Appalachian State University
Child Development (BS) - Birth through Kindergarten (licensure)
Application Deadlines
Got credits?
Learn about transferring credits to App State
Developing the minds of tomorrow — today.
App State’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Child Development - Birth through Kindergarten (licensure) will develop your competencies to teach and lead in pre-K and kindergarten programs.
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts a 20% to 23% growth in the North Carolina job market for preschool teachers and preschool special education teachers. Now is the time to prepare yourself for a career in the growing child development field.
You will explore the roles and responsibilities of a birth through kindergarten professional, including ways to foster and engage learning.
Applied learning is a big part of what our future teachers do at App State. All of our teacher education degrees have classroom experience built right into them, equipping you with the relevant skills and experience to make you ready to enter the classroom prepared to enlighten, educate and inspire. Our teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
App State’s Child Development - Birth through Kindergarten degree is also offered fully online. Learn more
A ‘Best College’ for 2025
The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and Southeast for 2025.
Top 3 in innovation, undergraduate teaching
U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top three school for innovation and the high quality of its undergraduate instruction for eight consecutive years.
A ‘Best College’ for value
App State’s quality, affordability and student outcomes place it among the nation’s 2024 best schools for value, according to Money.com
Elevate Your Education
Courses
Transferring Credits
Learn about App State’s credit transfer process, and use our Transfer Equivalency Course Search tool to determine how your courses may transfer to App State.
General Education
With courses in history, natural and social sciences and humanities, App State’s General Education Program will reshape your outlook on learning and provide a foundational skill set that will prepare you for any career.
Accelerated Master’s
You can begin your graduate studies as an undergraduate and earn your master’s degree in as little as one year.
Careers and Mountaineers
Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go! Our passionate and engaged alumni become leaders in their communities and chosen professions.
Careers
- Teaching in Public Schools (Pre-K or Kindergarten)
- Child Care Resource and Referral
- Child Life Council
- Director or Owner of Early Care and Education Center(s)
- Early Intervention Agencies
- Cooperative Extension
- Nonprofit: Such as Make A Wish, March of Dimes
- Smart Start Partnership
- Summer Camp Director
- Teaching in Early Care and Education
- Teaching in Smart Start
- Working with Teen Mothers
Some of these roles may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Career information resource
App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.
More to Explore at App State
Fund Your Education
Numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to help fund your App State education. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
International Experience
Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more.
Real-world Internships
Gain firsthand experience while earning your degree. Learn more
Find Your Community
Get inspired and get involved by joining App State clubs and organizations, such as the Child Advocacy Club. Learn more
Honors College
Develop high-level creative thinking and research skills. Learn more
Apply
Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.
Admissions questions? Contact us.
Connect
Program Contact
Dr. Woodrow Trathen
Department Chair
[email protected]
828-262-6056
Dionne Busio
Program Director of Birth – Kindergarten
[email protected]
828-262-2019
Andrea Anderson
Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory Program Director
[email protected],
828-262-3006
Visit Campus
Explore App State’s campuses in Boone and Hickory and learn more about what life is like as a Mountaineer.
Attend an information session to get to know App State’s people and programs.
Admissions Counselor
Have questions related to the App State admissions process? Our admissions counselors are here to help.