The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

Doug Wintemute
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Updated on January 25, 2023
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Online master’s in early childhood education lets educators continue working while they earn a higher degree. Learn more about how you can advance in your career without stepping foot on campus.

  • 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?

  • academic-cap
    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.
  • check
    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.
  • briefcase
    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 You Should Consider

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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

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

Source: BestColleges

Total Average Cost of a Master’s Degree (Two Years)

Public Institution

$54,718

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$72,572

Source: BestColleges

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

badge-check How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

#1 The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

Campbellsville University

  • Location-markerCampbellsville, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$24,900
  • Out-of-state$24,900
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,473
  • Out-of-state$8,473
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled12,771
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment72%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

Liberty University

  • Location-markerLynchburg, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$14,791
  • Out-of-state$14,791
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,935
  • Out-of-state$7,935
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate50%
  • Students Enrolled93,349
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment93%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

New York Institute of Technology

  • Location-markerOld Westbury, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$38,060
  • Out-of-state$38,060
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$25,200
  • Out-of-state$25,200
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled6,851
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment22%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

University of West Alabama

  • Location-markerLivingston, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,100
  • Out-of-state$18,200
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,678
  • Out-of-state$13,356
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate93%
  • Students Enrolled5,734
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment82%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

University of North Dakota

  • Location-markerGrand Forks, ND
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,540
  • Out-of-state$12,810
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,060
  • Out-of-state$16,590
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled13,615
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment83%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

Northwestern College

  • Location-markerOrange City, IA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$32,700
  • Out-of-state$32,700
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,120
  • Out-of-state$6,120
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled1,496
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

Portland State University

  • Location-markerPortland, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,907
  • Out-of-state$25,536
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,652
  • Out-of-state$22,143
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate95%
  • Students Enrolled23,640
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment36%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

Stephen F Austin State University

  • Location-markerNacogdoches, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,842
  • Out-of-state$18,858
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,262
  • Out-of-state$13,524
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled12,620
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment95%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

University of South Alabama

  • Location-markerMobile, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,896
  • Out-of-state$15,792
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,956
  • Out-of-state$15,912
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate73%
  • Students Enrolled14,224
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment61%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 The Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

Alabama State University

  • Location-markerMontgomery, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,328
  • Out-of-state$16,656
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,416
  • Out-of-state$14,832
  • Retention Rate62%
  • Acceptance Rate99%
  • Students Enrolled4,072
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment95%
  • AccreditationYes

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in 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*

Field Study Requirements (Y/N)

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?

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.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Master’s in Early Childhood Education Degree?

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

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.

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

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