Early childhood education can be an incredibly rewarding field for people who love children and watching young ones learn and grow. Earning an early childhood education degree can qualify you to work with kids between the ages of one and eight in any number of different settings including preschools, church groups, day cares and community centers. Obtaining a degree through one of these online early childhood education programs allows talented individuals to take steps towards the career of their dreams with more ease, convenience, and flexibility.
Working in early childhood education allows you to help young children during some of the most important formative years of their lives. Helping these children definitely requires the gift of patience and a focus on care, but is hugely rewarding as the children you work with succeed and advance in education well beyond your expectations. Such work allows you to supplement the efforts of busy parents and implement a flexible education and care plan that you tailor to each child’s needs.
A career in early childhood education might not be for everyone, but those interested in entering the field need to seriously consider higher levels of education and advanced degrees. Unfortunately, some people are limited by any number of different factors and are unable to attend a college or university in the traditional way. Luckily, the accessibility of online schooling is continually growing and people of all ages and backgrounds can now pursue online degrees from anywhere in the country. If you’re looking for an accelerated course of study, the ability to study while working, or simply want to study from the comfort of your own home, an online degree program from one of the best universities in the nation could be perfect for you.
Here are the Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs
1. Western Governor’s University
Western Governor’s University is a unique and exceptional school providing on campus and online courses in hundreds of different disciplines. The school, based in Salt Lake City, Utah offers a bachelor of arts in early childhood education of 122 required credit hours. WGU works to make an online education challenging, but very manageable with great resources and student support all at an affordable cost. One unique feature of this university is the capped tuition cost per term no matter how many credits you take. Another interesting fact is that Western Governor’s require students to complete practical application competency testing at the end of the program, which might be intimidating, but ensures competency for such an important field.
- $6,000 Annual Tuition
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
2. Casper College
Casper College is one of the largest and most comprehensive community colleges in the northern United States, located in Casper, Wyoming. The college offers over fifty different degree programs including an associate of arts in early childhood education offered online. Casper currently serves just over 4,000 students. Casper makes the first few steps towards a career in early childhood education accessible, preparing students to continue with more advanced studies in other universities.
- $6,624 Annual Tuition
- Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
3. Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University is located in its namesake Valdosta, Georgia. The school currently serves a student population of over 11,000 and offers degrees at every level in a wide variety of subjects. For someone interested in pursuing a degree in early childhood education, Valdosta State offers a master’s degree program. The program builds upon previous education in the field and strengthens students with important skills necessary to care for and educate young children. Some of the classes used to develop this skill set include Action Research in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum and Instructional Strategies, Developing Creativity and Critical Thinking in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Inclusive Environments.
- $3,979 Annual Tuition
- M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
4. American College of Education
The American College of Education is an institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana with the clear and marked focus of developing future educators of students of all ages. The school is completely online, providing degree programs at all levels, including master’s and doctorate degrees in early childhood education. The school caters to the needs of online students with its dedication to providing affordable tuition for online education. As a school founded in the digital age, it understands the best way to reach online learners and facilitate the earning of an advanced degree.
- $8,055 Annual Tuition
- Master’s of Education in Early Childhood Education
- Doctor of Education in Leadership – Early Childhood Education
5. Trident University International
Trident University International is another university providing master’s education in early childhood education. The Cypress, California school is founded on the belief that a top-tier traditional educational experience could be delivered 100% online through cutting edge technologies. One unique aspect of Trident is its military friendliness with a large majority of students having served in the military.
- $9,000 Annual Tuition
- Master of Arts in Education – Early Childhood Education
6. Granite State College
Granite State College allows students not only to complete a bachelor’s in early childhood education degree online but also gives students in the program the ability to complete teaching certifications. Specifically, students can become certified in early childhood education and early childhood special education. The college also offers an associate of arts in childhood education for someone looking only to begin their studies in the field. As part of the bachelor’s degree program, students also get to participate in a culminating teaching experience and seminar, allowing students to jump right into their careers.
- $9,810 Annual Tuition
- Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
7. Capella University
Capella University is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and offers a master’s degree in early childhood education. The program at Capella has the determined outcomes of helping students learn to understand student development, create curricula that work, make age-appropriate evaluations, and gain insight from the past. Upon the completion of this advanced degrees, childhood educators are prepared not only to have success in their careers but make a lasting impact in the lives of the children they help and teach. Capella also offers a few different formats for the online program allowing you to tailor your education based on your situation and needs.
