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91Ӱ�� received approval from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to offer a Bachelor of Science in Child Development, the first bachelor’s degree in the College’s 55-year history.

91Ӱ�� received approval from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to offer the first bachelor’s degree in the College’s 55-year history. The Bachelor of Science in Child Development is expected to launch in Fall 2027*, pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission.

The bachelor’s degree will expand affordable pathways for students preparing to work with children from birth through age 5. It will feature stackable credentials aligned with national organizations, and students will complete fieldwork and practicum experiences to apply classroom learning in workplace settings. Courses will be offered both in person and online.

“This degree strengthens the early childhood workforce at a time when Oklahoma needs it most,” said 91Ӱ�� President and CEO Leigh Goodson, Ph.D. “Research consistently shows that the first five years of a child’s life shape long-term learning. Families, childcare providers and employers all benefit when we invest in the people who support young children during their most formative years.”

“GKFF has been proud to work closely with 91Ӱ�� over the years, and we deeply respect the quality of their faculty and students in this very important field of work,” said Ken Levit, Regent for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and Executive Director of the George Kaiser Family Foundation. “This new program in early childhood development will have significant impact  on the lives of children and families throughout Tulsa for many decades.”

Oklahoma continues to face shortages of early childhood educators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool education positions are projected to increase by 15 percent between 2021 and 2031. Job opportunities are widespread due to an increased focus on early education by many state governments and a high turnover rate in the field. 

Program graduates will be prepared for roles in early childhood education, youth programs, child advocacy, and family services or for advanced study in related disciplines.

The degree program will be funded through existing resources and new enrollment generated by the program. Existing 91Ӱ�� faculty members will teach the courses in the program.

*A previous version of this article stated the bachelor's degree is expected to launch in Fall 2026.