Florida is home to one of the larger education systems in the United States, supporting 2.5 million students, over 4,000 schools and over 175,000 teachers. As a national cornerstone in the spheres of public and private education, one that has emerged as a leader in the South, the Sunshine State has become a popular destination for teachers who want to be on the frontlines of educational innovation, and especially those who want to teach second-language learners, who comprise a rising percentage of the state’s K-12 student population.

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With no less than sixteen schools offering at least one online degree in early childhood education across the state, Florida houses some of the greatest online learning opportunities for early childhood education in the United States. And due to the ever-increasing size of the education infrastructure in almost every state, earning a degree from a top-tier Florida university goes a long way toward establishing one’s credentials as a leader in the industry, and specifically the foundational field of early childhood education.

Requirements for Teaching Licensure
in Florida

The Florida Department of Education issues teaching licenses for early childhood education contingent upon successful completion of the following four-step process:

Online Education Program Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for online degree programs depend on the degree sought. Students applying for an online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or 60 transferable credit hours from an an accredited community college, preferably with an emphasis in education, in order qualify for admission to an undergraduate program. Students applying for an online master’s degree in early childhood education must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a major in education or a related field in order to qualify for admission. Florida’s doctoral programs generally have the same requirements for admission as those for master’s degrees, albeit with the added requirement of a master’s degree to qualify. Most graduate programs in early childhood education require the GRE, although some may not.

Average Salaries
For Common Educator Roles in Florida

  • Preschool Teacher: $28,451
  • Elementary School Teacher: $52,350
  • Public School Teacher: $50,975
  • Professor of Education: $85,045
  • School Principal: $94,128
  • Special Education Teacher: $49,257
  • Math or Science Teacher: $54,585
  • ESL Teacher: $45,040
  • School Psychologist: $66,750

Scholarships for Future Educators in the State of Florida

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program

A scholarship worth 90% of tuition and books for Florida residents enrolled in degree programs at qualifying colleges and universities in Florida. Includes travel stipend and paid release.

Ann Eddy Early Childhood Education Scholarship

A private scholarship worth up to $500 per year for students who are graduating high school seniors and plan to enroll at an accredited institution of higher learning in the state of Florida, major in early childhood education, and complete a degree in that subject.

Minority Teacher Education Scholarship

Provides a scholarship worth $4,000 per year to Florida residents and ethnic minorities who are enrolled in teacher education programs at colleges and universities that participate in the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers.

The 5 Best Online Education Degree
Providers in Florida

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Florida has a total of 16 education degree-granting institutions that provide online education degrees. These range from community colleges offering associates in early childhood development or human services, to nationally ranked universities that offer a wide spread of masters level and education endorsement-level programming. While future students may want to go to the “best” online institution in their state for education degrees, they should take some to double check what exact degrees are offered by their institution of choice at the directory of all online education degrees at the bottom of the page. To select the following top five universities, we’ve looked at two factors: the number of fully online education degrees offered by an institution, and an “academic prestige” score. The academic prestige score takes into account metrics such as average amount of financial need received, average class sizes, admissions standards, and the percentage of faculty holding terminal degrees in their field. Also note that the tuition numbers below are just indicators of relatively how expensive or affordable a college is. The tuition numbers below, specifically, are the in-state (where applicable) undergraduate yearlong tuition rates for education degrees. Many universities, however, have similar tuition rates at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

1
University of Florida
In-state Tuition: $6389
Online Ed Degrees:13

Founded in 1853, the University of Florida is a land, sea, and space grant university located in Gainesville, Florida. University of Florida is one one of the largest and topmost ranking public universities in the nation, placing consistently among the Top 20 such schools in the nation. University of Florida also supports online programs for many of its degrees. As one of the state’s largest institution of higher learning, and one that consistently ranks among the Top 50 schools in the nation, the University of Florida enrolls approximately 60,000 students, over a quarter of which are graduate and professional students.

The University of Florida’s 13 online degree programs in education offer some of the best graduate degree programs in early childhood education in the United States. In addition to the more traditional master’s programs in Education, the University of Florida’s Master of Science in Special Education with a specialization in Teach Well is especially suited to students who want to start or advance careers in special and early childhood education, which might lead to advanced careers as elementary school leaders of students with disabilities or special needs. The Bachelor of Health Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is sure to go a long way toward securing gainful employment as one of Florida’s high-demand special needs schools. And of course, the education program’s four doctoral programs will undoubtedly increase both the job prospects and earning potential of early childhood educators who want to become leaders of their profession.

2
University of South Florida
In-state Tuition: $6410
Online Ed Degrees:11

Established in 1956, the University of South Florida is a public research university located in Tampa, Florida. USF’s fourteen colleges—which are stationed across three locations in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee—are known to produce some of the best public health, education, and information studies graduates in the Southeast. Its Education program is well-noted for being a leader in both the academic field and industry of special education, consistently ranking in the top 100 such schools in the United States.

The University of South Florida’s 11 online degrees in education offer some of the best graduate programs in early childhood education the state of Florida. In addition to the traditional master’s degrees in Education, which include emphases in Special Education and Gifted Education, the University of South Florida’s M.A. in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Severe Intellectual Disabilities offers an excellent path to pursue administrative and leadership roles in the early childhood education arena that involve teaching students with special needs. The M.A.’s in Reading, Physical Education, and Career and Technical Education also offer unique opportunities for students who might like to teach language arts, P.E., or proctor career testing to kids at the same time as they teach or work either full- or part-time from home. All of these options, and their attendant flexibilities, make the University of South Florida a perfect fit for busy working Floridians who are looking to add another line to their educational résumés and become leaders of their professions.

3
Florida State University
In-state Tuition: $6507
Online Ed Degrees:5

Established in 1963, the University of Central Florida is the largest public research university by enrollment in the State of Florida. Located in Orlando, the University of Central Florida is particularly well-known for its enrollment of over 60,000 students, its aerospace and engineering schools, as well as for its top ranking degree programs. The University of Central Florida’s College of Education and Human Performance ranks among the Top 100 Best Colleges of Education in the United States, and a growing portion of University of Central Florida students attend online classes and earn online degrees.

The University of Central Florida’s 5 online degrees in education offer some of the best graduate programs in early childhood education the state of Florida. In addition to the traditional master’s degrees in Educational Leadership / Administration and Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies, the University of Central Florida’s Master of Education in Exceptional Student Instruction offers an excellent opportunity to pursue the career path of teaching and serving students and families with special needs from Pre-K-12. The Master of Arts in Applied Learning and Instruction and the Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology also offer unique opportunities for students who might like to teach both teachers and students how to implement and use technology to achieve their educational goals while also teaching or working either full- or part-time. All of these options, and their attendant flexibilities, make the University of Central Florida a great fit for busy working Floridians who are looking to add another line to their educational résumés and become leaders of their professions.

4
University of Central Florida
In-state Tuition: $6368
Online Ed Degrees:5

Founded in 1879, Florida Atlantic University is a public research university located in Boca Raton, Florida. Supporting an enrollment of greater than 30,000 students, the majority of FAU’s students reside at one of its six campuses in the state’s southern half. Approximately 6% conduct their studies online through distance education and lifelong learning initiatives. Its Lifelong Learning Society in particular has increased accessibility to university course materials for more than 19,000 adult learners, working professionals, and senior citizens since its inception.

Florida Atlantic University’s 4 online degrees related to early childhood education offer some of the best graduate programs in early childhood education the state of Florida. All of these degrees are Master’s degrees, which include the Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education for Early Childhood Education, a degree program uniquely suited to prospective early childhood educators who want to teach students with special needs. In addition to this option, Florida Atlantic University also offers highly specialized degrees such as the Master of Education in Social Foundations of Education for Instructional Technology, as well as the Master of Education in Social Foundations of Education for Educational Psychology, both of which are ideal programs for prospective school administrators who want to use cutting edge technology to teach or counsel students in an early childhood educational setting. At less than $303 per credit hour for in-state graduate students, these degree programs are a best value for Florida residents.

5
Florida Atlantic University
In-state Tuition: $5432
Online Ed Degrees:4

Founded in 1879, Florida Atlantic University is a public research university located in Boca Raton, Florida. Supporting an enrollment of greater than 30,000 students, the majority of FAU’s students reside at one of its six campuses in the state’s southern half. Approximately 6% conduct their studies online through distance education and lifelong learning initiatives. Its Lifelong Learning Society in particular has increased accessibility to university course materials for more than 19,000 adult learners, working professionals, and senior citizens since its inception.

Florida Atlantic University’s 4 online degrees related to early childhood education offer some of the best graduate programs in early childhood education the state of Florida. All of these degrees are Master’s degrees, which include the Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education for Early Childhood Education, a degree program uniquely suited to prospective early childhood educators who want to teach students with special needs. In addition to this option, Florida Atlantic University also offers highly specialized degrees such as the Master of Education in Social Foundations of Education for Instructional Technology, as well as the Master of Education in Social Foundations of Education for Educational Psychology, both of which are ideal programs for prospective school administrators who want to use cutting edge technology to teach or counsel students in an early childhood educational setting. At less than $303 per credit hour for in-state graduate students, these degree programs are a best value for Florida residents.

