$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Start Small. Make a Lasting Impact.
The earliest years of a child’s education can shape everything that follows. As an early childhood educator, you’ll have the opportunity to help young learners build the confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills they need to succeed.
The Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education (P–3) at Athens State University prepares you to become a knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective teacher for children from pre-kindergarten through third grade.
Through a combination of education coursework, hands-on experiences, and classroom preparation, you’ll learn how young children develop and how to create engaging learning environments that support the whole child.
Program Overview
Teaching young children is about much more than helping them learn their ABCs and 123s. Early childhood educators play an important role in children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development during some of the most formative years of their lives.
The Early Childhood Education (P–3) program prepares you with the knowledge and practical experience needed to teach children from pre-kindergarten through third grade. You’ll study child development, instructional strategies, classroom management, assessment, literacy, mathematics, and other foundational areas of early learning.
Just as importantly, you’ll have opportunities to put what you learn into practice through field experiences and clinical preparation. By the time you enter your own classroom, you’ll be prepared not only to teach — but to create an environment where young children feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn.
Program Details
The Early Childhood Education (P–3) curriculum combines a strong foundation in teaching and learning with specialized preparation for working with young children.
Your coursework will explore areas such as:
- Clinical & Field Experiences — Gain practical experience working with students and applying what you learn in real educational settings.
- Child Development — Understand how young children grow, develop, learn, and interact with the world around them.
- Early Literacy — Develop strategies for helping young learners build the reading and language skills that form the foundation for future academic success.
- Early Mathematics — Learn how to introduce mathematical concepts in developmentally appropriate and engaging ways.
- Classroom Management — Develop strategies for creating positive, inclusive, and productive learning environments.
- Assessment — Learn how to use assessment to understand student needs, measure progress, and inform instruction.
- Instructional Methods — Build a toolkit of teaching strategies designed specifically for young learners.
- Family & Community Partnerships — Understand the important role families and communities play in supporting children’s learning and development.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Every community needs excellent teachers — and early childhood educators have a particularly important role in helping children establish the academic and personal foundations they’ll carry throughout their education.
A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (P–3) can open the door to teaching opportunities in elementary schools and early learning settings while preparing you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young students.
Explore your career pathways with the B.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$50k
Elementary School Teacher Estimated Entry Salary
$64k
Elementary School Teacher Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
A career in education is an investment in your future — and Athens State University works to make that investment accessible.
Athens State University offers the lowest tuition of any public, four-year university in Alabama, giving future educators an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. With flexible learning options, dedicated faculty, and support designed around students’ needs, you can prepare for your teaching career without putting your financial future on hold.
Students may also qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and other assistance to help make their education more affordable.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
Young children learn differently — and effective early childhood teachers understand that development is about more than academics. You’ll explore the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of young learners so you can create classrooms where every child has an opportunity to thrive.
Get Hands-On Experience
You won’t spend your entire degree learning about teaching from a textbook. Field experiences and clinical preparation give you opportunities to observe, practice, and apply your skills in real educational settings.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn a degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world business experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Additional Information
Our Faculty
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.