Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration
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Program at a Glance
- Gain the skills to provide developmental and learning opportunities for children from birth to age 8, along with the knowledge and practical business skills to take on administrative or leadership roles.
- There is a growing need for early childcare center directors and nonlicensed teachers who possess a bachelor's degree in the field.*
- Shorten your path to a master's degree with the accelerated bachelor's to master's option.
Upcoming Start Dates
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
4 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
180
(120 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration Overview
The online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration is designed to prepare you to become a leader in the early childhood field. This bachelor's degree program blends the theory and practice of childhood development with foundational topics in administration.
Curriculum provides a strong foundation in ethics, critical thinking, and communication skills for a range of learning environments. Students are also invited to join the Educators Association for further networking and educational opportunities. Courses are taught by faculty who are professionals in early childhood-related fields and explore:
- Center-based programs servicing young children
- Agencies providing or overseeing services to young children
- Fundamentals of teaching young children
- Professional development in early childhood programs
- Owning your own early childhood care or education facility
Accelerated Master’s Degree Options
Complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately. While you earn your bachelor’s degree in early childhood administration, you can work toward a Purdue Global master’s degree in one of the following areas:
- Applied behavior analysis
- Criminal justice
- Education
- Educational psychology
- Higher education
- Homeland security and emergency management
- Human services
- Instructional design and technology
- Legal studies
- Public administration
- Psychology
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program. For accelerated master's degree option details and eligibility requirements, speak to an Advisor
Note: At this time, residents of Kentucky may not enroll in this program.
Kentucky students please be advised that this program is not accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and is not recognized for initial, additional, or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for P–12 educators in Kentucky. For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website at: http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=12.
Practical Experience
Complete five hours of field experience at an early childhood setting, such as child/day care or a home center.
An internship option allows you to gain real-world experience while you earn your degree online.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Can You Do With an Early Childhood Administration Degree?
Career pathways for graduates of the bachelor's in early childhood administration program could include:
- Head Start administrator
- Childcare center director
- Owner/operator of an early childhood care or education facility
- Childcare worker
- After-school program worker
- Preschool teacher
- Preschool director
- Self-employed worker
For details and eligibility requirements, speak to an Advisor.
Engage With Fellow Students
Online discussion boards provide the opportunity to engage with students from around the country and learn from their experiences.
Students are also invited to join the Educators Association for further networking and educational opportunities.
What Courses Will I Take?
This social science degree is designed to build your knowledge and skills in early childhood growth and development; early childhood education and curriculum; business and management; and early childhood leadership and advocacy.
In your first course, you'll develop your degree plan with a faculty member to align your degree path with your career outcomes.
See All Early Childhood CoursesSample Courses
- Early Childhood Curriculum Planning
- Child Safety, Nutrition, and Health
- Young Children With Special Needs
- Early Childhood Family, Community, and Advocacy
- Funding Development and Financial Planning
Program Requirements
- Core Credits45
- Major Credits93
- Elective Credits42
- Total Credits180
Choosing a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Administration
Become a leader in childhood development and help change lives. Discover the value of pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood administration.
It’s a tech-driven world. See how technology can be used to increase learning opportunities and expand a child’s understanding and perspective.
Grow your knowledge and awareness in childcare. Learn how additional programs, communities, and mentors can help you provide better quality support.
Career Opportunities
Prepare for opportunities in a variety of fields, whether you want to operate or own your own early childhood program or manage an early childhood agency or organization.†
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Learning Strategies
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Education Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
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That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Job Growth: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Preschool and Childcare Center Directors, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/preschool-and-childcare-center-directors.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
†Early Childhood Education Licensure: This program will not certify graduates to become licensed teachers, is not intended for individuals who are pursuing a license to teach early childhood education in a public or accredited private elementary school, is not represented as meeting specific state Board of Education criteria for assisting with children and teachers in a public school setting, and was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements for licensure or certification. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.