

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
-2.0%
$28,520
3.7%
$66,930
-3.0%
$49,690
3.4%
$35,330
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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