The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

We know that early childhood education plays an important role in the development of our nation’s children. These programs help children develop the building blocks for socialization, academic success, independence, healthy living, and societal contributions.

But what about the people who design and lead these programs? How does their education impact their career outlook? Here, we take a closer look at the fieldwork requirements and what professional benefits a master’s in early childhood education can bring you.

If that sounds like the kind of career you want, an online master’s in early childhood education might be the best fit. Here’s how to get started:

A master’s in early childhood education can elevate your career in many ways. While traditional teaching roles for early childhood educators only require a bachelor’s, your graduate degree could prepare you for more job opportunities and higher earnings. You could even pursue a specialization or more advanced occupations.

Tuition rates for an online master’s in early childhood education range widely but may cost between $320-$1,500 per credit. In-state students enrolled in public colleges tend to pay the lowest tuition costs.

However, many online master’s in early childhood education programs do not charge nonresident fees. Private schools generally charge the highest rates. Learn more about true online program costs and how these costs compare to on-campus programs.

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An online master’s in early childhood education program typically requires about 30-40 credits and takes about two years of full-time study to complete.

However, accelerated online tracks can lead to a degree in one year. Programs that lead to initial certification may require 48 credits. These programs require fieldwork and student teaching experience.

*Depending on your program and specialization

Concentrations enable you to pursue your area of interest in early childhood education. You can choose from special education, administration, child advocacy, or curriculum development concentrations.

When preparing for grad school, you should consider where you would like to focus your studies. A few of the many early childhood education specializations include the following:

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021

While salaries depend on your employer and location, you can boost your earning potential with a graduate degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for kindergarten and elementary school teachers was $61,350 in May 2021. The top 10% of these teachers made over $99,420.

A master’s degree in early childhood education may improve your chances of entering high-paying jobs in the field. It can also help you access specialist positions, such as instructional coordinator. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for this occupation was $63,740 in May 2021.

A master’s in early childhood education gives you plenty of career options. Along with the teaching positions and child development roles available to bachelor’s graduates, you can take on leadership and specialist roles, too.

For example, you can specialize in designing instructional strategies and curriculums for a certain demographic. You might also focus on creating more inclusive or productive classroom environments.

Skills like these make you a better teacher and turn you into an educational expert qualified for administrator, analyst, and consultant roles.

The answer to this question depends on your personal goals and priorities. A master’s in early childhood education will likely give you more career opportunities and flexibility in the long run.

In the short run, however, you’re spending more time and money on education. Most early childhood education professionals want to make a difference, but you need to think about where and how you want to do this.

If teaching is your goal, a bachelor’s might be more suitable. If working behind the scenes to improve educational systems and environments is your goal, you should strongly consider a master’s degree.

An elementary school principal is probably the highest-paying early childhood education job for master’s graduates. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for principals was $98,420 in May 2021. The top 10% of principals made more than $153,520.

The 12 core units refer to the most foundational early childhood education courses in the discipline. These early childhood education classes include some variation of the following subjects:

These fundamental classes help you to better understand young children and how best to teach them. As a result, many employers look for the completion of these courses when hiring.

Early childhood education equips children for success educationally, behaviorally, and socially. During their early years, children develop foundational skills and curiosities that will drive them into adulthood.

As an early childhood educator, you are the guide and facilitator of this essential process. According to the National Education Association, children who attend early education programs: