Earn Your Degree in Early Childhood Education Online at Eastern Oregon University.
Build foundational expertise in child development, family collaboration, and play-based learning environments. Designed for future preschool directors, child care administrators, and early development specialists, EOU’s non-licensure Early Childhood Education major delivers the practical training and fieldwork needed to support children during their most critical formative years.
- Workplace-Integrated Practicum: Complete 90 hours of hands-on experience in early childhood settings (ages 0–8), bridge theory into practice without interrupting your career.
- Comprehensive Developmental Focus: Dedicated coursework spanning infant/toddler, preschool, and primary grade methods, positive behavior guidance, and exceptional child advocacy.
- Exceptional Value & Flexibility: Flexible online or on-campus pathways with competitive tuition and financial aid support.
A Dedicated Pathway for Early Childhood Leaders & Advocates
Eastern Oregon University’s Early Childhood Education major prepares passionate individuals to foster cognitive, emotional, and social growth in young children (birth through age 8). Grounded in evidence-based developmental science, our curriculum equips you to design engaging environments, partner with diverse families, and manage early care centers.
- Choose Your Degree Pathway: Earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) by selecting focused science/math electives, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) by completing foreign language requirements, or a Bachelor of Applied Science if you already hold an Associate of Applied Science from a community college.
- Specialized Methodologies: Gain age-specific instructional tools across infant, toddler, preschool, and primary grade environments.
- Applied Capstone & Practicum: Put your learning into action through a structured 90-hour field practicum working directly with children in your local community or current workplace.
- Important Note: This standalone major focuses on early childhood administration, care, and non-preschool agency roles and does not lead directly to Oregon K–12 public school teacher licensure (for initial state licensure pathways, see EOU’s Elementary Education program).
- Total Credits: 180 Quarter Credits (50 Major Core Credits)
- Field Practicum: 90 Hours (ED 409)
- Delivery Modalities: 100% Online
Core competencies
Understand physical, cognitive, and social-emotional milestones from conception through age eight to tailor age-appropriate learning.
Build strong, culturally responsive partnerships with families and early intervention community agencies to support holistic development.
Apply proactive, evidence-based behavior management techniques that build self-regulation and positive emotional climates.
Identify diverse learning needs and implement supportive strategies for children in early care settings.
Construct stimulating, safe, and developmentally rich indoor and outdoor play environments that spark curiosity and literacy.
Utilize structured observation tools and informal assessments to track developmental progress and guide individualized learning plans.
LEARNING OPTIONS & DELIVERY MODALITIES
Online
Uncompromising Flexibility
Highlights: • No on-campus requirements — study where and when it’s best for you.• Identical curriculum, assignments, and credentialing as on-campus programs.• Full access to EOU’s online advising, library resources, and tutoring centers.
Maximize Your Prior Credits
Turn your previous college coursework or Associate degree into a powerful, career-accelerating bachelor’s degree at EOU.
Highlights: • Flexible transfer policy — EOU accepts up to 135 credits from other institutions. • Seamlessly integrate previous credits. • Personalized advisor support to build a fast-track completion plan. • Accelerate your timeline to save money and enter the job market sooner.
Guided by Expert Early Childhood Educators
At Eastern Oregon University, you will learn from seasoned educators and researchers inside the College of Education who bring decades of practical experience in child development, early intervention, and educational leadership.
Our faculty are deeply committed to mentoring students individually, ensuring you receive personalized guidance.
With this degree you may be interested in…
Master of Arts in Teaching
The MAT program is ten months (4 terms), beginning in the Summer term and extending through the following Spring term.
Online Master of Social Work
Ready to Inspire and Lead the Next Generation?
Start building a rewarding career in early childhood care, center administration, and family advocacy.
