Early Childhood Development

Mostly Online Bachelor of Science Degree

ETSU Online

Inspire Learning

Students who choose the Early Childhood Development (Early Care and Education, Non-Licensure) program often work as advocates for young children in various community positions or provide direct child care for young children in group settings. 

The department is affiliated with the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning & Development, the ETSU Child Study Center (NAEYC accredited), and Little Buccaneers (3 Star-Rated), providing some students with field service opportunities in high-quality settings.

Complete Your Degree

This interdisciplinary degree allows students to complete coursework in childhood development, curricula, and program development. It was designed to allow transfer students to stay in the areas where they currently live and complete their bachelor’s degree while continuing to work in their child care centers.

Inspire lifelong learning and become a professional who advocates for children and creates quality early childhood experiences. Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog.

  • An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in early childhood care from a Tennessee community college is required.
  • Students will need to get a background check before their junior and senior year.
  • This major is not designed for licensure.

Enhance Your Career

Job opportunities range from moving up in from current child care center positions, becoming the director of a child care center, to even working in the Department of Human Services. A bachelor’s degree in early childhood also offers opportunities to be a lead teacher in Head Start programs or a teaching assistant in a public school setting. 

For students wanting an in-person program, please visit the Department of Early Childhood Education's website.

When you complete the required coursework, you will...

Be trained in theories of childhood development. 

Exhibit advanced instructional skills.

Be well-acquainted with the education industry.

A young woman sits at a table with several young children. Some of them have their hands raised.

Steps to Apply

Admission is available to degree-seeking undergraduates based upon a review of grades in high school courses, grades in college courses, scores on the ACT or SAT examination, and completion of specific high school courses in light of admission requirements. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Office of Admissions website for complete information on requirements and the application process.

  • Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

    Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

    Create your ETSU Application Account

  • Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

    Step 2  Sign in to the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

    Sign in

  • Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

    Step 3   Choose "Undergraduate," select your student type, select your start term, then choose  Early Childhood Development and complete the remainder of the form.

    select domestic/international

    select certificate

Apply Today!

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Cost

TN Residents *GA, KY, NC, SC, VA *Other USA States  eRate (Out of State, 100% online) All International
$464 per credit hour $493 per credit hour $599 per credit hour $532.50 per credit hour $1,225 per credit hour

The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details.

- Tuition discounts are available for border county students.
- Additional fees may be required.
- Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options. Students may also use theTuition and Fees estimator.
- The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs
- *First-Time Freshman and Transfer Students only. Currently enrolled students should visit the tuition and fees charts if considering a major change.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What accreditations apply to this program?

    This program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

  • Do students need to have a background in this field?

    An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in early childhood care from a Tennessee community college is required, and students will need to get a background check before their junior and senior year.

  • Are the courses for this program synchronous or asynchronous?

    All coursework is asynchronous. However, students will need access to a 3-star child care center to complete their field hours and practicum course requirements.

  • Does this program require an internship or field work?

    Yes, this program requires field hours and has a 130-hour practicum course requirement. These hours are to be completed in a 3-star child care center.

  • Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

    Yes, this program was designed so that students do not have to leave their current jobs in child care. Students can enroll in a part-time (3 course minimum) or full-time program depending on their needs.

  • Does the college/department offer scholarships?

    Yes, please visit the Clemmer College Scholarship Information page for more information. Additionally, ETSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers scholarship information for all student levels. By submitting the Universal Scholarship Application, students can be considered for a variety of university scholarships. Learn more on their website.