- $13,998 Annual Tuition
- Master of Science in Education – Specialization in Early Childhood Education
8. Clarion University
Clarion University was founded in 1867 and became a college-level institution later in 1920. The Pennsylvania school offers degrees at all levels from associate’s to post-master’s. Clarion actually offers three online programs for early childhood education. One certificate level program, one associate’s degree, and one master’s degree. The student body of Clarion is made up of a little over 5,000 students, the majority of which are female. Most classes are offered in a seven-week format helping students complete their education at a quicker pace.
- $14,090 Annual Tuition
- Graduate Certification in Early Childhood Education
- Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
- M.Ed. Education: Early Childhood Concentration
9. Marshall University
Marshall University is a renowned school in West Virginia offering a few unique options for online students in early childhood education. First, the school offers a graduate certificate consisting of 21 credit hours. Marshall also offers two options for a master’s degree, both requiring 36 credit hours. The first is licensed PK-K teachers seeking an advanced degree and the second is for licensed elementary school teachers seeking an added endorsement in PK-K. Any of the options comes at a moderate cost and prepares students exceptionally well for the challenges of childhood education.
- $16,382 Annual Tuition
- Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education
- Master of Arts in Education (Area Emphasis of Early Childhood Education)
10. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a school in the heat of the desert in Phoenix, Arizona. GCU offers an online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education comprised of 120 required credit hours. Online courses are held in an interactive discussion format, allowing for students to interact with teachers and peers. The school also requires internships throughout the course of the online program, allowing students to gain valuable real world experience and to learn from experienced professionals in the field.
- $16,500 Annual Tuition
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
11. Post University
Post University offers two different programs related to child education. The first is an associate’s degree in early childhood education, and the second is a bachelor of science in child studies. One characteristic of the program that is exciting for students with some college experience already is that up to 90 of the 120 required credit hours can be transferred from past education. One highlight of the bachelor’s degree program is the opportunity for hands-on activities and in-field experiences.
- $16,510 Annual Tuition
- Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Science in Child Studies.
12. Kaplan University
Kaplan University offers a unique approach to the online early childhood education program. Kaplan offers a bachelor of science in early childhood administration. This degree not only prepares students with education in early child growth and development and early childhood education but also early childhood leadership and advocacy and business and management. Students benefit from an experienced faculty that is actually made up of professionals in the field. Another unique feature of the program and Kaplan University is that the school employs a tuition cap once you hit a certain amount.
- $16, 695 Annual Tuition
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration
13. Florida International University
Florida International University offers two separate bachelor’s degree options in early childhood education. One is a bachelor of arts and the other is a bachelor of science. The degrees are completely online, not requiring campus visits at all, however, the school does provide constant support for online learners by pairing each student with a success coach. FIU uses technology available 24/7, enabling students to connect with each other, share documents and get real-time feedback from instructors. FIU is an exceptional university providing a program that helps future teachers to focus on every aspect of child development, not just education.
- $18,954 Annual Tuition
- BA in Early Childhood Education: Early Childhood Development Track
- BS in Early Childhood Education
14. Armstrong State University
Armstrong State University provides great online options for education-related degrees. The school not only offers an online master’s in early childhood education, but also offers online master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction, and reading specialist education. Armstrong State, located in Savannah, Georgia, is the perfect mix of large and small. The school only caters to about 7,000 students but offers over 100 different programs for students to choose from. The wide variety of academic pursuit options combined with a more intimate community feel makes the school a great choice.
- $19,152 Annual Tuition
- Master of Education in Early Childhood Development
15. Kendall College
Kendall College is yet another school in the Chicago area. Kendall actually sits in downtown Chicago. The school has about 1,700 current undergraduate students and offers great academic programs including a top notch culinary arts education. In the way of education, Kendall offers a versatile bachelor’s in early childhood education that has five different specialization tracks available. Students can choose from Administration and Leadership, Childhood Nutrition, Grant Management, Special Education, or English as a Second Language. Kendall College also offers the option of either a non-licensure track or a teacher certification track for aspiring educators in Illinois.
- $19,459 Annual Tuition
- B.A. In Early Childhood Education
16. Liberty University
Past college or working experience could save online students time if they attend Liberty University. The online bachelor’s in early childhood education program from this university allows students to transfer up to 90 of the 120 required credit hours. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University actually offers early childhood education degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. For a very reasonable cost, students at any level can pursue an education degree from one of the top online universities in the nation.
- $20,109 Annual Tuition
- A.A. In Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure Track)
- B.A. In Early Childhood Education
- M.Ed. In Early Childhood Education
17. Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is working to develop close relationships with community colleges in order to facilitate students’ path through an associate’s in early childhood education and into the bachelor’s program at SOU. Students can complete the core requirements in a community college or online before transferring to this Oregon school. Some of the classes included in this online bachelor’s program are Children with Disabilities, Children at Risk, Differentiated Curriculum in the Inclusive Classroom, and Atypical Child Development.
