Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAP) in Early Childhood

The Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAP) in Early Childhood is a 90-credit accelerated bachelor's degree program. It prepares students to work across a variety of human services with young children from birth to 8 years, and their families. Students gain a strong foundation in child learning and development, guidance, inclusive curriculum design, advocacy, partnering with families, and leadership.

Graduates work as lead classroom teachers and program administrators for prekindergarten, childcare, publicly funded Head Start, Early Head Start, home visiting, early intervention specialists, community education, crisis services, parent education, medical Child Life Specialists, and pediatric support.

Program Format and Degree Requirements

The BAP Early Childhood program combines the flexibility of 100% online, asynchronous coursework with over 400 hours of in-person field experience with children from infancy through third grade. 

Fieldwork can be completed in Weber State University's on-campus lab school, approved workplace or community settings, supported every step of the way by a dedicated team of faculty and coaches.

Stackable Credentials

The BAP Early Childhood program provides opportunities for stackable credentials — it leads to the NAEYC Early Childhood Educator III designation, the Utah Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement, and the Early Intervention Baby Watch Credential.

Students interested in the Early Childhood Coaching Certificate and the Child Life Specialist credentials must complete additional coursework beyond the BAP degree to qualify. Students who want a Prekindergarten-3rd-grade educator license may complete the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.

Accreditation

The BAP Early Childhood program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

It is the only NAEYC-accredited higher education program in Utah. 

Scholarships

BAP Early Childhood students can apply for a variety of departmental scholarships and assistantships.