Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood
+ Teaching Licensure
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood
Stand Out in your calling.
NEXT START May 12 Classes begin every 8 weeks
FLEXIBLE Finish in approximately 2 years Completion is dependent on transfer credits
ONLINE 100% online coursework Learn on your schedule, with no set class times
AFFORDABLE $360 per credit + scholarship and grant opportunities with TEACH that covers tuition & most expenses

Professional Preparation

Professional Preparation

Professional Preparation

Transfer Your AA or AS

Prepare to make a lasting impact in young lives with Northwestern College's online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education + Licensure program. Be equipped to teach from preschool through third grade, blending practical experience with a strong academic foundation. Gain essential skills in child development, instructional strategies, classroom assessment, student behavior, and early childhood education policy through our streamlined program that is designed to save you time. 




Which online B.A. in Early Childhood is right for you?

Which online B.A. in Early Childhood is right for you?

Which online B.A. in Early Childhood is right for you?

Licensure Interested in becoming a licensed teacher in the state of Iowa? Discover how this licensure program can help you achieve your goal, keep reading to learn more! 
Non-Licensure If you are not interested in licensure, then our non-licensure track will help you achieve your goal, learn more by clicking this link!



Why Northwestern?

Why Northwestern?

Why Northwestern?

Why Northwestern?

Gain essential skills in child development, instructional strategies, classroom assessment, student behavior, and early childhood education policy. You’ll learn how to create inclusive, developmentally appropriate learning environments that support every child’s growth and success. Northwestern College’s affordable early childhood education degree with licensure prepares you for employment opportunities, career advancement, and leadership roles—while empowering you to make a meaningful impact in children’s lives. 

Become a licensed early childhood educator.

Become a licensed early childhood educator.

Become a licensed early childhood educator.

Become a licensed early childhood educator.

Completing your degree doesn't have to cost you time away from your other responsibilities. With no set class times, log into class each week and complete your coursework whenever it's most convenient for you. 

Iowa and many other states face a growing early childhood teacher shortage. Not only will you be making a difference in your community, but you'll open career opportunities including: child care centers, child development homes, elementary schools, Head Start programs, elementary schools, and regional and state education agencies like AEAs and the IAAEYC. 




Northwestern has given me the opportunity to become something that I’ve wanted for a really long time; I get to be a teacher. The only reason I was able to go back to school is because of this program. It was made for people like me, people with a family, a busy schedule, who work full time. Everything just fit into place, and I’m so grateful! Emily | B.A. Early Childhood + Licensure




Seamless transfer

Students entering the B.A. in Early Childhood Education program must hold an associate degree (AA or AS) or higher. Northwestern College offers a flexible transfer credit policy, allowing you to apply previously earned credits toward your bachelor’s degree—making it easier and faster to complete your education.

After successfully completing 6 credits, students will apply for admission to the education department and teacher licensure track. 

Have transfer questions? Connect with your enrollment expert, Kate. 

email kate

Community college partners

Northwestern has partnerships with many of the community colleges in Iowa, allowing a smooth transition for transfer students. Partnerships include:

  • Des Moines Area Community College
  • Eastern Iowa Community College
  • Hawkeye Community College
  • Indian Hills Community College
  • Iowa Central Community College
  • Iowa Lakes Community College
  • Iowa Western Community College
  • Kirkwood Community College
  • Northwest Iowa Community College
  • North Iowa Area Community College
  • Western Iowa Technical Community College

Department of Education

Accredited through the Iowa Department of Education.

Tuition + fees

Continuing your education is more than a time investment. Learn more about our tuition, fees, and financial aid resources and discover resources that may help you finance your bachelor's degree, master's degree, endorsement or certificate with Northwestern College. We strive to offer our quality programs at an affordable cost.

Financial aid information

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship

https://mcusercontent.com/469f60d9f6e5c61cf61150391/images/a1a0ceb5-63ce-351f-d7f7-e3fa0cb1d836.png

Educators pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood may be eligible for a T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship. The scholarship program provides the early childhood workforce with educational opportunities. This comprehensive scholarship includes a significant portion of tuition and textbook costs, travel/Internet stipends, and paid time away from work. The majority of your bachelor’s degree could be funded through this program. For information and how to apply, visit the T.E.A.C.H. website.

T.E.A.C.H. website

Child Care WAGE$ Program

https://mcusercontent.com/469f60d9f6e5c61cf61150391/images/8ce8d844-1a3b-5b5b-365e-7fb0f6fb7199.jpg

Child Care WAGE$ ® IOWA (WAGE$) is a salary supplement program offered by the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children (IAEYC). As with T.E.A.C.H. IOWA, WAGE$ is a licensed program of the Child Care Services Association. WAGE$ offers salary supplements to the early care and education workforce based on an individual's level of formal education and commitment to a program. With a bachelor's degree in early childhood, you may qualify for a higher WAGE$ level. For more information visit the WAGE$ website. 

