First-Time First Year (FTFY)
A First-Time First Year applicant is any student applying directly from secondary school (high school) who has earned no college or university credit.
FTFY Applying with academic course work from outside the U.S. should:
Complete a high/secondary school curriculum which totals 12 years of primary-secondary education, and earn a graduation diploma or certificate
Complete high school curriculum with above satisfactory grades or marks which equals a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) on the 4.0 grading scale
Submit official high school transcript (academic record), showing all courses with grades or marks, and graduation diploma or certificate. Official transcript must be in the original language of issue. Submit certified English translations for non-English documents
English requirements
Submit official verification of English proficiency except where English is the applicant's native language and has attended for at least three years’ full time at an institution where English was the principal language of instruction
TOEFL score report with at least a minimum of 61 iBT. or
IELTS score report with at least a minimum of 6.0
Completion of GE Area A2 (Written Communication) with a grade of C- or better
Successful completion of Advanced Level - Sonoma State American Language Institute /Conditional Admission available
Successful completion of English Intensive Program - English Language School (ELS) Level 112 Certificate
Successful completion of Level 6 - UCLA Extension American Language Center
Successful completion of Level 5 - USC International Academy
The California State University (CSU) has temporarily suspended the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses for the 2021-2022 academic year. This temporary change of admission eligibility applies only for the Fall 2021, Winter 2022 and Spring 2022 admission cycles.
The "a-g" score is a calculation now based upon your High School Grade Point Average and your Multi Factor score.
The High School Grade Point Average is based on courses taken during 10th through 12th grades which are "college preparatory." Honors or Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken in 11th and 12th grades with grades of C or higher are awarded an extra grade point.
If you are a Non resident applying to a non-impacted major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you meet the eligibility requirements for Admissions.
If you are a Non Resident applying to an impacted major that requires minimum Multi Factor Score, your application will be subject to Multi Factor score. (If you do not meet impacted major criteria, you will be considered for an alternate major).
If you are a Non Resident and Graduate of a non-California High School with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.99, you will be ranked by using the score as indicated on the Multi Factor scoring chart.
The Department of Early Childhood Studies offers a major in Early Childhood Studies, a minor in Early Childhood Studies and a Master of Arts in Education with concentration in Early Childhood Education. Students may also use Early Childhood Education courses to satisfy requirements for the Child Development Permit for teachers of California state-funded preschool and after-school programs.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Studies is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to work effectively with children in early childhood (birth to age 8). Students study multi-disciplinary theories, research, and best practices, with an emphasis on socio-cultural factors that affect learning and development. They learn how to use theories and research from anthropology, child development, education, health, psychology, sociology, and multicultural studies to promote the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of diverse young children. Students study the science of assessing children’s growth and development, and they acquire skills in effectively communicating these findings to families and community partners. The program also prepares professionals to be leaders and advocates on behalf of all children and families.
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Freshman Year: 29 Units
Fall Semester (15 units)
GE Area A2 3 units
GE Area A3 3 units
GE Area B4 3 units
American Institutions (GE Area D) 3 units
GE Area E 3 units
Spring Semester (14 units)
GE Area C1 3 units
GE Area B1 3 units
GE Area A1 3 units
EDEC 201 4 units
EDEC 178 1 unit
Sophomore Year: 30 Units
Fall Semester (16 units)
American Institutions (GE Area D) 3 units
EDEC 220 4 units
GE Area B2 3 units
University Elective 3 units
GE Area C2 3 units
Spring Semester (14 units)
EDEC 237 4 units
EDEC 270 4 units
GE Area C 3 units
GE Area D 3 units
Junior Year: 31 Units
Fall Semester (16 units)
EDEC 420 3 units
Upper Division GE-B 3 units
Major Elective 3 units
University Elective 3 units
University Elective 4 units
Spring Semester (15 units)
EDEC 435 4 units
EDEC 437 3 units
Upper Division GE-D 3 units
University Elective 3 units
Senior Year: 30 Units
Fall Semester (15 units)
EDEC 460 4 units
Upper Division GE-C 3 units
University Elective 4 units
EDSP 432 4 units
Spring Semester (15 units)
EDEC 478 1 unit
Major Elective 2 3 units
University Elective 3 units
University Elective 4 units
University Elective 4 units
Sample Four-Year Plan for Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies: Development Concentration
Freshman Year: 29 Units
Fall Semester (15 units)
GE Area A2 3 units
GE Area A3 3 units
GE Area B4 3 units
American Institutions (GE Area D) 3 units
GE Area E 3 units
Spring Semester (14 units)
GE Area C1 3 units
GE Area B1 3 units
GE Area A1 3 units
EDEC 201 4 units
EDEC 178 1 unit
Sophomore Year: 30 Units
Fall Semester (16 units)
American Institutions (GE Area D) 3 units
EDEC 220 4 units
GE Area B2 3 units
EDEC 247 3 units
GE Area C2 3 units
Spring Semester (14 units)
University Elective 4 units
EDEC 270 4 units
GE Area C 3 units
GE Area D 3 units
Junior Year: 31 Units
Fall Semester (16 units)
EDEC 420 3 units
Upper Division GE-B 3 units
Major Elective 3 units
University Elective 3 units
University Elective 4 units
Spring Semester (15 units)
EDEC 435 4 units
EDEC 447 3 units
EDEC 347 2 units
Upper Division GE-D 3 units
University Elective 3 units
Senior Year: 30 Units
Fall Semester (15 units)
EDEC 460 4 units
Upper Division GE-C 3 units
University Elective 4 units
EDSP 432 4 units
Spring Semester (15 units)
EDEC 478 1 unit
Major Elective 2 3 units
University Elective 3 units
University Elective 4 units
University Elective 4 units
Career Opportunities
Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education concentration prepares students for a career in an early education setting, including:
Infant, toddler, and preschool teacher
Administrator of an early education program
Support services in agencies that serve young children and families
Elementary teacher (requires completion of a post-baccalaureate Multiple Subject credential program
Special Education teacher (requires completion of a post baccalaureate Special Education credential program)
Early Childhood Development
The Early Childhood Development concentration prepares students for a career working with young children and families in non-education settings. Students work with an advisor to prepare for a career in entry level positions in social services or for graduate school in counseling, social work, child life specialist, etc.
