Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs of 2024
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Editor & Writer
Contributing Reviewer
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
Contributing Reviewer
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We know that early childhood education (ECE) plays an important role in the development of our nation's children. These programs help kids 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? Well, those folks work with the same skills an online master's in early childhood education can offer you.
What Are the Best Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Programs of 2024?
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Worcester State University
Worcester, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $365
Out-of-State | $365
Credits to Graduate: 34
WSU's online master's in early childhood education emphasizes reflective practice in its coverage of curriculum development, lesson planning, and student assessment strategies. Emerging educators also learn to build supportive and inclusive learning environments, and to integrate educational technologies in the classroom.
Six start dates throughout the year enhance the online program's flexibility. Students can complete degree requirements in just 14 months, while pay-per-course policies maximize financial accessibility.
The program does not lead to initial teaching licensure. However, graduates who obtain initial licensure can use the degree to seek full professional licensure in Massachusetts.
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $288
Out-of-State | $288
Credits to Graduate: 36
GCSU's online M.Ed. in elementary education operates at the T5 certification level. Admissions are open to individuals who already hold or qualify for Georgia's T4 teaching certification.
Academic requirements cover curriculum and assessment, educational research, data analysis, and language and literacy development. Coursework ends in a capstone.
The capstone course prompts students to develop and present a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating their mastery of advanced early childhood education standards.
All courses are fully available online. Students can also opt for a hybrid model that includes collaborative in-person classes.
University of Mississippi
University, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $514
Out-of-State | $514
Credits to Graduate: 30
The Ole Miss online M.Ed. in early childhood education maintains a dual focus on cognitive development and social and emotional learning (SEL). With a 100% online, asynchronous format, learners can set their own study schedules as they engage with the practical curriculum.
Coursework takes a holistic focus, grounding students in the biological, psychological, and emotional aspects of early childhood development before moving into education-focused content. Classes then take a subject-specific focus, exploring language acquisition and literacy, STEM learning, and the arts.
The program offers two tracks: one for learners who hold Mississippi teaching licensure, and one for those without a license or field experience. Admission to either track requires a bachelor's degree in education or a related field.
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP, Michigan Department of Education, National Association for the Education of Young Children
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $506-$909
Out-of-State | $632-$1,136
Credits to Graduate: 30
UM-Dearborn's online MA in early childhood education features a concentration in early childhood administration and leadership. Developed for non-certified educators, the degree prepares learners for careers as curriculum developers, educational coordinators, and program directors. The online program was designed to meet the scheduling needs of working professionals.
Coursework explores childhood development, education research, and practical aspects of institutional administration. It also covers educational technologies and relevant legislation, and includes in-person internship components.
University of North Texas
Denton, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $452
Out-of-State | $828
Credits to Graduate: 30
UNT's online MS in early childhood education has an accelerated structure. The curriculum emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness, and prepares students for careers as teachers, education researchers, administrators, and policymakers.
This non-thesis program culminates with a comprehensive exit examination, which students must pass to graduate. Along the way, learners can access resources in UNT's Child Development Laboratory (now the Center for Young Children). The lab features a preschool program that doubles as a field training center for undergraduate and graduate students.
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Iowa Department of Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $558
Out-of-State | $558
Credits to Graduate: 30
Designed for licensed and experienced teachers, UNI's online MAE in early childhood education focuses on building advanced, classroom-focused skills. It emphasizes current and emerging curricular, instructional, assessment, and leadership trends. The program also includes a complete review of proven teaching methods and strategies.
Learners engage with coursework through a synchronous, 100% online format. Live video conferencing sessions take place on Monday evenings. Admission requirements include an early childhood education license issued by any U.S. state. Licensure does not need to be current.
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $563-$750
Out-of-State | $563-$750
Credits to Graduate: 40
Lesley's online M.Ed. in early childhood education embraces an empathetic philosophy built on a belief in the competence and creativity of children. The program equips educators with tools for inspiring a love of learning in young students. Delving beyond cognitive development, coursework also explores SEL and moral evolution in children.
Online courses use a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning, helping students balance their studies with external commitments. Independent market research identifies Lesley as the top choice among education hiring managers and school superintendents in Massachusetts.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: CAEP
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $516
Out-of-State | $774
Credits to Graduate: 33
WCU's online M.Ed. in early childhood education uses a cohort model that combines individual and group learning. Coursework emphasizes academic content development, student assessment strategies, and educational technologies. Degree-seekers build these proficiencies in a learning context that considers childhood development principles and student family and cultural backgrounds.