- $22,770 Annual Tuition
- Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
18. Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University is a Kentucky school located in its namesake Campbellsville. The University offers an online master’s degree in early childhood education. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville is a baptist-established institution. The degree can be completed in as little as two years as the program is comprised of 36 required credit hours, however, students may take as long as needed to complete the required courses.
- $22,842 Annual Tuition
- Master of Arts in Education – Teacher Leader – Interdisciplinary Early Childhood
19. Bluefield State College
Although Bluefield State College offers four different online education-related programs, it only provides one for someone with a specific interest in early childhood education. The bachelor of science in early childhood education from Bluefield is delivered completely online, although options for traditional or seminar course instructions are also available for some classes. The program is a non-licensure track, graduates will not obtain a teaching license, however, the degree prepares students very well for careers in any number of places, working with children.
- $23,600 Annual Tuition
- B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure Track)
20. Portland State University
Portland State University also offers a non-licensure program, although it is a master’s degree with a specific focus on inclusive education. Portland State serves over 27,000 students and is the most affordable public research university in the state of Oregon. The school sits right in the heart of Portland and is integrally connected with the vibrant city. The online Master’s in Early Childhood: Inclusive Education and Curriculum and Instruction degree provides students with the option of three different specialization tracks, including Constructivism, Infant-Toddler Mental Health, and Early Childhood Special Education.
- $24, 853 Annual Tuition
- Masters in Early Childhood: Inclusive Education and Curriculum & Instruction
21. Vanguard University of Southern California
Vanguard University of Southern California has the mission of developing highly-trained educators with a Christ-centered focus on leadership and service. Both online early childhood education degrees from Vanguard feature semesters made up of two 7-week accelerated course sessions. Online students with some experience can choose the B.A. in early childhood education, while students just beginning their college experience can pursue an associate’s degree in the same field. Both degrees help develop childhood educators to work in both private and public early learning centers.
- $30,050 Annual Tuition
- A.A. Early Childhood Education
- B.A. Early Childhood Education
22. Walden University
Walden University is another school that has extensive experience in providing online learning options. All online programs from Walden feature flexible scheduling, allowing students to choose when to participate in classes on a weekly basis. Although the class schedule is flexible, the university focuses on student connection and networking between peers and faculty. Walden also excels at providing online student support. The school offers a bachelor of science in child development.
- $33,880 Annual Tuition
- B.S. Child Development
23. University of Washington
The University of Washington is one of the most well-known universities in the entire northwest. With UW, online students are provided with the utmost flexibility, having the ability to watch class lectures and complete coursework on their own schedule. The school also offers academic advisement and technology support services. UW provides one of the more unique degrees on our list combining early childhood education with family studies in the bachelor degree offering. The degree prepares students for work in either early education centers or simply raising children in the home.
- $34,791 Annual Tuition
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies
24. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University offers the only online program in elementary education in the state of Mississippi. The bachelor’s degree program from MSU has an available concentration of early childhood education. For students interested in working with slightly older children, a concentration of middle school education is also an option. Paralleling the on-campus program and with courses taught by the same full-time professors, the online degree provides a degree of equally high quality to that on-campus. In-field experiences and internships are also an important part of the program with MSU, so students will benefit from real-world experience.
- $36,824 Annual Tuition
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Early Childhood Education Concentration)
25. Southwestern College
Southwestern College is a high-level educational institution based in Chula Vista, California. The college offers an online bachelor of arts in early childhood education. One unique feature of the program from Southwestern is that students are required to take an exploratory education core. Some classes making up that core include Educational Technology and Foundations of Education among several others. Although Southwestern College is the most expensive college on this list, the program is still one of the most affordable in the country.
- $37,560 Annual Tuition
- B.A. Early Childhood Education
As mentioned before, early childhood education can be an exceptionally fulfilling field, allowing individuals to work with children in some of the most important years for learning and development. The schools on this list were chosen and ranked based largely on the affordability of program although factors such as flexibility, variety of offerings, and program quality were also significant factors in determining the order.
We know that finding the best school to fit your unique needs can be a huge challenge. For that reason, we work hard to develop lists of the best schools based on the characteristics most important for you. Whether that be cost of attendance, student success, resources available, flexibility of schedule, or any other number of important factors, we’ve got you covered. For more information about our ranking process and to find lists of schools based on specific characteristics, check out our methodology page.
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