Child Development, B.S.

Explore TCC's Bachelor of Science in Child Development and prepare for careers that support children's learning, development, and well-being.

About the Child Development, B.S. Degree

Make a difference in the lives of children and families. Turn your passion for helping children into a rewarding career. With a bachelor's degree in Child Development from TCC, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to support children as they learn, grow, and thrive.

You'll learn to:

  • Apply child development and learning theories
  • Support children's growth and development
  • Partner with families and communities
  • Create effective learning experiences
  • Observe and assess children's progress
  • Gain hands-on experience through real-world learning opportunities

Why choose a career in Child Development?

  • Meet the increasing need for qualified teachers, program leaders, and child development specialists in Oklahoma
  • Make a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families
  • Find multiple career paths in education, nonprofit, and community settings
  • Open yourself up to leadership opportunities with a bachelor's degree

Child Development, B.S. Program Details

TCC's Bachelor of Science in Child Development prepares you for leadership opportunities in early childhood education and related fields. You'll build advanced knowledge and practical skills that help you support children, families, and communities.

Program coursework is 100% online. In addition to coursework, you get hands-on learning opportunities through partnerships with local early childhood organizations. Built on nationally recognized standards, the curriculum combines academic study with real-world experience to prepare you for the next step in your career.

  • Apply Developmental Theory and Research
  • Support Holistic Child Development
  • Conduct Observation and Assessment
  • Engage Families and Communities
  • Implement Effective Guidance and Instruction
  • Demonstrate Professionalism and Advocacy
  • Apply Field-Based Experience

When you apply, we'll review your eligibility for the program and determine your admission priority if space is limited. Your application is pre-filled with information from your TCC student record, including your name, CWID, contact information, GPA, and transcripts.

Eligibility

  • TCC Admission: You must be admitted to the college prior to applying to the B.S. degree program
  • Prior degree or credit hours: You must have completed an associate degree in child development, education, OR another field or a minimum of 60 credit hours
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA: All college and university transcripts must be filed and evaluated so the GPA is accurate
  • Pass Criminal Background Check: TCC criminal background check completed within the last 12 months

Application Process

  1. Submit Application (Drafts can be saved before submitting. Applications open Jan. 4): 
    1. Complete the online application
    2. Attach your written philosophy statement and optional resume (see application documents) 
    3. Accept the program commitments
    4. Submit
  2. Initial Review: The program coordinator or dean will review the submission and assign faculty committee members.
  3. Committee Review: Assigned faculty will score your application using cumulative GPA, prior degree or credit hours, relevant coursework (including TCC CHLD 2513, Infant and Toddler Programming), your written philosophy statement, and resume, if you submitted one. If your application is accepted, you will be contacted for an interview.
  4. Interviews — Child Development faculty will assess you for:
    • Communication
    • Knowledge of child development
    • Motivation
    • Experience with children
    • Scenario response
    • Cultural competency
    • Program readiness
  5. Final Selections: Our program coordinator and/or dean will make final decisions to admit, waitlist, or deny. You can check status in the application dashboard and check your TCC email for updates.

Application Documents

Before starting your application, be sure you have the following

  • Philosophy statement or values and goals statement addressing your philosophy of early childhood education, your professional goals, and why you are pursuing the degree. The statement must be typed, a minimum of one page, and in APA format.
  • Resume or CV: Optional but strongly recommended

Program Commitment

  • Enroll full-time (12 credit hours) for four consecutive semesters, with two courses taken over each summer break
  • Participate in a weekly community-based practicum placement, four hours per week, in each of the four semesters
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each of the next two academic years and submit any renewal documentation on time
  • Certify that the information provided is true, complete, and accurate

The Child Development Student Organization and academic program connect classroom learning to real-world experience, helping adult learners build practical knowledge, leadership skills, and professional networks. Through professional development, guest speakers, and college and community events, the organization supports students’ academic, personal, social, and professional growth. It also builds a supportive community for sharing ideas and resources, and it promotes the early childhood profession by helping others understand the important work of early childhood professionals and encouraging new people to join the field.

Questions? Contact dawn.parton@tulsacc.edu or kymberly.daniels@tulsacc.edu.

Connect: Child Development Student Organization

Program Contact

Program Director
Debbie Deibert
918-595-8108
debbie.deibert@tulsacc.edu

Child Development Program
918-595-7882
childdev@tulsacc.edu 

School of Liberal Arts & Public Service
TCC Metro Campus
909 South Boston
Tulsa, OK  74119
publicservice@tulsacc.edu 

woman reading to children

Careers in Child Development

A Bachelor of Science in Child Development can open the door to careers in education, family services, nonprofit organizations, community programs, and child advocacy. 

Explore career paths, learn about job outlook, and prepare for your future by connecting with TCC Career Services.

Connect with Career Services