Early Childhood Studies, MS

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN

Early Childhood Studies

California Baptist University

Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education calbaptist.edu/grad

Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education

“In the School of Education, we are committed to developing educational leaders who combine strong professional preparation with a faith-informed purpose and a global perspective, ready to make a meaningful impact in schools, communities and nations.”

Stacy Meyer, EdD Dean, Metcalf School of Education

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California Baptist University

Program Distinctives

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Gain a Biblical Foundation

Students are equipped with biblically based ethical principles and practices which emphasize character, courage, servant leadership and wisdom.

Diverse Career Paths

Graduates of the program are well equipped to pursue diverse career paths from early childhood educators, to curriculum developers and more.

Flexible Design

The program is uniquely designed for working professionals by offering asynchronous, online delivery where faculty are accessible from anywhere in the world.

calbaptist.edu/grad

Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education

Program Details at a Glance

Program Length*

Program Cost**

Program Start Term

30 units

$23,355

Fall (September) Spring (January) Summer (May)

1 year, full time

$742 per unit $365 per semester general fee

Class Format

Accreditation

Asynchronous online

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

What does Asynchronous mean?

CBU’s asynchronous class format means our online programs provide the maximum amount of flexibility for a minimum amount of interruption to your busy schedule. Additionally, the 8-week format means you can complete your degree twice as fast as a traditional semester schedule.

*Rotations are custom built. Program length may vary depending on course availability. Based on full-time enrollment and successful completion of the capstone course.

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**Based on current academic year. Subject to change.

California Baptist University

Led by biblical truth, the Metcalf School of Education’s mission is to prepare globally minded educational leaders of high moral character who are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to create inclusive, lifelong learners.

calbaptist.edu/grad

Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education

About California Baptist University California Baptist University is a dynamic institution that combines academic rigor, innovation, faith and service to empower students to become leaders with a profound impact on the world. With its mission to produce graduates who are academically prepared, biblically rooted, globally minded and equipped to serve, CBU continues to shape the next generation of compassionate, competent and socially responsible leaders.

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California Baptist University

Our Values Academically Prepared

At CBU, innovation permeates every aspect of the educational journey. With a forward-thinking mindset, the university leverages emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaborations and hands-on learning experiences to empower students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Whether through state-of-the-art laboratories, immersive simulations or collaborative research projects, CBU provides an environment where students are encouraged to explore, experiment and challenge the status quo.

Biblically Rooted

CBU places a profound emphasis on spiritual growth and character development.

Rooted in the Christian faith, the university fosters a community where individuals from diverse backgrounds can explore their beliefs, engage in meaningful discussions and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Guided by a commitment to integrity, compassion and service, CBU instills in its students a strong moral compass, preparing them to become competent professionals and compassionate leaders who positively impact society.

Globally Minded

Recognizing the interconnectedness of today’s world, CBU embraces a global perspective and prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace. The university offers a variety of study abroad programs, international internships and cross-cultural experiences that broaden students’ horizons, deepen their cultural competence and equip them with the skills necessary to excel in a global context.

Equipped to Serve

A cornerstone of CBU’s mission is the integration of faith and service. Through partnerships with local organizations and community initiatives, CBU students actively engage in outreach programs, volunteering their time and talents to address pressing social issues. From assisting underserved populations to promoting environmental sustainability, CBU cultivates a sense of social responsibility, empowering its graduates to make a tangible difference in their communities.

calbaptist.edu/grad

Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education

Faculty Spotlight Dr. Christina Denis

Instructor of Early Childhood Studies

Dr. Denis earned a Master of Science in Child Development and Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University. All her degrees and certifications have allowed her to focus on her passion of supporting teachers in their preparation for the field.

Dr. Denis has been a classroom teacher and director and specializes in program start-ups. She worked in Early Intervention, supervised student teachers and provided a variety of professional development opportunities for teachers. While owning her own NAEYC Accredited early childhood program for 10 years, Dr. Denis began teaching for a local college and fell in love with mentoring and guiding new teachers. This passion developed into a career focusing on coaching and mentoring including supporting classrooms with children who have experienced trauma.

Teaching at CBU allows Dr. Denis to combine her passion for teacher preparation and her experiences to bring students a unique experience. Being able to also have an impact on course design to keep courses relevant to today’s issues in education is one of the highlights of being an instructor for CBU. Some of the key values Jesus taught in scripture were grace, hope, love, justice, joy and peace.

These teachings are important for Christians to adopt and practice and are also some of the foundational values that CBU is built on. In the context of a classroom, these values become the “lens” through which content is taught. As an instructor for the Metcalf School of Education at California Baptist University, Dr. Denis finds inspiration through the relationships she builds with students. She enjoys getting to know students individually and supporting them in their journey of “living their purpose” and discovering their potential for success in early childhood education.

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California Baptist University

Degree Requirements Core Requirements

30 units

ECHS 5250 Foundations in Early Childhood

3

ECHS 5300 School, Family, and Community Partnerships

3

ECHS 5350 Leadership and Supervision in Early Childhood Settings

3

ECHS 5400 Early Childhood Literacy and Language Development

3

ECHS 5450 Advanced Studies in Early Childhood Development

3

ECHS 5500 Early Childhood Program Development and Evaluation

3

ECHS 5550 Creating Curriculum in Early Childhood

3

ECHS 5600 Social and Emotional Learning in Early Childhood

3

EDUC 5010 Leadership, Worldviews, and Contemporary Issues

3

EDUC 5250 Survey of Educational Research

3

Total 30 Units

calbaptist.edu/grad

Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education

Admissions Requirements Application for admission with a $45 application fee.

Official transcript from an accredited college or university reflecting completion of a baccalaureate degree.

Minimum 2.75 GPA cumulative or last 60/90 unit GPA. Additional opportunities may be available for a student to overcome an unsatisfactory GPA. Written statement of purpose OR in-person/virtual program interview (student’s choice).

Written statement (500-word maximum) or interview will address: • What are your educational goals?

• How will this program help meet those goals?

• What makes you a good fit for CBU? Additional requirements may be requested.

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California Baptist University

How to Apply

01

Submit a graduate application at

calbaptist.edu/gradapp

02

Send official college or university transcripts.

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Provide any supplemental documents required.

Application Deadlines Fall

Spring

Summer

Priority

May 15

November 1

March 1

Standard

August 1

December 1

April 1

Ready to take the next step?

Follow this QR code to start your application!

calbaptist.edu/grad

California Baptist University

Graduate Admissions

Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education

8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504

8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504

951.343.4249 calbaptist.edu

951.343.4313 calbaptist.edu/school-of-education

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