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Home > Academics > Academic Programs > Early Childhood Education (AS/BS)

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: May 10, 2023 (Online)
Time to Complete: 2-4 years*

* Time to complete can be reduced with prior learning and transfer credits

Courses & Requirements

Associate's Degree (AS)
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)
Total Credits: 60
Bachelor's Degree (BS)
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)
Electives (32 Credits)
Total Credits: 120

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Childcare Center Director
Childcare Center Teacher
Family Support Specialist
Child Advocate
Teachering Assistant

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Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

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