Early Child Development Online Completer Degree
We are excited that you are interested in our online completer degree in Human Development and Family Science, Early Child Development option.
Whether you are transferring from another institution or you have decided to pick back up where you left off in your higher education journey, we are here to support you in finishing your bachelor’s degree through Auburn University.
Once you join the Auburn Family and the Human Development and Family Science department, you will receive academic support and professional guidance through a dedicated Student Success Coordinator along with the faculty that will be teaching your courses.
Program Overview
The Program Is Fully Online And Asynchronous.
Auburn University’s online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science, Early Child Development program provides a fully online and asynchronous curriculum. Students are able to receive the high-quality education that Auburn University provides with the convenience of completing coursework when your schedule allows.
Most Courses are Offered in Mini-Terms.
Courses are offered in 7 ½ week mini-terms, allowing students to make steady progress towards degree completion. Depending on your transfer credits, your B.S. can be completed in two years.
Become Eligible to Teach in Alabama First Class Pre-K.
Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program has been awarded the highest quality rating by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) for 16 consecutive years, which includes four years of highest ratings based on more stringent measures of practice.
A bachelor’s degree is required to be a lead teacher in Alabama First Class Pre-k classrooms. In addition, those wishing to teach in a pre-k classroom within a public school are also required to have an Early Child Development Certificate (Pre–K) from the Alabama State Department of Education. Our graduates are qualified to seek an Early Child Development Certificate (Pre-K) in addition to earning a bachelor’s degree.
To learn more about Alabama First Class Pre-k and to find current salary schedules, click here.
Auburn’s Program is NAEYC Accredited.
The Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science, Early Child Development degree program at Auburn University is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The current accreditation term runs through 2028.
Determine Your Eligibility
We accept transfer students and students previously enrolled at Auburn University. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, so you won’t have to wait long to know if you’ve been accepted.
In order to be eligible to apply, students must
- have completed at least 30 credit hours
- have a cumulative GPA of 2.5
- completed majority of Auburn University core requirements; it is recommended that ALL Auburn University core requirements be completed before applying, however if you are just a few credits shy of the 30 hours, reach out to an admissions advisor to discuss your options.
Before applying, complete the following steps:
- Review prerequisite course requirements.
- Use our transfer equivalency charts to see how your credits will transfer to Auburn.
- Connect with an admissions advisor at (334) 844-5132 or ecdonline@auburn.edu to find out more about the admissions process and application.
Courses and Curriculum
To earn a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science, Early Child Development option, students must complete 120 credits, 60 of which MAY be transferred from other institutions.
For more information, email ecdonline@auburn.edu.
This program has made my insecurities of obtaining a degree subside and I feel supported. I cannot wait to graduate. Thank you for designing this program and helping teachers like me obtain a degree.
Without this online program I couldn’t receive education from a top-notch university like Auburn while I work. I chose this program to improve my understanding of early childhood development, and I trust I will be a better educator benefitting young children and families. Thank you!
How to Apply
You must provide official transcripts (not duplicated or faxed copies) from each college attended, including any at which you were enrolled while in high school.
The preferred transcript delivery method is via E-script. E-scripts are considered official and can be sent to auburnonline@auburn.edu.
If you are unable to send your transcripts via E-script, you may mail them to the following address:
Admission Processing
1550 East Glenn Avenue
Suite 1210
Auburn, AL 36849
| Term | Application Deadline | Enrollment Desposit Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | July 15 | August 1 |
| Spring | December 1 | December 15 |
| Summer | May 1 | May 1 |
Financial Aid & Scholarships
2026-2027 tuition rate for fully online students is $592/credit hour. Tuition and fees are subject to change annually. Visit Auburn Tuition & Fees for the most up-to-date information.
1. Loans, Grants, Scholarships
We want to make earning your degree through Auburn University an affordable process. Please visit Auburn’s Student Financial Services website to explore opportunities for loans, grants, and scholarships. Externally funded scholarships are also welcome.
2. T.E.A.C.H Scholarship Program
Many people who are currently working in the field of early care and education are eligible to apply for the TEACH scholarship program.
3. College of Human Sciences Online Student Scholarship
The College of Human Sciences and Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education have partnered to establish scholarship opportunities for students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science, Early Child Development.
- Students must be enrolled in courses before they apply for the scholarship.
- Application requires a letter of recommendation from a site supervisor or faculty member.
| Term | ECD Scholarship Eligibility Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | July 15 |
| Spring | November 1 |
| Summer | April 1 |
