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EARLY CHILDHOOD ADMINISTRATION UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE

May 19, 2025

Aug. 20, 2025

Upcoming Start Dates

4

Courses Required

$451

Cost Per Credit Hour

12

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Format

Implement High-Quality Early Childhood Education Programs That Meet the Needs of Diverse Populations

If you are interested in business, marketing and finance, as well as working with young children and their families in childcare centers and other settings, you can find a rewarding career in early childhood administration, with increasing job opportunities.

This certificate will give you the qualifications you need to implement high-quality early childhood education programs that meet the needs of diverse populations and to be a leader in the field, advocating for children, parents, teachers and the profession.

The specialized curriculum is designed for administrators who work in childcare centers as well as preschools, community centers, healthcare settings, or in non-profits or social service agencies.

Students will learn to design and implement a financial plan, as well as a marketing plan, appropriate for a childcare center. After completing the certificate, they will be able to evaluate and implement high-quality early childhood programs and will demonstrate knowledge of business and financial strategies related to childcare management, including writing for external funding. They will also demonstrate professional ethics and confidentiality when working with children and families.


Young toddlers hanging paper mache.

There are 12 credit hours in the Early Childhood Administration undergraduate certificate program. You can enroll in the program without prior college coursework, or a degree. The specialized curriculum will prepare you for many careers that make a difference in the lives of young children and their families.

Develop or sharpen your skills in leadership, business management, marketing, fundraising, and professional ethics through an early childhood lens.

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Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a minimum 2.0 GPA. They must complete the online application and submit official transcripts for all previous institutions they attended or their official high school transcript if fewer than 20 college credits completed.

  • Apply with the Online Application
    • Type of Student (please select the correct one):
      • Freshman (if you are a first time college freshman);
      • Transfer (if you have attended any other college or university after high school);
      • Readmit (if you have previously been enrolled at West Virginia University);
      • Change of Campus (if you are currently enrolled at WVU Morgantown, WVU Potomac State College or WVU Institute of Technology)
    • Program Applying To: Child Development and Family Studies B.S.
    • Start Term: The term you would like to begin the program
  • Pay undergraduate application fee
  • Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU), or high school transcripts if fewer than 20 college credits and send to:
    WVU Office of Admissions
    PO Box 6009
    Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
  • After you submit your application for admission, please email Ashley Martucci with your full name and that your application is for the Early Childhood Administration undergraduate certificate.

Apply Now

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.


The Early Childhood Administration Undergraduate Certificate requires 12 credit hours to complete. Cost per credit hour is $451.
$5,412 – Residents and Non-Residents.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Why Choose A Career in Early Childhood Administration

A career in the area of early childhood administration provides opportunities to support children, families, and communities in meaningful child care program. This type of career allows for individuals to work with people to build better communities.

The Benefits to Choosing Our Program

At the completion of this certificate program, students in Early Childhood Administration will be able to:

  1. Implement high quality early childhood leadership in traditional and inclusive settings
  2. Generate and apply unique leadership approaches in early childhood settings
  3. Evaluate current issues related to organizational leadership, management and administration
  4. Integrate learning across the administrative curriculum
  5. Demonstrate a fiscal understanding in early childhood settings
  6. Analyze program policies and procedures

Career Outlook for Early Childhood Administration

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Early Childhood Administration Undergraduate Certificate may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Education and Childhood Administrator – Preschool & Daycare
Projected Growth: 10-15% Faster than average *Bright Outlook

Child Care Director
Projected Growth: 11%

Social and Community Service Managers
Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook

Preschool and Childcare Program
Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

A minimum grade of C- is required in all CDFS courses.

Course Title Credit Hours
CDFS 420 Leadership in Early Childhood 3
CDFS 421 Child Care Center Administration 3
CDFS 422 The Business of Child Care Management and Financial Strategies 3
CDFS 423 External Funding: Early Childhood Programs 3

Total credit hours: 12

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to complete the undergraduate certification in Early Childhood Administration?

It will take as little as two years to complete the program’s required 12 credit hours. Since the certificate is 100% online, students can take their time with each course, based on availability. Substitutions may be offered if courses are not offered.

Is an undergraduate certificate in Early Childhood Administration worth it?

If you enjoy working with children and families and want to enter this field, or if you are already working in an educational setting for infants and toddlers, this certificate will give you the qualifications you need to advance in your career.

Credit hours earned in the Early Childhood Administration certificate can be applied to degree requirements for those students who want to pursue a degree. This CDFS certificate will incorporate the West Virginia Core Knowledge and Core Competencies and the West Virginia Early Standards Framework: Early Learning Standards in order to include the most recent requirements set forth by West Virginia agencies responsible for preschool children.

How do I get a career in Early Childhood Development?

Early childhood development educators in the United States have different education and training requirements, based on settings and state regulations. Earning your Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Development improves your teaching effectiveness and expands your career opportunities.

Are Early Childhood Administration in demand?

Yes. There is a growing demand for Early Childhood Administration majors. Projected growth for jobs in this field is 10 to 15 percent, which is faster than average.

What can you do with an Early Childhood Administration Undergraduate Certificate?

There are several things you can do with your degree. Some additional occupations/areas to consider would include: school administration, educational consultant, after school program director or a position in education policy and research.


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Contact Us

WVU Online
West Virginia University 
PO Box 6800
Morgantown, WV 26506-6800

Phone: (800) 253-2762
Email: WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu

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