As buildings need a foundation, the early years of a child’s education are foundational for all that is to come. Lifelong developmental trajectories, passions, and self-esteem get instilled from an early age. Over the years, our understanding of teaching to meet the needs of these unique learners has grown. It has become researched and cataloged into what is now considered “best practice” instruction for children ages 0-8. As an early childhood educator, it is vital to understand best practice and how it gets implemented in the 21st-century classroom.
Our editors first reviewed online master’s in early childhood education programs in Ohio in May 2017. This ranking was last updated in December 2023.
The following programs are our top 20 picks for best online master’s degrees in early childhood education. These programs focus on areas of:
- advocacy
- classroom arrangement and management
- curriculum development suitable for young learners
- research practices
We love these programs for their high value, affordable pricing and flexibility, and current up-to-date curricula that ensures you can advance in the field of early childhood education.
Methodology for Top Online Master’s in ECE
- Affordability (1/3): the estimated out-of-state tuition per credit hour rate (if out-of-state is applicable).
- Flexibility (1/3): the number of flexibility-granting components of the program, including different specializations, prior experience credit, accelerated courses, ability to take synchronous or asynchronous coursework, and more.
- Academic Prestige (1/3): the accreditation status of a university, as well as accolades from other prominent ranking sites and educational organizations.
1. Arizona State University – Scottsdale, Arizona
Arizona State University is a public research university that is a trailblazer when it comes to online education. It has many campus locations across the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. A number of both faculty and students are Fulbright scholars.
We love ASU for its internationally recognized Nobel Prize-winning faculty, great value, and endless flexible online opportunities. The online degrees are vast and unique and include fields of study like anthropology and social policy. The Wall Street Journal recognizes ASU for the quality of graduates that emerge from their programming.
ASU offers an online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction appropriate for all interested in learning about an appropriate educational approach for infants, and children in grades K-3. The program is just ten classes. Courses are 7.5 weeks long, and the entire degree requires 30 credit hours for completion. If you wish to add a certification you are required to fulfill 45 credit hours.
Students engage with the material through:
- online coursework
- applied practices
- in-person clinical experience
Students complete all courses online, but the practicum placement experience is completed in person (close to the student’s home). The core focus of this program is to equip candidates with advanced knowledge in:
- early childhood pedagogy
- technology
- administration
- advocacy
Multiple start dates continue throughout the year, so what are you waiting for?
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average graduate student tuition is $9,972/year
- Flexibility-granting components: Two offerings, with or without certification
2. Concordia University – Saint Paul, Minnesota
Concordia University- Saint Paul is a private comprehensive liberal arts university that enrolls 5,544 students. There is a student-faculty ratio of 13:1 and over 80% of professors have the highest level of degree in their field.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Concordia University to offer different programs for traditional and non-traditional learners. You can enroll in everything from an online associate degree to an online Ph.D.! Ninety-two percent of students get jobs upon completion of an online degree program through CSP. The affordable tuition rates contribute heavily to student success rates as well as their high level of academic prestige and diverse welcoming student body. According to G.I. Jobs CSP is registered as a “Military Friendly” institution.
Concordia University offers a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education. This program is designed for busy professionals who are looking to advance their career. We like the flexibility afforded through this program. Students are able to attend classes on their own schedule. The program is comprised of 10, seven weeklong courses.
This online masters early childhood education is a non-licensure teaching program, meaning the best candidates for this program are employed or involved in areas of education. Alternatively, students may pursue a shorter licensure program for their specific state after the masters program. The aim of this online masters degree in early childhood education is to teach students how to research and implement best practices for early childhood education.
- Language Development and Emergency Literacy
- Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education
- Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education
The program finishes with a capstone experience focused on the diverse classroom or a graduate study abroad opportunity.
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- Affordability: Average graduate student tuition is $8,550/year
- Flexibility-granting components: Accelerated courses
3. Kennesaw State University – Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public university located in Kennesaw and is part of the University System of Georgia. KSU currently enrolls more than 43,190 students and is fully accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools. Historically, Kennesaw is known as the staging ground for the Great Locomotive Chase and was cited by Family Circle magazine as one of the nation’s 10 best towns for families.
