Child Development Degree Online
or Blended?
Offered Online?
Classes meet entirely online.
Offered In-Class?
Classes meet face-to-face at our St. Paul campus or other off-campus location.
Offered Blended?
Course work is completed through a combination of in-class and online class meetings.
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Child Development program consists of 42 credit hours and is offered fully online. The Child Development Degree Online is designed for busy adult students who are interested in obtaining their degree and require the flexibility of attending class on their schedule.
Students will learn developmentally appropriate practices and focus on advocacy and leadership in the field of early education. Program courses address the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for initial professional preparation. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Articulate the theories in the field of early education that support best practices.
- Define developmentally appropriate practices.
- Articulate the role of families as the primary teachers, caregivers and models in the lives of young children.
- Create inclusive and effective learning environments for young children.
- Develop a framework for making ethical decisions as an early childhood professional.
- With this early childhood development degree, students will be able to explain major developmental theories of ECE.
To be considered for admission, program candidates need to be employed or regularly volunteering in the area of education with either children or families.
CHD-400
Intro to ECE
This seminar helps students grasp the breadth, depth, and foundations of early childhood education.
CHD-402
Writing for Educators
Early childhood staff of all levels (directors, teachers, assistants, aides, family child care, etc.) must demonstrate professionalism as strong communicators not only verbally, but as writers, as well. This course will lay the ground work of writing expectations in the program, and serve to remediate as needed.
CHD-410
Growth/Development Child
This is a broad sketch of human growth and development from pre-natal stages to elementary age. Developmental processes are studied from a biological and developmental perspective. Personality development and the effects of temperament on learning are discussed.
CHD-411
Child Social & Emotional Grwth
CHD-422
Human Diversity & Relations
The purpose of this course is to expand our understanding of the influences of gender, culture, economic situation, learning styles, and language on the socialization of children, and then how to use this new understanding to form the way we program for and interact with children.
CHD-435
DAP in ECE
This is a historical, present, and future perspective of developmentally appropriate practices. Appropriate classroom practices and current topics are discussed.
CHD-440
Children's Play and Learning
Theories of Piaget, Parton, Erickson, and Vygotsky are studied to determine how children learn to play and the effect that play has on the child
CHD-461
Ethics in Early Childhood
CHD-430
Infants and Toddlers
In this course, students will study the emerging skills and developmental characteristics of infants and toddlers. Course topics include environments that foster development, appropriate practices, and promoting the development of autonomy.
CHD-445
Language Development/Literacy
The research and stages of language development from birth through age seven are extensively explored. Students will understand how to guide children through the language acquisition process.
CHD-450
Children's Literature
Using children
CHD-451
Dual Language Learners
This course will address the needs of the early childhood classroom professional. The course will move beyond the basics of child development to help educators understand the natural progression of second-language acquisition in young children.
CHD-482
Young Child with Special Needs
This course is designed to introduce the student to the information and techniques needed to develop curricula and instruction to meet the unique needs of individual children in early childhood settings. Special emphasis is given to the theories, research, and practical application from the fields of both early childhood education and special education.
CHD-490
Portfolio and Synthesis
This final course is designed to help learners reflect on all they have done in the BA program. Through guest speakers, research study, and reflection on practice, students will synthesize all they have learned. Preparation of a professional portfolio will cap the learning experience.
Requirements
1. Apply Online
2. Final and official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
* If you have attended a MNSCU college or university we also ask that you provide an official accompanying DARS or MnTC goal area worksheet. Concordia accepts completed goal areas.
* If you have less than 20 college credits completed, you will need to submit your official high school transcript as well as any college level courses you have taken.
3. Submit a typed personal statement that answers the questions listed below. Completed statements should be labeled with your name, academic program, and your contact information and submitted via mail, email or fax. Each question should be answered in a minimum of 300 words (1 page).
What has led you to pursue your undergraduate degree?
What are your long term personal and professional goals?
4. Applicants of BA-Child Development must be a practitioner in their field through work or volunteerism and should demonstrate this involvement on their resume.
Technology Requirements
Students enrolling in an adult undergraduate program must have access to a computer that meets Concordia University's technology requirements. Contact Concordia's Help Desk at helpdesk@csp.edu or 651-641-8866 with any questions regarding these requirements.
Start Dates
Fall 2013 Term
Start Date: Thursday, September 12, 2013
Delivery: Online
Class Day: Thursday
Chat Time: 6-6:45 p.m. CST
Spring 2014 Term
Start Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Delivery: Online
Class Day: Tuesday
Chat Time: 8-8:45 p.m. CST
Summer 2014 Term
Start Date: Thursday, May 15, 2014
Delivery: Online
Class Day: Thursday
Chat Time: 8-8:45 p.m. CST