Online Early Childhood Education Degree
Academic title: Early Childhood Development and Learning Major, B.A.A., B.S.
120 Credits
to Graduate
January 11
Next start date
*Recommended apply date is minimum 6 weeks prior to next start date.
Online courses for early childhood education
Prepare to support children through the critical early stages of child development. Build the skills and knowledge needed for roles in preschools, Head Start programs, childcare centers and other early learning centers.
This hands-on major is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
As part of this online early childhood education degree program, you’ll have several placements in childcare facilities near you. If you're already working with preschool age children, you may be able to complete most of your field experience within your own work setting.
Looking for teacher certification?
While the early Childhood Development and Learning program will prepare you to support child development in a variety of settings, it does not lead to Michigan teacher certification. Explore our early childhood teacher-certification programs if your goal is to teach in a licensed elementary school classroom.
Online early childhood development and learning degree overview
| Core credits | 45 |
|---|---|
| Elective credits | 0 |
| General education credits | 75 |
| Total credits to graduate | 120 |
How much does an online early childhood development and learning degree cost?
The cost shown below is based on the current tuition and fee estimate. Your actual cost of attendance for financial aid purposes may vary based on your assigned tuition rate, the number of credits you're enrolled in and the length of your enrollment period. If you're enrolled in a single module instead of a full semester, your housing and food, transportation and personal expenses will be adjusted based on the number of weeks you're enrolled (for example, 12-week or 8-week modules). If you're enrolled less than half-time, your cost of attendance will not include housing and food, personal expenses or loan fees.
- Military tuition benefits: Active duty, veterans and military-affiliated students may qualify for reduced tuition, waived fees and need-based awards
What can you do with an online early childhood development and learning degree?
These online courses for early childhood education prepare you for such careers as early childhood educator, childcare provider/director, HeadStart teacher, pre-school teacher, home visitor and childcare center owner.
This program is not a teacher certification track. If you’re interested in teaching in an elementary school, you’ll need to apply to our early childhood certification majors (B.S. in Education degree).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for preschool teachers is $37,000 per year. The job outlook is projected to grow 4% over the next decade with about 65,000 openings each year.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Preschool/Childcare Teacher | $37,120 |
| Childcare/Preschool Director | $56,270 |
| Education and Childcare Administrator | $61,320 |
All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admission requirements
Transfer Admission Requirements
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Submit the application fee
- Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
Applicants with a cumulative college GPA of 2.4 or higher are eligible for admission following a standard application and background review. Applicants with a GPA below 2.4 may be asked to submit additional materials demonstrating their academic and professional experience, such as a résumé or personal statement.
Freshman Admission Requirements
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Submit the application fee
- Submit official high school transcripts
Applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.8 or higher are eligible for automatic admission following a standard application and background review. Applicants with a GPA below 2.8 will be considered for admission and may be asked to submit additional materials demonstrating their academic and professional experience, such as a résumé or personal statement.
A caring approach to the youngest learners
The early childhood development and learning program integrates the Reggio Emilia approach for empowering young learners. Developed in Italy, you’ll have the optional opportunity to study abroad and experience the impact of this method firsthand.
