Early Childhood Education Degree Online

Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of early learners? IWU’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education gives you the tools you need to serve the learning and developmental needs and goals of early childhood in several education and childcare settings. Plus, accelerate your learning and your licensure in early childhood education – earn your child development degree online in just over two years – fully online!

Why Pursue My Early Childhood Education Bachelor's Degree Online at IWU?

From field experiences in real-world early learning and development settings to offering early education degrees fully online, IWU has aimed for the highest caliber of a university education experience for more than a century—and online education for more than a quarter century. As an online teacher preparation program, it emphasizes developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), inclusive early childhood education, and collaboration with families and communities.

Today, we are proud to offer the support you need to foster your positive impact on early development—through faculty who bring a practitioner-centered approach to your learning and curriculum aligned to industry standards and best practices. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. Additionally, your tuition rates are locked in the moment you start. You will experience no tuition hikes for the duration of your program.

What Will I Learn in an Early Childhood Education Degree Online Program?

This accredited online early childhood education degree equips you to have an impact on early learning. You’ll gain the conceptual and applied knowledge needed to develop research-based early learning education programs, as well as an effective assessment approach to learner performance. You’ll also cultivate vital communication, critical thinking, and leadership proficiencies, alongside classroom management skills, and prepare to pursue your ECE certification.

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Early Childhood faculty include nationally recognized experts in literacy and early childhood development. Faculty such as Tina Shultz specialize in the Science of Reading, while Rita Gamble is an expert in dyslexia and reading intervention. Ann Gorbett holds a doctorate in Early Childhood Education and brings extensive academic and classroom experience. Faculty are located across the United States, providing diverse perspectives and current, research-based instruction.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance and how quickly can they expect a response?

Students can contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office by phone, email, or through their online student portal. Most inquiries receive a response within a few business days.

Nearly every course includes a field experience component, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in real early childhood settings. This practical approach ensures graduates are job-ready and confident in working with children and families.

Students pursuing the licensure track are prepared to become K–3 teachers in public or private schools. Non-licensure pathways prepare students for roles such as preschool teacher, childcare center director, family support specialist, early childhood program administrator, and other positions supporting children from birth through third grade.

Students gain experience across key developmental stages, including infant/toddler, preschool, and primary education. Coursework focuses on child development, instructional strategies, and classroom management across these age groups.

Graduates pursuing licensure complete required state testing and become licensed teachers. Others pursue employment in early childhood settings, advance in their current roles, or continue their education in graduate programs.

All courses include field experience opportunities, and licensure students complete student teaching. These experiences provide essential hands-on training in real classroom environments.

Yes. The program is offered fully online, with the exception of required field experiences and student teaching, which are completed in person in approved local settings.

Most courses are completed in 6-week terms, while student teaching is a 14-week experience.

Students typically take one course at a time in a structured sequence, allowing them to focus on one subject while balancing work and family responsibilities.

Students progress independently through a structured course sequence.

Yes. Students connect through discussion boards, virtual meetings, and professional learning communities, allowing them to build relationships and share experiences.

Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning students complete work on their own schedule without required live sessions.

Students should plan to spend approximately 1–2 hours per day on coursework, including reading, assignments, and fieldwork.

Students follow a structured course sequence but may pause between courses if needed, working with an academic advisor to manage their schedule.

Program length varies depending on transfer credits and enrollment pace. Many students complete the program in approximately 2–4 years.

Yes. IWU offers multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin when it best fits their schedule.

After enrollment, students gain access to their online learning platform, course materials, and academic support resources. They are encouraged to connect with advisors and prepare for their first course.

Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, library resources, technical support, and career services to support their success.

Yes. Field experiences provide mentoring and professional development opportunities through interaction with faculty and experienced educators.

Yes. Field experiences function as internships and are completed in person in early childhood settings.

Transfer credit may be accepted from accredited institutions, with evaluation completed during the admissions process.

Students with a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential may receive credit. Additional experience may be evaluated through Prior Learning Assessment.

Students complete performance-based assessments such as teacher work samples, digital portfolios, and recorded teaching sessions to demonstrate their skills.

IWU’s Early Childhood programs emphasize that early childhood education is both a profession and a calling. The Christ-centered approach prepares students to serve children and families with compassion, purpose, and excellence.

Students who are self-motivated, passionate about early childhood education, and committed to serving children and families thrive in this program.

The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and aligned with high-quality standards. Students may also benefit from programs such as TEACH grants.

Yes. Christian faith is integrated throughout the program, including weekly devotions and opportunities to reflect on how faith informs teaching and service.

Yes. This online early childhood education degree is designed to meet Indiana state licensure requirements for teaching children from birth through third grade.

IWU’s Clinical Experience Placement Team works closely with each student to arrange field experiences and student teaching placements based on geographic location and preferences. In some cases, students may secure their own approved placements. These experiences are completed in real early childhood classrooms to ensure hands-on learning.

This licensure pathway prepares students to teach children from birth through third grade (B–3), covering infant, toddler, preschool, and primary grade levels.

