B.A. in Early Childhood Education Degree Online
Our online B.A. in Early Childhood Education (ECE) program helps students achieve their degree with the flexibility to complete coursework on their schedule while balancing work or other commitments. The early childhood education online degree is available for these students who need greater flexibility.
Learning experiences throughout the online early childhood education degree program curriculum are characterized by inquiry, self-reflection, collaboration with others, and problem-solving. Students pursuing their bachelor’s degree in ECE will learn to acknowledge the influences on child development and learning.
Pacific Oaks encourages students to accelerate progress toward undergraduate degree completion by taking advantage of our Credit for Learning from Experience program. This program allows up to 24 credits for experience gained in the workplace.
Online B.A. Early Childhood Education Specializations & Credentials
- Online B.A. Early Childhood Education, STEAM Specialization
- Online B.A. Early Childhood Education, Trauma Specialization
- Online B.A. Early Childhood Education, Dual California Teaching Credential
- Online B.A. Early Childhood Education, Preliminary Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential
Frequently Asked Questions About the B.A. in Early Childhood Education
Q: Is the Online Early Childhood Education degree 100% online?
A: Yes! All classes in the Early Childhood Education program are taken online. Any student who needs flexibility to complete their ECE degree would benefit from taking online classes.
Q: Are there any test score requirements for the bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education?
A: There are a few instances when students may be required to take an exam.
- Students entering the ECE program with 40 or more transfer credits at the time of admission must successfully complete the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test) or meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). They must also show proof of registration for the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers): Multiple Subjects exam.
- Students entering the ECE program without 40 transfer credits at the time of admission who wish to pursue the B.A. in Early Childhood Education degree online with the Elementary Education and/or Special Education concentration must pass the CBEST or meet the BSR by the conclusion of 40 GE credits to progress into a credential track program.
Q: How long does it take to complete an Early Childhood Education online degree?
A: The online ECE degree requires 121 credits for completion.
B.A. in Early Childhood Education Online Degree Sample Courses
Foundations of ECE and Current Issues in the Education of Young Children
The early childhood education online course explores the relationship between psychological theory and practice in education. It provides an overview of the application of fundamental principles of psychology to the teaching and learning process of children. The course covers topics such as theories of cognitive development, motivation, and classroom instruction.
Creating Inclusive Environments
This ECE course explores values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child (and their family) to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts. Students will be introduced to issues of power and privilege; theories and models of cultural diversity; and educational policy related to issues of access and equity. The focus of the course is to integrate knowledge of various cultural frameworks into the development of inclusive learning environments that provide access to early childhood education in a diverse society.
The Creative Arts in Early Childhood Education
Through activity-based instruction, this online class for early childhood education course introduces students to creative experiences designed to help early childhood educators develop curriculum in art, music, and movement. Students will also study the physical and motor development of young children.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to the B.A. program is open to any person who meets entrance requirements as detailed below. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to successfully complete an undergraduate degree program. Generally, a high school cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. However, applicants with a cumulative high school GPA below 2.0 will be considered for admission with the submission of additional required documents (see below). Applicants with college-level studies will be expected to demonstrate an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Transcripts from all undergraduate schools where credit was received are required to support the application and request for transfer credit. (See Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy). Factors and materials to be considered for admission include:
- Completed application and $55 application fee
- Interview with a member of the Admissions Committee
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
- Personal statement
- Applicants must submit a resume showing three or more years of significant professional or life experience or an official transcript confirming 24 transferable credits from a regionally accredited
Applicants must provide proof of the qualifying conferral of high school graduation (or the equivalent) or proof of successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester credits at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. Proof of qualifying academic history must be provided in one of the following ways:
- Official high school transcript recognized by the U.S. Department of Education showing an earned high school diploma, 2.0 or higher GPA, and date of graduation. If transcripts are not immediately available, a copy of a high school diploma can be submitted with a contingency that original transcripts will be on file prior to the fifth day of the term/semester of entry. Financial aid will not be disbursed until the compliant documentation is received.
- Official college transcript with 24 credits of transferable credits with a grade of C or better
- Official associate degree transcript from a regionally accredited institution showing degree earned and date conferred
- Official college transcript from a regionally accredited institution that contains the high school name and date of graduation
- Official NACES, ACREVS, or AICE evaluation of an international diploma that contains the high school name and date of graduation
- High school equivalency completed through home schooling as defined by state law
- Official General Educational Development (GED) diploma. A copy of the student’s GED certificate, or unofficial GED score issued by the state, can be submitted with a contingency that the official GED document will be on file prior to the fifth day of the term/semester of entry. Financial aid will not be disbursed until the compliant documentation is received.
- Official Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) document
- Official High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) document
- Official documentation showing a passing score on a state-authorized exam that the state recognizes as equivalent to high school graduation
Applicants with a cumulative high school or undergraduate GPA below 2.0, applicants without three years of significant professional or life experience, or with less than 24 transferable college credits are required to submit additional documentation:
- One letter of support from someone (a non-relative) familiar with your ability to be successful in this program
- An additional essay: three pages in length, double-spaced type, approximately 500-750 words. In your essay, please answer the following question:
- What life and professional experience do you possess that would enable you to be successful in the Pacific Oaks classroom? Please focus on the application of your experience to the course.
- Why is it important for you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes social justice, cultural humility, and respect for every individual? Please refer to the mission and vision statement for Pacific Oaks College.
Additional Requirements for students interested in pursuing Elementary Education and/or Special Education concentrations:
For students entering with 40 or more transfer credits at the time of admission:
For students entering with 40 or more transfer credits at the time of admission:
- Successfully complete California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) or meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)
- Proof of registration for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Multiple Subjects (CSET) exams
For students entering with fewer than 40 transfer credits at the time of admission:
Progression to a Credential Program Requirement:
Students who wish to pursue the B.A. in Early Childhood Education degree with the Elementary Education and/or Special Education concentration must pass the CBEST or meet the BSR by the conclusion of 40 General Education (GE) credits to progress into a credential track program. Students who pass the CBEST or meet the BSR, must also show verification of registration for the CSET exams. For more information on teacher credentialing, please see the Credentials Office page under the resource section of the Pacific Oaks’ website.
If a student does not pass the CBEST or meet the BSR by the conclusion of the 40 GE credits, they may progress in the B.A. degree program and attempt the CBEST or BSR until they have successfully passed. At the time a student has successfully passed the CBEST or BSR, they may request a program transfer by completing the program transfer form found on the registrar’s office webpage.
Passing CBEST or meeting the BSR is the first step to enter a credential track program. To progress through a credential program and earn a California teaching credential, students will need to meet additional exam and California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) requirements beyond successful completion of coursework.
Please note: Prior coursework will be evaluated as part of the admissions process.
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