Best Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Programs

Ready for a career change? An online master's in early childhood education can help you advance your teaching career or enter the educational sector.
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Updated October 17, 2023

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In February 2023, the U.S. Senate introduced a bill to ensure every family has access to early childhood learning opportunities — and that covers just one of four early childhood education (ECE) acts presented to Congress in 2023.

This increased focus on early learning highlights the continued need for quality ECE educators and administrators. Current teachers — or non-education professionals — can develop experience and advanced knowledge with an online master's in early childhood education.

Explore what an ECE master's program covers and discover some of the top programs below.

Why Should You Earn Your Master's in Early Childhood Education Online?

Early childhood education draws many people looking to impact the next generation. However, an ECE master's degree includes extra benefits, like diverse career opportunities and potential income growth.

For example, graduates can pursue teaching careers or apply for research positions. With teaching experience, they can also qualify for administrative or managerial education careers.

Just having a master's degree can also result in a salary increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for professionals with a master's degree totals $12,480 more than the median income for those with a bachelor's degree.

An online ECE master's degree program also offers many benefits, including the following:

Popular Online Early Childhood Education Master's Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Top 5 Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Programs

Read About Our Methodology Here

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

Portland State University

  • Portland, OR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $543
Out-of-State | $543

Credits to Graduate: 45

Portland State University's (PSU) early childhood education master's program offers a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout its curriculum. This non-licensure program is interdisciplinary, featuring summer intensive and study-abroad opportunities.

Concentrations for the ECE program at PSU include special education, infant and toddler mental health, constructivism, and a distributed pathway option. The constructivism specialty allows students to deepen their DEI understanding, while the distributed pathway requires students to pull electives from each concentration.

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 Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
23,640
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
36% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#2 Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

Stephen F Austin State University

  • Nacogdoches, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $600
Out-of-State | $1,008
Border State | $629

Credits to Graduate: 36

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) offers a discounted rate for Texas-based residents and individuals from nearby border states seeking degrees in early childhood education. In addition to foundational classes like child development and curriculum management, students in this M.Ed. program need to complete research projects. 

Each SFA enrollee also participates in practicum hours in their local community at organizations like Head Start or childcare centers. Students can advance through the program at their own pace while completing regular virtual class meetings.

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 Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
12,620
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

University of South Alabama

  • Mobile, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $374
Out-of-State | $748

Credits to Graduate: 30

In just 30 credits, the University of South Alabama's (USA) M.Ed. in early childhood education provides a foundation in classroom learning for ECE practitioners. This program offers courses in curriculum, instructional planning, and reading practices, among others.

Online students at USA can complete the program in 1-2 years, with the pacing of their choice. There is a capstone portfolio requirement in the final semester. Graduates qualify for class A professional early childhood education certification, which is required for teaching preK-3 in public elementary schools in the state.

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 Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
14,224
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
61% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

Alabama State University

  • Montgomery, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $412
Out-of-State | $824

Credits to Graduate: 33

Alabama State University (ASU) offers an online program for working professionals seeking advanced degrees in early childhood education. Core courses focus on development, issues in education, technology skills, and more. The program includes certification and non-certification track options.

In addition to a seminar synthesizing the curriculum, ASU provides a course on parental involvement in ECE. The university highlights the influx of federal funding for early childhood programs in Alabama, making this a great option for Alabama educators.

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 Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
99%
Students Enrolled
4,072
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

Jacksonville State University

  • Jacksonville, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $410
Out-of-State | $410

Credits to Graduate: 37

Alabama's Jacksonville State University (JSU) offers an online master's program that qualifies graduates for class A professional educator certification in the state. A four-year degree and teacher's certification are required for admission into this program.

Course highlights include teaching reading and writing, assessment in ECE, and a practicum experience. Along with field requirements, JSU also features a three-credit diversity elective in areas such as special education, the multicultural classroom, students with exceptionalities, and teaching gifted students.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,720
Out-of-state
$19,440
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$19,200
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
9,238
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Did You Know…

Despite the importance of early childhood education, many schools cannot fill early childhood education positions. That leaves a significant demand for ECE professionals.