Students are provided with exam preparation resources, study guides, and support materials to help them successfully prepare for required teacher licensure exams.

Yes. The program is aligned with Indiana licensure requirements. Students seeking licensure in other states should review reciprocity guidelines and additional requirements.

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Proof of high school graduation or GED certification.
Submit a signed FERPA Release Form.
Proof of up-to-date TB test.
A signed Field Placement Requirement Notification form.
Applicants who do not hold a valid license in the field of education will be required to submit a criminal history background check conducted at the applicant's expense.
- Admission to and/or progression in designated programs will be based upon criteria set in the Criminal History Background Check Admissions Policy.
Original transcripts from all previous college or university study at a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Prior completion of at least 48 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university or an institution accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education is required before the candidate is eligible to start a bachelor core program.

NOTE: Applicants should be aware that Indiana State Legislation has mandated that expanded background checks are required for those working with students in Indiana schools.
- Applicants will also be required to adhere to any additional State Mandates required for educators.
- Though candidates will be required to submit an initial background check and other documentation that is acceptable to the university as part of their application materials, those successful submissions, will only serve to gain admittance to that academic program.
- All accepted candidates should understand, that at the candidate’s expense, additional background checks, proof of mandated trainings, and/or health related documentation will most likely be required before participating in clinical experiences.

NOTE: Applicants need to be prepared to have vaccination records on hand, if requested by an outside facility, to prevent delay of any required Field Experiences. Since this is an “outside” of IWU request, it will be up to the student to be prepared.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of 120 credit hours.
Completion of the required prerequisite and core courses with a minimum grade of "C" and a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher (Licensure).
Completion of 30 hours of general education requirements as specified (General Education Requirements).
Provide passing scores for all required state licensure content and pedagogy examinations.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

Additional Requirements

Program Requirements

The BS-Early Childhood Program is a lock-step program. Students who are unable to complete an ECED course or who receive an unsatisfactory grade for their specific program will be allowed to repeat that course with another group of students if arrangements are made with the Registration Change Counselor and the School of Integrated Learning and Development. Tuition and fees will be charged for repeating the course.
All BS Early Childhood Education candidates will be required to provide passing scores for Indiana's approved content area examination(s) based on the following schedule, or will be administratively withdrawn from the program:
- If scheduled for student teaching in September, testing is due the preceding April 1st.
- If scheduled for student teaching in January, testing is due the preceding September 1st.

Student Teaching and Clinical Experience Requirements

All candidates must complete fourteen weeks of full-time student teaching in a P-3 setting.
All core course work prior to the required 14-week student teaching must be completed with a minimum grade of no less than "C" in each core course to be eligible to student teach.
All placements for student teaching will be made by the Office of Clinical Experiences. Candidates are not to contact any school or attempt to secure their own student teaching assignment at any time.
Removal from a student teaching experience, and/or field experience, may result in the candidate being permanently withdrawn from the program. A grade of "No Credit" will be issued for the student teaching course and a failing grade will be issued for field experience courses.

Completion Requirements

Upon completion of the BS Early Childhood Education Licensure Program, candidates will be recommended for P-3 Educator Licensure in the state of Indiana. Candidates seeking licensure in states other than Indiana bear the responsibility to determine whether completion of the IWU BS Early Childhood Education program will meet the academic and assessment requirements of the state in which licensure is sought.

Accreditation

Program Requirements

The BS-Early Childhood Program is a lock-step program. Students who are unable to complete an ECED course or who receive an unsatisfactory grade for their specific program will be allowed to repeat that course with another group of students if arrangements are made with the Registration Change Counselor and the School of Integrated Learning and Development. Tuition and fees will be charged for repeating the course.
All BS Early Childhood Education candidates will be required to provide passing scores for Indiana's approved content area examination(s) based on the following schedule, or will be administratively withdrawn from the program:
- If scheduled for student teaching in September, testing is due the preceding April 1st.
- If scheduled for student teaching in January, testing is due the preceding September 1st.

Student Teaching and Clinical Experience Requirements

All candidates must complete fourteen weeks of full-time student teaching in a P-3 setting.
All core course work prior to the required 14-week student teaching must be completed with a minimum grade of no less than "C" in each core course to be eligible to student teach.
All placements for student teaching will be made by the Office of Clinical Experiences. Candidates are not to contact any school or attempt to secure their own student teaching assignment at any time.
Removal from a student teaching experience, and/or field experience, may result in the candidate being permanently withdrawn from the program. A grade of "No Credit" will be issued for the student teaching course and a failing grade will be issued for field experience courses.

Completion Requirements

Upon completion of the BS Early Childhood Education Licensure Program, candidates will be recommended for P-3 Educator Licensure in the state of Indiana. Candidates seeking licensure in states other than Indiana bear the responsibility to determine whether completion of the IWU BS Early Childhood Education program will meet the academic and assessment requirements of the state in which licensure is sought.

Early Childhood Education Bachelors Degree Online