Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Arts with Early Childhood Education Theory (CAGS)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Within the context of a Christian worldview, the BA in Liberal Arts with Early Childhood Education Theory degree provides a challenging, theory-based and application-oriented approach to education. Courses and field experiences develop educators who are dedicated to addressing diverse learner needs with excellence through servant-leadership in their field and in society.

The emphasis on becoming a master teacher enhances the student’s teaching abilities through the study of curriculum development, program assessment, psychological foundations of teaching methods, group dynamics, and critical thinking skills. These principles are then put into practical application with the student gaining hands-on experience in the classroom. This combination of conceptual knowledge applied in real-world classroom experiences contributes to the student’s development as a master teacher.

Upon successful program completion, graduates meet requirements for certification by the Association of Christian Schools International. Students pursuing this degree are not eligible for Colorado State teaching licensure; however, this degree may meet educational requirements for teaching in private preschools, Head Start, international schools, or other agencies. No student teaching is required, though students are required to complete two Field Experience courses and the field hours required in curriculum courses.

Students in the bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with Early Childhood Education Theory program may apply to the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) degree. Upon acceptance, one graduate level course included in the BA professional core can be applied to the MACI degree.

Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with Early Childhood Education Theory (120 credits):
General Education (22 credits)
Liberal Arts Major Core (26 credits)
Prerequisite Professional Core (6 credit hours)
Early Childhood Professional Core (31 credits)
Electives (35 credits)

General Education Core Requirements (22 credit hours)

Integrative Studies (3 credit hours)

INT 211A - Adult Studies Seminar I (3)

Communication (9 credit hours)

Must include 6 credits of written and 3 credits of oral communication.

Behavioral, Social Science (3 credit hours)

PSY 101A - General Psychology (3)
Or Psychology equivalent.

Mathematics (3 credit hours)

MAT 110A - Math Concepts (3)
Or higher level Math. MAT 212A (Statistics) and MAT 250A (Research and Applied Statistics) cannot be used to fulfill the general education requirement.

Natural/Physical Science (4 credits w/ lab)

BIO 102A - Biological Diversity (3)
Or other Science equivalent.
BIO 112A - Biological Diversity Lab (1)
Or other Science Lab equivalent.

Liberal Arts Major Core Requirements (26 credit hours)

PHL 205A - World Views (3)
This course must be taken at CCU.
ART 112A - Art Appreciation (3) OR
HUM 101A - Creative Arts (3)
Or Creative Arts/Fine Arts/Music Appreciation equivalent.
HUM 229A - C.S. Lewis in Film & Literature (3) OR
HUM 216A - Classic Christmas Films & Literature (3)
Or Literature equivalent.
INT 212A - Adult Studies Seminar II (3) (required)
HIS 111A - Old Testament (3) OR
HUM 114A - New Testament (3)
Or other equivalent Biblical Studies course may be used.
CIS 201A - Introduction to Computer Applications (3)
Or Computer Application equivalent. Only courses completed within the past 5 years will be accepted for Liberal Arts major core requirement.
HIS 201A - World Civilization I (3)
Or Social Science equivalent.
HIS 204A - America since 1877 (3)
Or American History/Government equivalent. If American Government is chosen, then another Social Science course with HIS prefix must be completed.
Choose Natural/Physcial Science elective equivalent to two (2) credit hours.

Elective Requirements (35 credit hours)

Complete 35 hours of elective credits.

Requirements for Entrance into the Professional Core:

Completed background check by submitting fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for acceptance by the Colorado Department of Education. (Required for program admission in order to be placed in a field experience.)
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 for courses completed at CCU. A minimum of 9 credit hours must be completed at CCU prior to admission into the education programs.
Interview with Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Education, Program Director or other education staff designee.
Writing sample to be completed at the time of interview.
Education theory applicants are not required to take and pass the state approved content exam in Early Childhood Education prior to enrolling in any education theory core courses. However, applicants who do not pass the test may NOT be admitted to any education licensure program.
Applicants must complete all general education, liberal arts, and elective requirements prior to enrolling in any education courses. Applicants may be admitted by the Program Director for conditional admission with a maximum of 9 credits outstanding in any of the above areas. Prerequisite requirements may not be part of the 9 outstanding credits.
One professional letter of recommendation.
In addition, applicants to an early childhood education program must submit official transcripts of completion of two prerequisite courses at a Colorado community college or another accredited institution of higher education (prerequisites listed below).

Prerequisite Professional Core Requirements (6 credit hours)

Students must demonstrate a foundational background in early childhood education prior to beginning this degree by transferring 6 credits of early childhood education coursework from an accredited university. All students must transfer ECE 205 - Health, Safety, and Nutrition for ECE (3) and the additional 3 credits may be from any 100 level or higher ECE course, except field work or practicum experiences.

ECE 205A - Health, Safety and Nutrition for ECE (3) AND
100 level or higher ECE course (3)

Professional Core Requirements (31 credit hours)

Graduation Requirements

The faculty recommends students in the BA in Liberal Arts with Early Childhood Education Theory to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements:

Completion of a total of 120 credits of courses, including all general education, liberal arts, prerequisite, elective, and professional core requirements.
A letter grade of D or higher in all CCU non-education coursework, and a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher in all CCU coursework.
Students must earn a C- or better in all education cohort core courses, and must consistently demonstrate professional disposition qualities, knowledge and skills in all core courses and field studies.
Compliance with CAGS residency requirements .
Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
No outstanding financial obligations to the University.