Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs 2023
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Finding A Program That's Right For You
Get equipped with the resources that will help you easily navigate your learning journey.
- Browse programs to find what you like best
- Discover schools that match your goals and aspirations
- Request more information
- A master's degree prepares you for more high-earning careers than a bachelor's.
- These programs typically take two years to complete and cost $320-$1,500 per credit.
- Master's programs offer concentrations, including leadership and special education.
- A master's can lead to elementary school teacher and instructional coordinator roles.
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:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online master's in early childhood education programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for your schedule, your pocketbook, and your career goals.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Early Childhood Education?
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What It's About: A master's in early education is designed to provide you with the skills needed to work with and advocate for children from birth to age eight. This program is also well suited for educators who want to pursue a doctorate.
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Purpose: This master's program prepares you for careers in teaching, social work, administration, and policy reform. You may also qualify for leadership roles in education. For example, teachers may advance to administrative roles, principal roles, or director positions.
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Place of Work: With a master's in early childhood education, you can work as a teacher in preschool, kindergarten, or elementary school settings. You can also work as a preschool or childcare center director, as an early childhood instructional specialist, or as a special education teacher.
Popular Online Master's Programs in Early Childhood Education
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Should I Get a Master's in Early Childhood Education Degree?
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.
Benefits of a Master's in Early Childhood Education
- A master's in early childhood education may lead to more advanced positions.
- Master's degree-holders often earn more money than those with a bachelor's.
- Graduate-level early childhood education programs provide advanced teaching skills and specializations.
- Many employers may prefer to hire candidates with a master's degree over those with a bachelor's.
Reasons to Get Your Early Childhood Education Degree Online
- Earning an early childhood education degree online provides more flexibility.
- Online degree-seekers can often keep working while they study.
- An online degree may offer cost or time savings.
- Online students are free from travel limitations, so they can choose from a larger pool of programs.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Degree Cost?
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Master's Degree
Public Institution
$11,957
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$19,167
Total Average Cost of a Master's Degree (Two Years)
Public Institution
$54,718
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$72,572
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.
What Are the Best Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Programs of 2023?
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online + Field Practicum
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $310
Out of State | $310
Credits to Graduate
36-39
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
The online MAT in interdisciplinary early childhood education (P-K) at CU provides professional courses in collaboration and communication. You'll study integrated technology and curriculum and global perspectives. Along with coursework, you'll complete a 16-week teaching component or a practicum.
You can finish the master's in early childhood education in less than two years by taking a full course load every eight-week session. You need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA for admission, plus three reference letters.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $615
Out of State | $615
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Liberty's online M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction — early childhood education offers training in educational research and assessment. You'll learn about elementary curriculum and methods, as well as instructional methods for behavior and learning. You'll also complete a practicum and a current issues capstone.
Completing your early childhood education degree at Liberty can take less than 18 months. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
New York Institute of Technology
Old Westbury, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,470
Out of State | $1,470
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Childhood Education International
The online MS in childhood education (grades 1-6) at NYIT helps to qualify you for a state teaching certification. You'll take courses in human growth and development at various ages and curriculum design and development.
With 3-5 additional courses, you can earn extension certifications in bilingual education or bilingual special education.
For admission into NYIT's MS in childhood education program, you need to have or be seeking initial licensure. You also need a bachelor's degree in one of several disciplines with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $429
Out of State | $429
Credits to Graduate
34
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council For Accreditation Of Educator Preparation
At UWA, you can earn an online M.Ed. in early childhood development in about one year. You can take classes in technology and education, advanced educational psychology, and special education. You'll also get paired up with a mentor for one-on-one advice and support.
To apply to this master's in early childhood education, you need a bachelor's degree and a valid teaching certification.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online + Field Practicum
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $547
Out of State | $547
Credits to Graduate
32
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation
The online MS in early childhood education at UND features core courses in curricular foundations and language development and cognition. You'll also study the role of play in development and early childhood education. The program has a 60-hour classroom practicum.
You can complete the early childhood education degree in about two years, benefitting from online asynchronous classes and a local practicum. To earn admission, you need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Northwestern College
Orange City, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $340
Out of State | $340
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
NWC's M.Ed. in early childhood online provides you with leadership training in early childhood programs, strategies for early literacy development, and STEM approaches. For an additional seven credits, you can earn a birth through grade three inclusive setting endorsement.
The M.Ed. in early childhood program takes two years to complete, with asynchronous classes in eight-week sessions. You need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
Portland State University
Portland, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $486
Out of State | $486
Credits to Graduate
45
Program Information
Program Accreditation | National Association for the Education of Young Children
The online master's in early childhood inclusive education at PSU offers four specializations. You can choose from infant toddler mental health, early childhood special education, and constructivism specializations. The final option is a distributed pathway concentration. The program also has an action research component.
While the courses run entirely online, you can take optional summer intensives. You can earn an MA or an MS in early childhood at PSU, but you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. You may also need relevant work or volunteer experience.
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online + Field Experience
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $5,300
Out of State | $5,750-$11,420
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | National Association for the Education of Young Children
In the online M.Ed. in early childhood education at SFA, you'll study play and learning environments, early childhood assessment, and creativity and social learning. You'll also complete field experiences, which you can do locally.
The online classes feature synchronous delivery. And the online master's in early childhood education takes about two years to finish. For admission, you need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.75 GPA. GRE scores are not required.
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $503
Out of State | $503
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
In the online M.Ed. in early childhood education, you'll complete courses in organizational patterns and curriculum, instructional planning, and trends and practices. The M.Ed. program finishes with a capstone portfolio requirement.
After graduation, you'll qualify for the class A certification in professional early childhood education. You will need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA for entry, plus a valid teaching certificate. GRE scores may help you qualify.
Alabama State University
Montgomery, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $412
Out of State | $824
Credits to Graduate
33-46
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation
ASU's online M.Ed. in early childhood education features courses in human development and behavior, modern issues in education, and the exceptional student. Completing this M.Ed. program qualifies you for a class A teaching certification.
For an additional 13 credits, you can pursue an alternative class A teaching certification. To earn admission, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. You may also need to submit GRE scores.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master's of Early Childhood Education?
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.
Required Course Credits
30-40*
*Depending on your program and specialization
Field Study Requirements
Yes*
*Depending on your program and specialization
Concentrations for a Master's in Early Childhood Education Degree
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:
- Trauma Studies: This concentration teaches you how to identify and address behavioral challenges that stem from trauma. Graduates can work in schools, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
- Special Education: This specialization focuses on the skills required to serve and teach students with special needs.
- Leadership and Advocacy: This concentration teaches you about management and advocating for policies that support and protect young children and their families.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's in Early Childhood Education Degree?
Median annual wage for preschool and childcare center directors
$47,310
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
Median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school principals
$98,420
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.
Interested? Check Out These Master's in Early Childhood Education
What Jobs Can I Get With a Master's in Early Childhood Education Degree?
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.
Common Early Childhood Education Career Paths
- Preschool and childcare center director
- Special education teacher
- Childhood curriculum developer
- Elementary school principal
- Kindergarten and elementary school teacher
- Early childhood education policy analyst
- Instructional coordinator
Is an Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Worth It?
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.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Master's in Early Childhood Education Degrees
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in early childhood education?
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.
What are the 12 core early childhood education units?
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:
- Child development
- Curriculum
- Principles of teaching
- Child and family
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.
Why is early childhood education important?
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:
- Develop special needs at lower rates
- Earn higher grades
- Graduate high school more often
- Earn more in their careers
