This program prepares you with the knowledge and skills to increase school readiness for children under age 5. While certification isn’t required to work in early childhood settings, more roles now prefer or require a bachelor’s degree. You’ll learn through a framework of intentional teaching that includes observation, assessment, purposeful planning and reflection. Strengthening your abilities in these areas enables you to design personalized experiences that support each child’s development and long-term success.
Coursework includes opportunities to apply theory in real early childhood settings, supporting children before they enter kindergarten. This program is a strong fit if you work or volunteer in early learning environments such as Head Start, preschools or child care centers.
If you plan to pursue graduate study, you can earn this bachelor’s degree as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. Once accepted, you may complete a master’s degree in as little as one year after finishing your undergraduate program. This option saves time and offers advanced expertise in the field. Applicable master's degrees include:
- Master of Education in elementary education
- Master of Education in elementary education – teacher certification
How is a Bachelor of Applied Science degree different from a BA or BS degree?
A Bachelor of Applied Science focuses on career-ready coursework and practical application. This BAS is designed for those who’ve earned an Associate of Applied Science from a regionally accredited institution.
- If you’ve completed an AAS, you may transfer up to 60 credit hours toward this BAS.
- If your AAS is from a regionally accredited Arizona community college, you may be eligible to transfer up to 75 credit hours.
Connect with your academic advisor to confirm how your credits apply. If you don’t have an AAS and don’t plan to earn one, consider ASU’s online Bachelor of Arts in Education in educational studies with a concentration in early childhood studies.
Note: This BAS does not lead to teacher certification.
Learn how to support young children’s development and improve long-term educational outcomes with Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Applied Science in early childhood studies. This program is designed for those who’ve earned an Associate of Applied Science and seek hands-on skills to make a direct impact on children, families and communities.
Don’t have an AAS? Explore ASU’s online Bachelor of Arts in Education in educational studies with a concentration in early childhood studies.
The curriculum explores emerging language and literacy, highly individualized teaching and learning, and computer and mobile technologies. You’ll put theory into practice through experiential learning with children from birth to age 5 in real-world settings. Ideally, you’ll complete the required 15 hours per month in an early childhood setting licensed by the Department of Human Services where you currently work or volunteer.
The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines, including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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You’re eligible to apply for this program if you have attended one or more regionally accredited colleges or universities and earned your Associate of Applied Science (AAS). To apply to a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program at ASU, please follow these steps.
Would you like to chat with someone about a degree program that is right for you? Request more information to speak to an ASU Online enrollment coach about degree programs of interest, how your credits may transfer and when you would like to begin classes.
Create a seamless college journey to ASU with MyPath2ASU™, a self-service platform that includes course-by-course transfer maps and over 400+ transfer pathways to ASU. Fuel a personalized transfer experience and earn guaranteed general admission to ASU and the major of your choice.* MyPath2ASU™ saves you time, helps you select the right courses, minimizes loss of credit and enables successful degree completion.
*General university admission is guaranteed upon successful completion of the following conditions: 1. Completion of an associate degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution with a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA (Arizona residents) or 2.50 cumulative GPA (non-Arizona residents) or 2. Completion of 24 or more transferable semester credits post-high school with a minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 2.50 (“A” = 4.00) and verification of high school graduation or the equivalent.
Note: Some ASU colleges and schools have additional or higher requirements for admission into their majors. Students will also need to submit an ASU admission application, including an application fee and other required documents, such as official college/university transcripts. MyPath2ASU™ pathway programs include a minimum of 24 credit hours. Students with fewer than 24 credit transfer credit hours will need to meet the appropriate admission requirements.
Take your first step toward transferring to ASU Online by completing the online application. The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. You will be required to submit a nonrefundable application fee.
- $70: ASU's online programs
Request to have your transcripts sent directly to ASU from each educational institution you attended. Official transcripts must be mailed directly to Admission Services by the records office of the issuing institution. Official transcripts delivered by hand will be accepted only if they are sealed in the original envelope provided by the community college or university and bear the university seal and the signature of the registrar of the issuing institution. Please have your previous academic institutions mail your official transcripts here:
If sending electronically:
Transcripts sent via email may be accepted if sent directly from an authorized school official at the issuing institution, or from a third-party verified source, to ASU at [email protected].
You may also use services such as Parchment, eSCRIP or National Clearinghouse to send electronic transcripts. Choose Arizona State University on the request form to make a request for your institution to send us your official transcripts.
If sending by stamped mail:
Admission Services Applicant Processing
Arizona State University
PO Box 871004
Tempe, AZ 85287
If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS:
Arizona State University Admission Services Applicant Processing
1150 E. University Drive Building C, Room 226
Tempe, AZ 85281
*If you have completed an associate degree or higher, you will not need to send a high school transcript. If you have not completed an associate degree or higher, please ensure your official high school transcript provides proof of graduation, in addition to transcripts from all post-high school institutions you have previously attended or are currently attending.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you find federal student aid. Submit the FAFSA online. ASU’s Federal School Code is 001081.
- Submit the FAFSA every year to maximize your eligibility for financial aid. You may qualify for more financial aid than you realize. Learn more about the FAFSA.
- Use this guide to get started on your FAFSA so you know what to expect.
- Learn more about ASU Online financial aid services and scholarship opportunities.
Are you interested in challenging yourself academically by adding honors to your studies? Join Barrett, The Honors College to elevate your undergraduate experience and enhance your degree.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”