Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Early Childhood Education (Bachelor’s Completion) with PK-3 Credential
Meet California’s growing need for early childhood teachers with Azusa Pacific University’s online BA in Early Childhood Education (ECE), one of the few accelerated pathways to include the PK-3 credential.
Why Pursue the Accelerated Early Childhood Education Degree at APU?
Help children cultivate foundational math and literacy skills through joyful, inclusive play by pursuing the online accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at APU.
The need for early childhood teachers is skyrocketing now that California requires many public schools to offer free learning opportunities through the Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) program. As a working professional with an associate’s degree who wants to teach PK to third grade, you can earn a BA in Early Childhood Education and a PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction credential in just two years in this bachelor’s completion program.
In this completely online program, you attend live classes at night, fitting your education around your work schedule. Unlike other remote programs, our BA in Early Childhood Education also includes two on-campus residencies per year, enhancing your training and fostering a close-knit community.
Accelerated Pathway
This ECE program offers an accelerated pathway for students with an associate’s degree in early childhood development. Transfer up to 60 units, including at least 24 that apply to early childhood, toward earning your bachelor’s degree and PK-3 credential within two years.
Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Completion Program at a Glance
Upcoming Events
- Thursday, September 17, 2026, 5-6 p.m.
- Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5-7 p.m.
Application Deadline
Apply anytime! We review and accept applications on an ongoing basis, and we fill seats as they open each term. Start times are available in the fall, spring, and summer.Program Information
- Program Units: 34-36 (120 to graduate)
- Cost per Unit:
- 100- and 200-level courses: $452
- 300- and 400- level courses: $527
Location
What You Learn as an Early Childhood Education Student
The brains of 4- and 5-year-olds work in completely different ways. In this program, you learn to teach through play, toys, songs, storytelling, and heavy parent involvement. You bring learning to life for children during an impressionable time.
In your time in this program, you will
- master early literacy and mathematics teaching methods for preschool through third-grade classrooms;
- complete 16 weeks of full-time clinical practice under the direct guidance of an APU faculty mentor;
- learn classroom strategies for children from diverse backgrounds and use methods that welcome and include every family;
- observe real classrooms to gain immediate, practical expertise from experienced early childhood teachers; and
- apply a faith-based perspective to current educational challenges to support and advocate for young learners.
Get Started
BA in Early Childhood Education Program Details
The APU accelerated online ECE degree and PK-3 credential program is for transfer students or working professionals with associate’s degrees. We accept up to 60 units of transfer credit, including a required 24 units from early childhood coursework.
Review our transfer application requirements.
Have questions along the way? Connect with our dedicated admissions representatives to get the support you need.
Note: International students on a J-1 or F-1 visa cannot apply for this bachelor’s degree and PK-3 credential program.
Information Meetings
Learn about the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education prior to submitting your application. At the information meetings, we discuss the full details of admissions, specific program requirements, advising, and other important information about this program.
For details on upcoming dates, meeting locations, or registration, check the School of Education’s official calendar or call (626) 815-5376.
Requirements for the Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Completion Program
In addition to the general APU transfer requirements, you must submit the following materials:
- One- to two-page personal statement addressing these topics:
- Experiences you’ve had that may enhance the teaching experience
- The rewarding and challenging parts of working with youth
- Why you want to teach
- Your preferred grade level and content areas, with an explanation of your response
- How you envision supporting the success of all students and contributing to the profession
- Note that our team will assess your written communication skills along with the content
- Proof of Certificate of Clearance (COC) or Child Development Permit
- Applicants for summer or fall terms must have a COC valid through January 31. Applicants for the spring term must have a COC valid through June 30. For more information, read our PDF instructions on obtaining a Certificate of Clearance.
- We encourage you to begin this step as soon as possible to allow time for California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing to process your information.
- Minimum of 24 semester units of nonremedial, degree-applicable coursework in early childhood education or development from a regionally accredited higher education institution
Azusa Pacific University makes a Christ-centered education affordable and accessible. To help you cover the cost of your bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and PK-3 credential, we offer a range of financial aid options, including federal loans, state grants, fellowships, and scholarships.
For more information, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.
Scholarship and Grants
Scholarships and grants are considered gift aid, meaning they do not require repayment. These awards may come from federal, state, institutional, or private sources. Scholarships are often merit-based and awarded for academic achievement, leadership, or other demonstrated talents.
While APU does award scholarships, you can also find external scholarship opportunities through websites such as Finaid and Fastweb.
Contact the Student Services Center about scholarships offered through APU departments or local organizations.
Student Employment
Along with gift aid and student loans, you can apply for on-campus student employment opportunities to earn additional income to pay for education-related expenses. As an APU student, you can also find work off campus in the surrounding community.
Military and Veterans Benefits
If you are a veteran, serve in the military, or qualify as a spouse or dependent, you may access financial assistance that helps cover the cost of tuition, housing, and books. As a Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School, APU offers the support and flexibility needed to help you complete your bachelor’s degree.
Net Price Calculator
We’re committed to helping you understand the value of the APU experience early in the college search process. Once you’ve explored the financial aid opportunities available, take the next step by estimating your cost to attend. The Net Price Calculator provides a personalized estimate based on the information you share, so you can start planning today!
Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). In addition, the School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), making APU one of only a few schools in California with this distinction, and our credential programs are accredited by California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
By the Numbers
Career Outlooks and Outcomes
New early childhood education laws in California make high-quality education accessible to families across all demographics. According to a study by the Learning Policy Institute, the UPK program led to 100,000 more children attending transitional kindergarten (TK) in 2024-25 compared to 2021-22. As enrollment exponentially increases, the need for early childhood teachers continues to grow in our state.
The Value of the BA in Early Childhood Education at APU
“The heart of our program is focused on the importance of play, diversity, and foundational math and literacy skills. …This innovative curriculum is combined with direct mentorship and wraparound support for students, to ensure that every candidate emerges as a committed professional ready to lead their own classroom."
—Stacy Kula, PhD
Dean, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Featured Faculty
Amber Lynwood
Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education
Angela J. Guta
Director, Special Education Credential Programs, and Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education
Cynthia Dollins
Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education
Frequently Asked Questions
The Golden State Teacher Grant
As a student at Azusa Pacific pursuing the accelerated online BA in Early Childhood Education with PK-3 credential, you may qualify for the Golden State Teacher Grant, which awards up to $20,000 toward your education.
Finish Your Education at APU
Start teaching TK to third grade in as little as two years by earning your BA in Early Childhood Education and PK-3 credential online through Azusa Pacific University.