What Do You Learn in an Online Master's in ECE Program?

Every online master's in early childhood education includes a slightly different curriculum. However, most programs explore effective instruction for early learners and curriculum development, along with assessment and leadership skills.

Degree-seekers can also expect to focus on research and modern issues in early childhood education. Sometimes, this research connects to a thesis or capstone project, while other programs — particularly those that lead to licensure — include a final teaching practicum.

Some master's in ECE programs offer specialization or emphasis tracks. Common concentration options include special education, administration, teaching, and leadership.

Common Courses in Master's in Early Childhood Education Programs

  • Advanced child development
  • Early childhood curriculum development
  • Designing effective learning spaces
  • Integrated literacy
  • Mathematics for early childhood education
  • The child, family, and community
  • Play-based learning
  • Leadership in early childhood education programs
  • Educational/early childhood education research

Does Accreditation Matter for ECE Master's Programs?

When choosing an online ECE master's program, ensure the school holds institutional accreditation from an organization like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

These accreditors are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to evaluate institutions' academic rigor, available resources, and student outcomes. Plus, ED only awards federal financial aid to students attending accredited institutions.

Aside from institutional accreditation, learners should consider ECE master's programs with programmatic accreditation. While not always necessary for licensure, programmatic accreditation ensures the curriculum meets professional standards. The main accrediting bodies for early childhood education programs include:

  • Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Early Childhood Education?

A master's in early childhood education can prepare enrollees for a career in or outside the classroom, depending on the particular program. Some lead to licensure with hours of required field experience. Graduates can then pursue preschool, kindergarten, or elementary teaching positions.

After a few years of teaching experience, professionals can apply for principal or childcare center director positions. Current teachers can also advance their careers with a non-licensure master's in early childhood education. They can move from teaching into administrative roles like director, principal, or daycare operator.

Other potential career paths include child development researcher, early childhood specialist, and child advocate. ECE master's degree graduates can also help create learning programs as education program consultants or curriculum designers.

Popular Careers in Early Childhood Education
Job Title Median Annual Salary (May 2022) Job Growth Rate (2021-2031)
Preschool or Childcare Center Directo $49,690 8%
Preschool Teacher $35,330 15%
Kindergarten Teacher $60,490 4%
Elementary School Teacher $61,690 4%
Special Education Teacher $62,390 4%
School Principal $101,320 5%

Frequently Asked Questions About Master's Programs in ECE

What are the admission requirements for a master's program in early childhood education?

Admission requirements vary by school, but applicants typically need a bachelor's degree and official transcripts. Many institutions also set GPA minimums of about 2.5-3.5. Other common requirements include a recommendation letter, a resume, a personal statement, and an interview. Some schools expect students to already have teaching degrees and/or professional experience in early childhood settings.

How much does an online master's in early childhood education cost?

Total tuition for an online master's in early childhood education generally ranges from about $11,000-$42,000. The exact price depends on the school's prestige, required credits, and cost per credit. Some institutions charge a flat per-credit rate for all online students, while others set separate in-state and out-of-state rates.

How long does an online master's degree in early childhood education take?

An online master's degree in early childhood education typically takes 1-3 years. The exact time frame depends on several factors, such as the number of required credits, class length, and whether you are enrolled part time or full time.

Is a master's in early childhood education worth it?

A master's in early childhood education can be worthwhile for people interested in advancing their teaching careers or moving into the education sector. Regardless of whether the program leads to teaching certification, graduates can pursue more lucrative leadership, research, or curriculum development positions.

What is the highest degree you can get in early childhood education?

Schools like Oakland University, NYU Steinhardt, and Louisiana State University offer Ph.D. programs in early childhood education that prepare learners for leadership and research positions.

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Page last reviewed August 29, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.

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