Directory of Online Education Degree
Providers in Florida

University of Florida Gainesville, FL Online Ed Degrees: 13
University of Florida

TUITION

$6389



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science in Health Education And Behavior
  • Bachelor of Health Science in Communication Sciences And Disorders

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master ofMusic in Music Education
  • Master of Education in Educational Leadership
  • Master of Education Curriculum And Instruction – Teacher Leadership For School Improvement
  • Master of Arts Art Education
  • Master of Education Curriculum And Instruction – Education Technology)
  • Master of Education Special Education – Teach Well
  • Master of Science in Agricultural Education And Communication
  • Doctor of Education Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Education Curriculum And Instruction – Educational Technology
  • Doctor of Education Higher Education Administration
  • Doctor of Education in Curriculum And Instruction – Curriculum Teaching And Teacher Education
University of South Florida Tampa, FL Online Ed Degrees: 11
University of South Florida Main Campus

TUITION

$6410



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • M.A. in Music Education
  • Ed.S. in Instructional Technology
  • M.A. in Adult Education
  • M.A. in Career & Technical Education
  • M.A. in Gifted Education
  • M.A. in Physical Education
  • M.A. in Reading K-12
  • M.A. in Special Education w/concentrations in ESE, BD, LD, ID
  • M.Ed. in Instructional Technology
  • M.Ed. in Secondary Education w/ Emphasis in TESOL
  • M.A. in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Intellectual Disabilities
Seminole State College of Florida Sanford, FL Online Ed Degrees: 7
Seminole State College of Florida

TUITION

$3131



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate in Arts Major in Early Childhood Education – Non-Teaching Track
  • Associate in Arts Major in Early Childhood Education – Teaching Track (Pre-K)
  • Associate in Arts Major in Elementary Education
  • Associate in Arts Major in English Language Arts Education
  • Associate in Arts Major in Exceptional Student Education
  • Associate in Arts Major in Social Science Education
  • Associate in Arts Major in Technical Education And Industry Training
Gulf Coast State College Panama City, FL Online Ed Degrees: 6
Gulf Coast State College

TUITION

$2765



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate in Arts of Early Childhood Education
  • Associate in Arts of Elementary Teacher Education
  • Associate in Arts of Health Education
  • Associate in Arts of Mathematics Education
  • Associate in Arts of Social Studies Education
  • Associate in Arts of Special Education
Florida State University Tallahassee, FL Online Ed Degrees: 5
Florida State University

TUITION

$6507



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Educational Leadership/Administration, Ms
  • Master of Science in Instructional Systems And Learning Technologies, Ms
  • Master of Science in Learning And Cognition, Ms
  • Master of Science in Special Education Studies, Ms
  • Master of Science in Communication Disorders, Ms
University of Central Florida Orlando, FL Online Ed Degrees: 5
University of Central Florida

TUITION

$6368



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Educational Leadership, M.A.
  • Applied Learning and Instruction M.A.
  • Career and Technical Education, M.A.
  • Exceptional Student Education M.Ed.
  • Instructional Design & Technology M.A.
Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL Online Ed Degrees: 4
Florida Atlantic University

TUITION

$5432



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Exceptional Student education: Early Childhood, M. Ed.
  • Higher Education Leaders Program,Masters
  • Master of Education in Social Foundations of Education – Instructional Technology, M. Ed.
  • Master’s Degree (M.Ed.) in Social Foundations of Education: Educational Psychology
Saint Leo University Saint Leo, FL Online Ed Degrees: 4
Saint Leo University

TUITION

$21130



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Ed.S. – Education Specialist
  • M.Ed. – Exceptional Student Education
  • M.Ed. – Reading
  • M.S. Instructional Design
Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL Online Ed Degrees: 3
Florida Gulf Coast University

TUITION

$6118



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Curriculum And Instruction: Educational Technology
  • Master of Education in Curriculum And Instruction: Educational Technology
  • Master of Education in Special Education
University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL Online Ed Degrees: 2
University of North Florida

TUITION

$6394



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Education in Educational Leadership: Instructional Technology Track
  • Master of Education in Special Education: Autism Track
Lynn University Boca Raton, FL Online Ed Degrees: 1
Lynn University

TUITION

$36350



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • MS.ED Educational Leadership
Florida International University Miami, FL Online Ed Degrees: 1
Florida International University

TUITION

$6556



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Florida Southern College Lakeland, FL Online Ed Degrees: 1
Florida Southern College

TUITION

$33100



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Education in Collaborative Teaching And Learning
Indian River State College Fort Pierce, IL Online Ed Degrees: 1
Indian River State College

TUITION

$2640



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science in Education – Exceptional Student Education With Esol
Carlos Albizu University-Miami MIami, FL Online Ed Degrees: 1
Carlos Albizu University Miami

TUITION

$12384



GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages (M.S.) Concentration in Exceptional Student Education
Tallahassee Community College Tallahassee, FL Online Ed Degrees: 1
Tallahassee Community College

TUITION

$2026



UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate in Science in Early Childhood Development, Education And Management