Kennesaw State University offers a fully online M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education. This program is suitable for students currently certified as early childhood educators and looking to enhance a specialization with graduate level study. Each course is 8 weeks long and 3-credit hours. The online programs at Kennesaw State are just as rigorous, and offered at the same quality as those offered on-campus. Kennesaw State’s highly regarded faculty are the same faculty as those teaching the on-campus program.
The online program utilizes a cohort format and is designed to coincide with the public-school calendar. You can complete your online early childhood education masters in just 13 months to complete. In addition to a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education KSU makes several endorsements available including reading and ESOL.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $5,328/year in-state and $19,188/year out-of-state
- Flexibility-granting components: Number of endorsements
4. Mercer University – Macon, Georgia
Mercer University is the oldest university in Georgia. The school enrolls 8,889 students in 12 colleges and schools and has a satellite campus in Atlanta and a School of Medicine located in Savannah. Mercer is a private church-affiliated university that harbors respect for religious diversity and is rooted in the liberal arts. Class size is smaller averaging at about 13 students per class. There are no teaching assistants at Mercer. Ninety percent of the faculty has doctoral degrees, or the highest advanced degree in their field. In addition, Mercer University has one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States.
Mercer offers a 30-semester hour M.Ed. in The Advanced Teacher. This program is for certified educators. The program helps enrich teaching practices. You can choose from four concentration options including:
- Elementary Education
- Middle Grades Education
- P-12 Education
- Secondary Education
You also have an opportunity to gain an endorsement in areas like:
- Autism
- ESOL
- Mathematics K-5
- Reading
- Science K-5
Want to learn how to design and implement developmentally appropriate curricula to meet the cognitive needs of all students? The ECE concentration curriculum also includes social, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive development of early learners. This program runs 12- 16 months in length and is divided by 16-week semesters.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $15,531/year
- Flexibility-granting components: Accelerated
5. Portland State University – Portland, Oregon
Portland State University is a public research institution founded in 1946 that enrolls over 21,609 students. It was originally established as a post-secondary institution for World War II veterans. Today, Portland State represents a highly diverse student body. The Northwest Commission on College and Universities accredits Portland State to offer professional certificates and degrees at all levels. One innovative highlight is their “four-year degree guarantee” program that is a signed agreement for a four-year graduation time. If that agreement is not met, the remaining tuition is free. PSU maintains a strong commitment to:
- community engagement
- diversity
- equality
- research experience
- sustainability
This is evidenced not only through freshman retention but the vast number of programs both on-campus and online that rank highly each year.
Portland State offers a master’s degree in Early Childhood: Inclusive Education. This unique program is taught jointly by both the department of Curriculum and Instruction as well as the Special Education Department. We like the flexibility offered through this program. You can select from the following concentrations:
- Constructivism
- Infant Toddler Mental Health
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Distributed Pathway
You also have the opportunity to participate in summer intensives or study abroad opportunities.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $15,048/year in-state and $20,490/year out-of-state
- Flexibility-granting components: Number of specializations
6. Northwestern College – Orange City, Iowa
Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college that was founded in 1882. Set in Rural Iowa, there are just over 1,651 students enrolled. Students benefit from a small classroom size and student-to-faculty ratio of just 15:1. In fact, Northwestern College is regionally accredited- the highest level of accreditation- by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools to offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Though a small institution, you can still choose from over 40 majors, 22 clubs, 16 intercollegiate athletic teams, music, and theater. Most online degrees are designed for completion in 2 years or less and are flexible and affordable.
Northwestern offers a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education that takes 2 years or less to complete. This online masters in early childhood education is for those who need to juggle both work and school. It is compatible with the timetable of an employed teacher. Additionally, as this program is approved by the TEACH Grant, first-time teachers looking to fill high-need fields in low-income areas can also qualify for tuition assistance.
The core curriculum includes:
- Trends and Issues in 21st Century Education
- Curriculum and Assessment for Student Learning
- Teaching and Learning with Technology
- Educational Research Methods and Design
An early childhood emphasis allows an additional 15 credit hours in advanced child development, early literacy, and more. The total credit hour requirement for this degree is 33.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $6,120/year
- Flexibility-granting components: students can add an endorsement
7. Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Capella University is a for-profit institution of higher learning based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The majority of degree offerings are presented online. Capella offers competency-based education that helps students accelerate through their program based on a competency check list. The curriculum helps leverage your future profession. There is a high percentage of alumni success.
