Comparisons of Early Childhood and Teacher Certification Preparation Models
CDA CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE EARLY CHILDHOOD ONE YEAR CERTIFICATE ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR DEGREE MASTERS's DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
AAS AS AA BACHELOR OF SCIENCE BACHELOR OF ARTS MA MS ED.D. PH.D.
Theory & Pedagogy – 120 hours of college level coursework in competencies = approx. 9 credits* Practice – 480 work hours Advisor Observation/Portfolio = approx. 3 credits *Discretion of higher education institution Theory and Pedagogy and Practice

(up to 30 credits)
Theory and Pedagogy and Practice

(up to 40 credits)
Theory and Pedagogy and Practice

(up to 30 credits)
Electives may be Theory & Pedagogy. Practice usually does not transfer ¼ =(approx. 15) credits (approx. 60)
credits in
professional
(approx. 90
credits)
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for acceptance into any graduate program. The total amount of credits necessary to complete a graduate degree program varies greatly from program to program.
 

General
Education

(0-15 credits)

TOTAL up to 30

General
Education

(approx. 20 credits)

TOTAL 60 to 64

General
Education

(approx. 30 credits)

TOTAL 60 to 64

General
Education

(approx. 45 credits)

TOTAL 60 to 64

Arts and Science (General
Education)

(approx. 45 credits)

TOTAL 120+

(Approx. 30 other credits)

TOTAL 120+