Early Childhood Development BA/BS
“I am so glad I went through the ECD program at SOU. Once I was accepted, I was able to finish my last two years in exactly two years.” M.H.
Early Childhood Development – Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science
Early Childhood Development, BA/BS
Offered as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Major
This degree program offers a 100% online option.
The Early Childhood Development (ECD) program will provide a variety of career options for you to work with young children and their families. Just imagine, this program will help you become a well qualified professional for opportunities such as preschool teacher, Head Start Program teacher, administrator, family advocate, early interventionist, educational assistant, as well as a potential Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) student.
The Early Childhood Development bachelor’s degree completion program is designed for working adults who prefer the flexibility of an online program and have completed approximately two years of college course work. Most lower division general education and early childhood education courses are not offered online through SOU and must be taken on campus or at local community colleges. To help facilitate transfer of students into this online ECD degree, SOU works with community colleges to identify appropriate lower division early childhood prerequisite and general education courses essential to the major. The program offers upper division coursework needed for a bachelor of science degree in ECD.
Generally, we encourage students to complete 120 quarter credits at their community college – comprised of specific general education and early childhood courses. Often students will complete an AA or AAS with an early childhood major (approximately 90-95 quarter credits), then fill in the required SOU general education courses (approximately 25-30 credits). Students then take the minimum 60 upper division credits online – comprised of core and elective early childhood courses.
Articulation Agreements
An articulation agreement is an agreement between a community college and a 4-year school that outlines the transfer requirements. You do not have to attend one of the listed community colleges to transfer to SOU, it is only that we have developed advising guidelines with these schools to assist you. We currently have agreements with the following two-year colleges:
Oregon:
- Central Oregon Community College
- Chemeketa Community College
- Clackamas Community College
- Klamath Community College
- Linn Benton Community College
- Mount Hood Community College
- Portland Community College
- Rogue Community College
- Southwestern Oregon Community College
- Umpqua Community College
California:
- College of the Redwoods
- College of the Siskiyous
- Feather River College
- Shasta College
Coenrollment Information
SOU has coenrollment agreements with many community colleges. This allows students to receive financial aid for the combined number of credits they are taking. For more information visit the SOU Financial Aid Forms & Worksheets page. The forms and information are listed under Consortium Agreements.
Program Preparation
Students who have a strong interest and passion for working with young children and have the desire to support children’s healthy development and to work closely with parents are welcome to join the SOU Early Childhood Development Program.
Degree Roadmap
The ECD program is a degree completion program. ECD students take lower division Early Childhood (ECE) courses at a community college and then complete the upper division ECD major courses at SOU. Students will be educated on the fundamentals of a broad range of topics in early childhood best practices to become conscientious professionals who connect effectively with children and families.
Capstone
The Capstone project is designed collaboratively by the student and the Capstone instructor. The Capstone course provides students an opportunity to expand and refine skills and knowledge that are important as professionals in education of young children. Capstone Internship is a major culminating experience for the Early Childhood Development students as part of graduation requirements. In Capstone, students are engaged in Community-Based Learning (CBL) by planning, implementing, and reflecting on a developmentally appropriate CBL service project for children and their families in their practicum/internship settings. In addition, students are also expected to develop a professional portfolio.
Guided Pathways
Contact: K.C. Sam – 541.552.6936 – samk@sou.edu
Associate Degree Paths
Early Childhood Education, RCC – Early Childhood Development, UCC – Early Childhood Education, KCC
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Career Opportunities & Outlook
Early Childhood Development, BA/BS
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I talk to if I’m interested in this degree?
You should contact KC Sam at 541.552.6936 .
Where do I take the lower division course work?
You can take your General Ed courses at SOU or at your local community college. It’s important that the lower division (100-200) courses meet SOU’s transfer requirements. For information, visit the General Education Transfer Guide on the transfer agreement page. Use the drop down menu to select the community college you are currently, or plan to attend.
What if I’ve taken classes but was not in an Early Childhood program – where would I start?
The best thing to do is have your transcript evaluated so you get an idea of how many of the general education and pre-requisite courses you have met. We will outline which classes you may still need and work with you to find these classes. There is no cost or obligation for the transcript evaluation. Just email your unofficial transcripts from all your previous college work to KC Sam, samk@sou.edu or fax to 541-552-6287.
When should I start the program or begin working on the Bachelor’s degree?
Ideally, you should begin the coursework during your freshman year combining early childhood courses with your general education requirements. We have transfer agreements with many of the community colleges in northern California and Oregon. The agreements assist students with identifying the required courses. If you decide to begin working on the ECD later in your college career, you would still need to take some lower division early childhood education coursework through your community college. Enrollment at both SOU and community colleges (co-enrollment) is very common and will not affect your financial aid. It is important that if you plan to be enrolled in classes at both a community college and SOU and receive financial aid that you complete a concurrent enrollment form and submit it to your home institution’s financial aid office at least two weeks prior to the beginning of each term. The form is available online. Scroll down the page to Consortium Agreements.
What if I want to be in the online Bachelor’s degree program but do not have the necessary lower division early childhood courses?
An advisor will review your previous coursework and make suggestions on which classes you may still need.
What if I don’t want to delay my graduation by taking the lower division coursework?
You could minor in Education, focusing on ECD courses and majoring in your preferred field.
Can I teach with a Bachelor’s degree in ECD?
Yes, you can teach in early childhood settings such as HeadStart Programs or in private preschools. If you want to teach in public schools, you will need to get a license through an Initial Licensure program: Elementary Education Bachelor’s degree or the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.
Are any of the lower or upper division ECD courses delivered on the SOU campus?
No, all lower division courses need to be completed at a community college. The upper division courses that make up the core & elective courses for this degree are available only online. The upper division general education courses can be taken on campus or online.
After I earn my degree in ECD, how do I get into the MAT program at SOU?
By letting your advisor know of your plans to pursue the MAT early, they can help you plan your coursework to assure you have completed the necessary prerequisite courses for the MAT. You will still need to go through the process of applying for the MAT and complete requirements for the MAT – for example; Basic Skills exam, letters of recommendation and practicum in public school settings.
If I’m interested in getting my MAT, when should I meet with an advisor?
Ideally, the beginning of your Junior year you should make an appointment to meet with the MAT program advisor in the Education Dept.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to email KC Sam or call her at 541.552.6936 .
Contact the School of Education
SOU Education Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6936
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