Programs come in two flexible formats, the GuidedPath program and the FlexPath program. Guided requires you to meet set deadlines and mirrors more of an on-campus approach. FlexPath is self-paced, and the pace will determine the price. Each path determines different payment options.
There are currently over 39,727 students that attend Capella. The vast majority are professionals attending part-time. Capella makes it their mission to address the disconnect between academia and real-work experience- suppling career-ready programs to help its graduate make life-changing advancements after college.
Capella offers a M.S. in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. We like this program for its accelerated courses and high-quality comprehensive curriculum. This 46-quarter credit hour program includes 10-week courses. Core courses include:
- Survey of Research Methodology
- Exceptional Children in the Early Childhood Setting
- Standards Based Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Classroom Management Strategies
This program also includes 80 hours of site-based learning experience.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $14,826/year
- Flexibility-granting components: Accelerated courses
8. University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is a public space grant university located in Grand Forks. This flagship university enrolls 13,876 students and offers over 225 degree programs. The student body represents all 50 states and over 85 countries across the globe. The average classroom size is 24, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UND to offer over 3,000 courses of study that includes 40 online degree programs and 80 graduate education programs. Research is a central focus. Additionally, UND offers the only schools for medicine and law in the state. The Oscher Lifelong Learning Institute at UND offers fantastic student support and programming through their distance learning programs. In fact, UND has been offering distance learning for over a century- starting with classes given by written correspondence.
The University of North Dakota offers an online masters of early childhood education. This program requires 32 credit hours and takes about 2 years to complete. This is a non-licensing master’s degree program that prepares professional teachers to become experts in the educational needs of learners ages 0-8. All students receive in-state tuition regardless of residency. The master’s degree program curriculum includes courses like:
- Collaborative Relationships: Home, School and Community
- Curricular Foundations in Early Childhood Education
- Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education
- Foundations of Reading Instruction
- Language Development and Cognition in Children
Students also engage with a teaching practicum in their local community.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $11,963/year
- Flexibility-granting components: N/A
9. PennWest Global – California, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Western University is a public university established in 1852. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the school to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Currently there are 12,778 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. Through their 14 schools, PWU Global offers over 100 undergraduate majors and minors, and 50 graduate degree programs. In addition to a vast range of degree programs, it offers access to internship opportunities through their internship center. You also receive study abroad programming options and fantastic academic support. PWU offers a Military tuition discount program, veteran benefits as well as military tuition assistance and more. The Global Online program has over 75 affordable and accelerated online degree programs.
PennWest Global Online offers a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education. The 39-credit hour curriculum includes master’s degree courses like:
- Literacy Development
- Advanced Childhood Development
- Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment
Early childhood education graduates have the flexibility to work in a variety of settings including:
- public and private schools’ pre-K to grade 4 education programs
- preschool programs
- Head Start and childcare centers
- parenting and family support programs
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $9,288/year in-state and $12,630/year out-of-state
- Flexibility-granting components: N/A
10. Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Arizona
Grand Canyon University is a for-profit Christian research university based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Higher Learning Commission accredits the school to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. There are eight colleges that offer academic programming in everything from health care to education. Online, GCU offers an impressive number of degrees that range from the bachelor’s to doctoral level, including a PhD in Psychology. There are also a large number of theology degrees offered completely online. We like Grand Canyon University for its accelerated online programming, and affordable flexible offerings.
GCU offers a masters of early childhood education online. This program is suitable for those seeking licensure as well as those already holding certification. The total degree requirements are 44 credit hours. You will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes core courses like:
- Typical and Atypical Behaviors of Young Children
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition in Growth and Development of Early Learners
- Family Engagement and Cultural Awareness in Early Childhood
The field experience exposes you to many real-life teaching scenarios where you learn to work with students at varying developmental stages. This program takes a minimum of 27 months to complete.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $10,655/year
- Flexibility-granting components: Accelerated courses
11. California Baptist University – Riverside, California
California Baptist University (CBU) is a private university located in Riverside, California. There are 11,495 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits CBU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. When it comes to military support, CBU is a Yellow Ribbon school. CBU students benefit from:
- academic and career counseling
- employment services
- remedial help
- job placement for graduates
Students at CBU receive support and academic quality. You get a wide variety of course material to choose, ranging from architecture to visual arts. Nontraditional students looking to make an advancement in their career online have an impressive 32 fully online degrees from which to select. Some of the most popular programs by enrollment are in the fields of education and psychology.