WAGE$ Website

Students entering the B.A. in Early Childhood Education program must hold an associate degree (AA or AS) or higher. Northwestern College offers a flexible transfer credit policy, allowing you to apply previously earned credits toward your bachelor’s degree—making it easier and faster to complete your education.

After successfully completing 6 credits, students will apply for admission to the education department and teacher licensure track. 

Have transfer questions? Connect with your enrollment expert, Kate. 

email kate

Northwestern has partnerships with many of the community colleges in Iowa, allowing a smooth transition for transfer students. Partnerships include:

  • Des Moines Area Community College
  • Eastern Iowa Community College
  • Hawkeye Community College
  • Indian Hills Community College
  • Iowa Central Community College
  • Iowa Lakes Community College
  • Iowa Western Community College
  • Kirkwood Community College
  • Northwest Iowa Community College
  • North Iowa Area Community College
  • Western Iowa Technical Community College

Accredited through the Iowa Department of Education.

Continuing your education is more than a time investment. Learn more about our tuition, fees, and financial aid resources and discover resources that may help you finance your bachelor's degree, master's degree, endorsement or certificate with Northwestern College. We strive to offer our quality programs at an affordable cost.

Financial aid information

https://mcusercontent.com/469f60d9f6e5c61cf61150391/images/a1a0ceb5-63ce-351f-d7f7-e3fa0cb1d836.png

Educators pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood may be eligible for a T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship. The scholarship program provides the early childhood workforce with educational opportunities. This comprehensive scholarship includes a significant portion of tuition and textbook costs, travel/Internet stipends, and paid time away from work. The majority of your bachelor’s degree could be funded through this program. For information and how to apply, visit the T.E.A.C.H. website.

T.E.A.C.H. website

https://mcusercontent.com/469f60d9f6e5c61cf61150391/images/8ce8d844-1a3b-5b5b-365e-7fb0f6fb7199.jpg

Child Care WAGE$ ® IOWA (WAGE$) is a salary supplement program offered by the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children (IAEYC). As with T.E.A.C.H. IOWA, WAGE$ is a licensed program of the Child Care Services Association. WAGE$ offers salary supplements to the early care and education workforce based on an individual's level of formal education and commitment to a program. With a bachelor's degree in early childhood, you may qualify for a higher WAGE$ level. For more information visit the WAGE$ website. 

WAGE$ Website




Application Requirements

Application Requirements

Application Requirements

No GRE required. No application fee.

No GRE required. No application fee.

No GRE required. No application fee.

Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received. 

+
Associate or baccalaureate degree

Official transcripts showing an associate's (AA or AS) or bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

  • Transfer students who have obtained an AAS degree do not meet the NWCore and will likely need additional credits; the registrar’s office will make that determination (students should consult their enrollment counselor to determine eligibility for the program and consult the registrar for evaluation of transfer credit).

Send official transcripts to onlineadmissions@nwciowa.edu or Northwestern College, Graduate & Professional Studies, 101 7th St SW, Orange City, IA 51041. 

+
GPA requirements

Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.25 on a 4.0 scale.

  • Applicants with a GPA below 2.25 may be eligible for conditional admission.
+
Background check

For admittance to the program, students must pass a background check. Your enrollment counselor will send you details on how to complete this item. If you have questions, please reach out to us at online@nwciowa.edu.




Program Specifics

Program Specifics

Program Specifics

Credits vary per student and are determined upon transcript review of previous coursework

Credits vary per student and are determined upon transcript review of previous coursework

Credits vary per student and are determined upon transcript review of previous coursework

BTS150 - Christian Story I: Biblical Tradition
ECE228 - Young Children's Literature
ECE320 - Positive Behavior Support for Young Children I
ECE323 - Methods of Early Numeracy
ECE326 - Methods of Teaching Reading & Language Arts for Young Children
ECE328 - STEM Methods for Young Children
ECE329 - Methods of Teaching Social Sciences for Young Children
ECE425WI - Children's Health and Well-Being
ECE450SR - The Early Childhood Professional Portfolio
EDU229 - Introduction to Early Childhood
EDU230 - Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Programs
EDU240 - Integrating the Arts for the Elementary Classroom Teacher
EDU300 - Characteristics of Young Children with Diverse Needs
EDU301 - Methods of Working with Young Children with Diverse Needs
EDU317 - Collaborative Partnerships with Parents and Community
EDU340CC - Human Relations
EDU429 - Birth through Grade 3 Inclusive Settings Student Teaching
PSY221SS - Developmental Psychology: Childhood

*Additional requirement: First Aid/CPR certification

*Additional requirement: First Aid/CPR certification

*Additional requirement: First Aid/CPR certification




  • Faculty + Staff

    Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That’s Northwestern’s faculty.

  •  Schram Tamara Schram Program Director, Online B.A. in Early Childhood
    Instructor in Education
  •  Haning Tony Haning Placement Coordinator
  •  Schlatter Katelyn Schlatter Enrollment Counselor

Questions? Contact your enrollment expert, Kate

Questions? Contact your enrollment expert, Kate

Questions? Contact your enrollment expert, Kate