Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
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A master’s in early childhood education is a graduate degree best suited for established and emerging teachers who work with children from 0-8 years old. By pursuing this degree, you can develop advanced skills and insights that help you become a more effective professional.
The number of public school teachers holding advanced degrees has increased in recent decades. A postbaccalaureate degree can help you stay competitive in a changing job market, and it may also improve your earning potential — many school districts across the United States offer higher pay rates to teachers with advanced degrees.
This program guide explains what to expect from an online master’s in early childhood education. It also features a ranked list of top online programs, which you can use to guide your search for the ideal school.
Top Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs
Portland State University
Portland, OR- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$7,907
- Out-of-state$25,536
- In-State$14,652
- Out-of-state$22,143
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled23,640
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Stephen F Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$7,842
- Out-of-state$18,858
- In-State$5,262
- Out-of-state$13,524
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled12,620
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Alabama
- Mobile, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$7,896
- Out-of-state$15,792
- In-State$7,956
- Out-of-state$15,912
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled14,224
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Alabama State University
- Montgomery, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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 StateUniversity (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.
- In-State$8,328
- Out-of-state$16,656
- In-State$7,416
- Out-of-state$14,832
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled4,072
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Jacksonville State University
- Jacksonville, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$9,720
- Out-of-state$19,440
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$19,200
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled9,238
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get an Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education?
- An online master’s in early childhood education can offer flexibility, giving you more control over your learning schedule through online coursework as well as part-time and full-time enrollment options.
- With master’s degrees becoming more common among public school teachers, you can make yourself stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.
- As the National Education Association (NEA) notes, classroom teachers with master’s degrees tend to earn higher salaries than educators with only a bachelor’s degree.
- An online master’s in early childhood education can qualify you for advanced roles, including jobs outside the classroom.
Did you know?
- The NEA 2022-23 Teacher Benchmark Salary Report found that starting salaries for teachers with master’s degrees were 8.2% higher than starting salaries for educators with only a bachelor’s degree.
- The 2022-23 NEA report also reveals the nationwide average maximum pay for teachers with master’s degrees is 16.4% higher than the average maximum pay for educators with bachelor’s degrees.
- 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 49% of elementary school teachers and 17% of preschool teachers hold advanced degrees.
What to Expect From an Early Childhood Education Graduate Program
Though individual classes for online master’s in early childhood education (ECE) degrees vary, most programs explore effective instruction for early learners, curriculum development, assessment, and leadership skills.
Degree-seekers can also expect to learn about modern issues in early childhood education. Some programs may require a research-based thesis or capstone project, while other degrees — particularly those that lead to teaching licensure — culminate in a final teaching practicum.
Some ECE master’s programs offer specialization tracks. Common concentration options include special education, administration, teaching, and leadership.
Explore Popular Courses in ECE Programs
- Advanced child development
- Early childhood curriculum development
- Designing effective learning spaces
- Integrated literacy
- Mathematics for early childhood education
- Child, family, and community
- Play-based learning
- Leadership in early childhood education programs
- Educational/early childhood education research
Does Accreditation Matter for an Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education?
When researching master’s in early childhood education online programs, ensure that each school holds institutional accreditation from an organization like the Higher Learning Commission or the Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges.
These accreditors have approval from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to evaluate institutions’ academic rigor, available resources, and student outcomes. ED only awards federal financial aid to students attending accredited institutions.
Along with prioritizing institutionally accredited schools, learners should consider ECE master’s programs with programmatic accreditation. While not always necessary for licensure, programmatic accreditation ensures a program’s 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 Can You Do With a Master’s in Early Childhood Education?
A master’s in early childhood education can prepare enrollees for careers in or outside the classroom. Some programs lead to teaching licensure and include required field experience. Graduates can then pursue preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school teaching positions. After a few years of teaching experience, professionals can apply for principal and childcare center director positions.
Some degrees do not prepare enrollees for teaching licensure, instead focusing on skills for learning outside the classroom. Graduates of these programs can pursue administrative roles in daycares, libraries, and other learning facilities that cater to young children.
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.
| Job | 2023 Median Annual Salary | Job Growth Rate (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Education and Childcare Administrator | $54,290 | -3% |
| Preschool Teacher | $37,130 | 3% |
| Kindergarten Teacher | $62,690 | 1% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,680 | 1% |
| Special Education Teacher | $65,910 | 0% |
| Education Administrator | $103,460 | 1% |
Paying for an Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
While an online master’s in early childhood education can generate a positive return on investment, tuition can be expensive. If you need help financing your online degree, these five resources and strategies may help:
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants
The federal government’s TEACH Grant program offers up to $4,000 per year in nonrepayable funding for teacher education. In exchange, you must teach full time for at least four years at a school serving students from low-income communities after graduation.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) Program
The TLF program offers up to $17,500 in relief from subsidized and unsubsidized federal education loans. To qualify, you must serve as a full-time teacher for at least five consecutive academic years in a school or agency that serves low-income students.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
Teachers can qualify for PSLF aid if they work in public schools or other government agencies that provide education services. Federal loans qualify for forgiveness under the program, even if they’re consolidated. However, private loans are not eligible for forgiveness.
State-Sponsored Financial Aid Programs for Teachers
Many states operate their own financial aid initiatives for students working toward teaching careers. These funding opportunities include scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs. Connect with your state’s education agency to research these options.
Scholarships and Grants for Education Students
Many governments, higher education institutions, philanthropic organizations, and private donors operate scholarship and grant programs for education students. Scholarships and grants do not require repayment, which helps you avoid debt.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Education
Admission requirements vary by school, but applicants for early childhood education master’s programs typically need a bachelor’s degree. Many institutions set 2.5-3.5 GPA minimums. Other common requirements include recommendation letters, a resume, a personal statement, and interviews. Some schools expect students to have teaching licensure and/or professional experience in early childhood settings.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed June 28, 2024.