CBU offers an online Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. We selected this program for its high-quality curriculum, flexible online format, and for the affordable online tuition rate. Over the past decade we have seen a surge in the relevance of early childhood programming. This early childhood education master’s online provides the necessary course material current to our contemporary understanding of the field and at an affordable price that is flexible for its learners.
CBU students learn through research and applied theory focused on prenatal development through to age eight. Additionally, you learn to develop curricula for all types of early learners, including young children with exceptionalities. The academic prestige of the program shines through the comprehensive nature of the curriculum including:
- Advanced Studies in Early Childhood Development
- Early Childhood Program Development and Evaluation
- Leadership and Supervision in Early Childhood Settings
You can complete this 33-credit hour program in just 12 months.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $13,680/year
- Flexibility-granting components: online, average completion is 12 months
12. Jacksonville State University – Jacksonville, Alabama
Jacksonville State University (JSU) is a public institution located in Jacksonville, Alabama. There are 9,632 enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 19:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits JSU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as post-baccalaureate and post-master’s certificates. There are many quality student support services including:
- employment
- placement for graduates
- remedial, academic and career counseling
To reduce the time it takes to complete a degree, you can receive credit for life experience, AP, and dual credits. JSU focuses their academic programming on career-ready degrees for both traditional and nontraditional students. When it comes to online education, JSU offers over 20 fully online degrees and professional certifications in lucrative fields like business and education. Their most popular online degrees are in the field of education.
Jacksonville State offers an online Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate and flexible online format. This online program covers grades Pre-K through to Grade 3. This program requires just 33-37 credit hours for completion.
We like this academic curriculum for the current programming that is relevant for the 21st century early childhood classroom. The curriculum covers areas like:
- individualization for education for young children
- materials and methods
- behavior and development in early childhood
- teaching writing in early childhood education
- assessment in early childhood education
- enhancing learning
If you are looking for an affordable and comprehensive degree that sets you up for success in the classroom, this is a fantastic option.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $9,840/year in-state and $19,680/year out-of-state
- Flexibility-granting components: online, extension available for certification, may choose ECE or elementary education
13. University of Toledo – Toledo, Ohio
University of Toledo is a public research university located in Toledo, Ohio. There are 15,545 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UT to award comprehensive degree and certifications programs. Carnegie classifies UT as a doctoral university with higher research activity.
The university provides ample support for its students through:
- clubs
- organizations
- career and academic counseling
- on-campus day care for children
Academic programming is versatile and works well for traditional and nontraditional students alike. In fact, there are over 300 degrees offered at every level. Programs accommodate students of the arts, sciences, and humanities. Those looking for an online degree in education will not be disappointed. UT offers over 30 fully online programs in areas of business and education alike.
Education students can earn an online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. We selected this program for the affordable online tuition rate and flexible online format. Students receive preparation to teach grades pre-K to 3rd with comprehensive curriculum that includes valuable courses like:
- Infant/Toddler Curriculum
- Pre-K/Primary Curriculum
- Learning and Development of Play Behavior
- Language and Concept Development
For an affordable and exciting degree that equips you with all the tools necessary in the field of early childhood education, this is a viable option.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $15,053/year in-state and $26,415/year out-of-state
- Flexibility-granting components: online, flexible culminating activity, eligible for LAMP (licensure and master’s program)
14. Liberty University Online – Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University is a private university located in Lynchburg, Virginia and is the largest nonprofit university in the country. There are 96,709 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits LU to award comprehensive degree and professional certification programs.
