Early Childhood Education (AS/BS) Program Overview
You can help shape future generations with an online early childhood education bachelor’s degree. Our four-year, non-licensure program transforms students into compassionate, high-quality early childhood educators.
“Birth through age six is a magical time because the child is developing and growing at a rapid pace,” says Leslie Floyd, Director of Early Childhood Education. “As an early childhood educator, you get to be a part of that amazing experience. You help to form a solid foundation for each child’s further development and education.” Many graduates of our online program pursue careers working directly with children and in related fields, including child advocacy and family support education. You might also choose to work with nonprofit or government agencies.
Flexible. Online. Real-World Focus.
Our online early childhood education major offers you flexibility and hands-on opportunities. Students intern with a mentor teacher as they complete two semesters or a total of 120 hours of fieldwork. This capstone experience gives you the chance to put theory into practice as you guide young children in a developmentally appropriate, high-quality learning environment.
If you’re ready to make your dreams a reality, complete the request information form to discover your future in early childhood education.
The Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.
Tuition: $395 Per Credit Hour
Next Start: October 11, 2023 (Online)
Time to Complete: 2-4 years*
* Time to complete can be reduced with prior learning and transfer credits
Courses & Requirements
General Education (36 Credits)
General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors.
- Composition (6 Credits)
- Christian Studies (6 Credits)
- Fine Arts (3 Credits)
- History (6 Credits)
- Literature (3 Credits)
- Macroeconomics (3 Credits)
- Math (6 Credits)
- Science (4 Credits)
- Social Science (3 Credits)
- Speech (3 Credits)
Degree Requirements (24 Credits)
- Foundations of Early Childhood Development
- Safe & Healthy Settings for the Young Child
- Infant/Toddler/Child Development
- Guiding Young Children
- Observing & Assessing Young Children
- Program Development for the Young Child
- Family, School & Community Involvement
- Associate-level Early Childhood Practicum (includes 60 hours on-site)
General Education (49 Credits)
General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors.
- Bluefield Core (9 Credits)
- Composition (6 Credits)
- Christian Studies (6 Credits)
- Fine Arts (3 Credits)
- History (6 Credits)
- Literature (3 Credits)
- Macroeconomics (3 Credits)
- Math (6 Credits)
- Science (4 Credits)
- Social Science (3 Credits)
- Speech (3 Credits)
Major Requirements (39 Credits)
- Foundations of Early Childhood Development
- Safe & Healthy Settings for the Young Child
- Infant/Toddler/Child Development
- Guiding Young Children
- Body-Brain Based Learning
- Observing & Assessing Young Children
- Introduction to the Exceptional Child
- Program Development for the Young Child
- Family, School & Community Involvement
- Literature for Young Children
- Integrating Science, Math, & Social Studies into Early Childhood Education
- Practicum I (60 hours on-site)
- Practicum II (60 hours on-site)