The program uses a 100% online learning model that includes both asynchronous and synchronous components. Accelerated pacing leads to graduation in just five semesters.
Applicants require at least one year of professional early childhood education experience. Prospective students should note that the program does not directly lead to teacher certification.
Erikson Institute
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Illinois Board of Higher Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,157
Out-of-State | $1,157
Credits to Graduate: 30
Erikson's online MS in early childhood education combines small workshop-style classes with self-reflective seminars to guide learning. Participants can choose from two focus areas: SEL, or leadership and advocacy. Degree-seekers in both tracks gain full access to Erikson's career counseling, networking, and recruitment programs.
This non-licensure program does not support initial teaching certification. Instead, it intends to elevate the professional capabilities and career growth opportunities of established educators.
Learners can choose part-time or full-time study schedules. Students can begin the 100% online program in the fall, spring, or summer semester.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Arizona State Board of Education
Cost per Academic Year: $14,640 (full-time)
Credits to Graduate: 30
NAU's online M.Ed. in early childhood education offers four emphasis areas. Degree-seekers can concentrate their studies on classroom teaching, leadership, multi-age instruction, or National Board for Professional Teaching Standards exam preparation.
All four of those focuses use semester-based, 100% online learning formats. NAU developed the program for actively practicing early childhood educators seeking to benefit from advanced instruction in education research, curriculum development, and teaching methods. Learners also have the option of engaging with in-person field training and internship opportunities.
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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 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. An ECE degree can lead you to roles in schools for big kids, too. With a master's degree, you could be an adjunct professor at a university.
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 require only a bachelor's degree, 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 save money or time.
- Online students often have little to no location limitations (outside of possible in-person orientations), 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 Graduate Degree | 2021-2022
Public Institution
$12,596
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$29,931
In-state students enrolled in public colleges tend to pay the lowest tuition. 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.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master 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 concentrations such as special education, administration, child advocacy, or curriculum development.
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
$54,290
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school principals
$131,180
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
In education, you have the option to specialize in various settings, age groups, subjects, or children with moderate to severe physical or learning disabilities. Each occupation offers different compensation rates.
Interested? Check Out These Master's in Early Childhood Education
What Jobs Can I Get With a Master's in Early Childhood Education Degree?
Teaching remains the most common career path after earning a master's in early childhood education online. Even so, your coursework and practicums enable you to chase many other careers.
Straight out of your program, you can pursue the jobs listed below, or further your studies with a doctoral degree.
Early Childhood Education Career | Median Annual Wage (2023) |
---|---|
Elementary and secondary school principals | $131,180 |
Instructional coordinator in elementary and secondary schools | $74,620 |
Kindergarten teachers | $62,690 |
Preschool teachers | $37,130 |
Preschool and childcare center directors | $54,290 |
Besides teaching and executive and administration positions in education, you can also own a daycare or pursue a doctoral degree to teach early childhood majors. Some adjunct roles don't even require a doctorate, accepting candidates with a master's degree and some graduate hours.
Is an Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Worth It?
This 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. But if your aim is working behind the scenes to improve educational systems and environments, 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 ECE?
Administrative and executive positions in early childhood education offer some of the most competitive salaries in the industry. Not only do these positions require teaching experience, but also a master's degree and usually a state license. Administrators, such as vice principals and principals, oversee staff and interact regularly with students, as well as higher district administrators.
As the BLS notes, K-12 principals make a median salary of over $130,000.
Are master's in early childhood education programs accredited?
Some early childhood education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Your program does not need CAEP accreditation -- just institutional accreditation -- but CAEP's stamp of approval is a bonus.
What are the 12 core ECE 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?
A child's brain development shapes their future, including learning and their behavior in adulthood. According to the Centre on the Developing Child of Harvard University, childhood -- the first years of the brain's development -- is when the brain makes the bulk of its neural connections.
Is a master's in ECE a challenging major?
A master's in early childhood education provides intellectually challenging studies, but one that passionate students can successfully complete. That said, on the job, many teachers face burnout because of a lack of support and resources.
How does ECE differ from elementary education?
Both early childhood educators and elementary teachers mold young minds. However, early childhood development focuses on teaching children literacy, fine and gross motor skills, creative expression, and socialization.
Also, early childhood educators teach infants and children up to 8 years old, while elementary educators lead classrooms with children from kindergarten to sixth grade.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed January 2, 2024.