Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs of 2025

Why We Chose This School

The interdisciplinary online early childhood education (ECE) program at the University of Washington offers coursework focused on educational theory, inclusion, and hands-on experience. 

Classes include equity in early care and education, social policy in early care and education, and infant and early child mental health. Along with your coursework, you will complete a senior project and create a professional portfolio.

The program includes 87 credits and can be completed in as few as two years. You can enroll part time or full time to earn your degree on a timeline that fits your busy schedule.

Highlights

• $231 per credit
• Scholarships available for ECE students
• 95% retention rate

Know Before You Apply

• One start date in the fall
• No teaching certificate available
• Must have a minimum amount of transfer credits

Why We Chose This School

With three start dates, you can begin your journey at Florida International University as soon as you're ready. The bachelor of science in early childhood education program can be completed 100% online and focuses on early childhood development and educational theory.

The program requires 120 credits, with 30 credits dedicated to professional education courses. Courses include educational psychology, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis of the young child, and teaching students with exceptionalities in inclusive settings.

As an FIU student, you will be connected with a success coach who will help guide you throughout your studies. You will also have access to online student and career services.

Highlights

• $236 per credit for in-state students
• Three start dates
• 92% retention rate

Know Before You Apply

• $649 per credit for out-of-state students
• Pre-selected electives
• Requires self-discipline

Why We Chose This School

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a 120-credit bachelor of science in early childhood education program and a 2.5-yearearly childhood professional program for students who already hold an associate degree in a related field. 

The fully online early childhood professional education program is offered in eight-week and 16-week formats. Although the coursework is 100% online, you do have to complete field experience. However, you can do your field service in your area.

Classes include U.S. minority cultures, child development and technology, and curriculum and methods in early childhood special education.

Highlights

• 94% retention rate
• Licensure track for Illinois residents
• Scholarship available for early childhood education students 

Know Before You Apply

• 44% admission rate
• Early childhood experience required for admission
• Higher out-of-state tuition rate

Why We Chose This School

Whether you’re looking to complete your degree or are just starting your undergraduate studies in early childhood education, Iowa State University has got you covered. The school's bachelor’s in early childhood education and programming is a 120-credit program that allows you to transfer up to 30 credits.

The degree consists of general education credits, core curriculum credits, and elective credits. Courses include assessing young children and their environments to enhance development and working with families. You complete two practicum courses, where you observe, create, and teach content.

The degree culminates with a capstone experience.

Highlights

• Can transfer up to 30 credits
• 85% retention rate
• State programs that help pay tuition costs

Know Before You Apply

• Not a teacher licensure program
• Requires self-discipline
• 75% graduation rate

Why We Chose This School

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s bachelor of science in early childhood development and education offers two concentrations: a birth through kindergarten teacher licensure concentration and an early care and education concentration. 

Both programs require 120 credits and prepare you to work with babies and toddlers in home and school settings. You complete your coursework entirely online and, minus a few courses with set meeting times, you can access your class materials at your own time. 

Classes include social-emotional competence in inclusive settings, emergency literacy and literature, and leadership in early education. You will also gain hands-on experience through practicum courses.

Highlights

• 90% admission rate
• $182 per credit for in-state students
• Two concentrations to choose from

Know Before You Apply

• 57% graduation rate
• Associate degree required for admission
• Licensure concentration may not fulfill requirements for your state

Why We Chose This School

With a focus on curriculum development, lesson planning, and child development, the bachelor’s in early childhood education from the University of North Dakota prepares graduates to seek a teaching license in North Dakota.

UND caps its classes at 25 students, so you can count on individualized learning and attention from professors. Required courses include educational technology, data literacy for teachers, and observing and assessing children. You will also gain hands-on experience through practicum classes and student teaching.

UND also offers an accelerated degree program that allows you to complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at an accelerated pace entirely online.

Highlights

• $385 per credit
• Three start dates
• 100% of graduates are working or pursuing graduate degrees

Know Before You Apply

• Some classes are taught synchronously 
• Must have time management skills
• Only prepares you for licensure in North Dakota

Why We Chose This School

Ball State University’s bachelor’s in early childhood education is a 120-credit degree that prepares you for careers other than licensed teaching roles. This fully online degree is flexible and many enrolled students continue working while seeking their degrees.

Once enrolled, you can choose a minor. Options include applied behavior analysis, psychology of human development, autism spectrum disorder, and more. Coursework focuses on understanding diverse family structures and teaching theories. Courses include creative experiences for young children, child and family wellness, and culture and language in teaching and learning.

Highlights

• Scholarships for Indiana residents
• Federal employees pay in-state tuition rate
• Pick concentration based on your interests

Know Before You Apply

• 62% graduation rate
• Non-licensure program
• Must hold an associate degree or 45 applicable credits to apply

Why We Chose This School

Central Michigan University’s early childhood education program is a certificate add-on to a bachelor’s in science in education. Of your 120 credits, 51 credits are focused on early childhood education, preparing you to work in a variety of early childhood settings.

With a learner-centered model, coursework includes teaching and learning about race in early childhood, using constructivism as a learning tool, and collaborating with stakeholders around early childhood special education.

Although this degree is 100% online, students can still participate in partnership programs between the college and outside organizations, including the literacy center and STEM education partnerships.

Highlights

• 91% admission rate
• $301 per credit
• Two start dates

Know Before You Apply

• 62% graduation rate
• Requires self-discipline
• Not a licensure program

Why We Chose This School

Winona State University’s bachelor’s in early childhood education is a transfer pathway program that allows applicants who already hold an associate degree in a related field to earn their bachelor’s in early childhood education while meeting the Minnesota state standards for a teaching license.

Coursework in WSU’s program includes early numeracy methods, preschool and kindergarten curriculum and methods, and multicultural youth, children, and families. The degree also includes student teaching requirements.

As an online student at WSU, you will still have access to student resources, including online tutoring and the writing center. 

Highlights

• Can earn Minnesota teaching license via this program
• Affordable tuition
• Online tutoring and student advising 

Know Before You Apply

• Must already hold an associate degree
• 60% graduation rate
• Requires time management skills

Why We Chose This School

Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran college with a 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. The accelerated bachelor’s in early childhood education is a 120-credit degree that prepares participants to work with students from birth to third grade, offered in eight-week course sessions.

You will take general courses in biblical theology as well as content-specific courses in the art and science of teaching reading, STEM in early childhood, and assessment strategies for diverse learners. The program culminates with a final semester of student-teaching experience. 

If desired, you can add an additional Christian or Lutheran teaching diploma.

Highlights

• $490 per credit
• Multiple start dates
• 96% of grads are employed or in a graduate program within one year

Know Before You Apply

• Prepares you for Wisconsin teacher licensure only
• Some courses are synchronous and require you to log on live
• Requires self-discipline