Nurture young lives
with a degree in
early childhood
education
GCU ONLINE DEGREES
Choose from over 200 majors and concentrations
Explore our accredited bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs
Become an effective educator and help shape tomorrow's future
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
With content curriculum that focuses on birth through grade 3, graduates of GCU’s early childhood education degree programs will be highly qualified to pursue teaching licensure and become kindergarten through third grade teachers. In addition, graduates will be qualified to work as preschool teachers and daycare providers.
Early childhood educators work in a variety of environments. These include school settings as well as locations hosting private educational programs. You might end up working in:
- Public and private elementary schools
- Daycares
- Early childhood education centers
- Social service agencies
An accredited university committed to helping you achieve your goals
The GCU Difference
Established in 1949, Grand Canyon University is a premier private university helping students find their purpose.
Here’s what sets GCU apart:
- Academic Excellence – For more than 70 years, GCU has been offering quality academic programs that provide the skills needed for your career.
- Affordability – GCU offers a competitive, affordable online tuition rate and numerous financing options, including scholarships.
- Dynamic Learning Environment – GCU’s online classroom helps students stay engaged and learning with each course designed to promote maximum collaboration.
Get a quality education that's accessible no matter where you are
Online and On Campus
Backed by the legacy of our traditional campus, GCU is an institutionally accredited university. Whether you choose to study online or at our vibrant Phoenix campus, GCU wants to make your education flexible and convenient so you can learn on your schedule.
You may be eligible to get credit for what you've already learned
Transferring Credits
Transfer College Credits
GCU generally accepts courses from accredited institutions. Whether you attended a community college or a university, we make it easy to submit your transcripts and find out how many previous credits may count toward your degree.
Lifelong Learning Assessment (LLA)
If you’ve worked in the field or industry of your degree path, GCU’s Lifelong Assessment (LLA) allows qualified students to earn up to eight general education or elective credits based on previous work and life experiences.
National Exams
National exams such as the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offer a great way for you to get credits for what you know. You may be able to earn up to 30 GCU transfer credits toward your bachelor’s degree through these tests.
Certificates and Credit Evaluations
Qualifying certificates and credit evaluations such as the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT®) allow you to gain credits for your professional learning experiences. Turn your previous work experience including military training into potential college credits.
Get started when you're ready
Admissions at GCU
All students must submit either acceptable high school or college transcripts to be considered for full admission into the university. If students cannot meet the GPA requirements with their transcripts but have test scores or a college-GPA that meets admission requirements, students may be eligible for full admission.
- UndergraduateNext Start DateMondayDecember9
- GraduateNext Start DateThursdayDecember12
Accreditation
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Higher Learning Commission was established in 1895 as an accreditor of post-secondary degree granting institutions in the North Central region, totaling 19 states. The HLC and its predecessor have accredited GCU continually since 1968.