LU offers robust academic programming with a total of 700 unique programs of study. LU offers the usual student support and enrichment programs like:
- organizations
- athletic teams
- clubs
- career and academic counseling for its candidates
Liberty has a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. We selected this program for its flexibility, enhancing options, and affordable online tuition. This program requires 36 credit hours for completion. Curriculum includes courses like:
- Advanced Child Development
- Educational Research and Assessment
- Instructional Methods for Behavior and Learning
- Elementary Curriculum and Methods
For a quality flexible program that meets your professional scheduling needs, this is a great option.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $7,893/year
- Flexibility-granting components: online, 50% of program may be transferred, optional practicum experience, 3-year-old and 4-year-old endorsement available
15. University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, Alabama
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public institution. There are 21,639 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 18:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UAB to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees including post-baccalaureate certificates and post-master’s certifications. With so many high-quality online degrees, it’s no surprise that UAB offers a vast range of programs for both traditional and nontraditional students.
UA offers a number of early childhood education degrees, including both a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Master of Education in Early childhood Education and Elementary Education. We selected this program for the flexible options available online and for high-quality academic prestige. You must complete 31-34 credit hours depending on your preferred track. Though one of our more expensive options, this program makes up for affordability through value of education-the cost of education calculated against the high quality. Expect to learn from some of the best in the field of early childhood education and to have an opportunity to study material that is relevant to your learning needs. You get the opportunity to examine the learning needs of exceptional learners, learn to create programs, policies, and curriculum for:
- ESL learning
- diverse learners
- learners in urban settings
In fact, you pick the classes that will suit your professional needs, further enhancing our flexibility metric. For a high-quality degree tailored to your specific professional needs, both master’s tracks at UAB are a fantastic choice.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $8,424/year in-state and $19,962/year out-of-state
- Flexibility-granting components: online, two degree tracks available
16. Champlain College – Burlington, Vermont
Champlain College is a private university located in Burlington, Vermont. There are 3,543 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 14:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Champlain to award associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as post-baccalaureate certificates. Nearly 20% of students enrolled are involved in disability services- noting a high level of diversity present in the student body. In addition to a diverse student body, Champlain shines with innovation through its online degree offerings, including 65 fully online degrees and professional certifications in fields like business and education.
Champlain offers a top early childhood education degree online. We selected this program for the three flexible online specializations from which to select your electives and the affordable tuition rate.You get the opportunity to select four electives from three areas of specialization including:
- special education
- administration
- teaching
This program requires 30 credit hours for completion. Courses covered in the program include:
- Early Childhood and Play
- Leadership, Mentoring and Quality
- The Chid, Family and Community
- Supporting Children with Special Needs
- Observation and Curriculum in Early Childhood Environments
Looking for a program that is affordable, quality, and provides ample flexibility to meet your professional needs? Look no further, Champlain College has it all!
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $14,310/year
- Flexibility-granting components: online, three specializations from which to acquire elective course material
17. Georgia Southern University – Statesboro, Georgia
Georgia Southern University (GSU) is a public university located in Statesboro, Georgia. There are 25,481 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits GSU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as post-baccalaureate certificates and post-master’s certifications. When it comes to Military Friendly, GSU ranks as a gold standard according to G.I. Jobs. Academic excellence shines for both traditional and nontraditional students and includes a wide range of degree offerings. GSU offers over 25 degrees and certifications online with some of the most popular online degrees by enrollment in the field of business and education.
GSU offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education for practitioners working with children in grades P-5. We selected this program for its flexible online and accelerated format, and for the affordable online tuition. This course requires 36 credit hours for completion. The core curriculum focuses on areas like:
- curriculum development
- learning theories
- research
All students culminate this degree with a seminar in Prek-5th. Unlike some of our other selections, this program examines not only the early years, but also elementary education. This is a great option if you’re interested in advancing your career in the early years but want to remain open to elementary education.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $4,986/year in-state and $19,890/year out-of-state
- Flexibility-granting components: online, average completion is 12 months, 9 credit hours of open electives
18. University of West Alabama – Livingston, Alabama
The University of West Alabama (UWA) is located in the remote town of Livingston, Alabama. There are 5,860 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 18:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UWA to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as post-master’s certifications. We love the affordable, flexible, and quality academic programming as well as the lengths to which UWA travels to ensure their students are supported and successful during their time as students. Student support services include:
- remedial support
- distance learning opportunities
- on-campus day care services for students with children
- career and academic counseling
This level of support helps both traditional and nontraditional students find success when pursuing their degree. There are as many online programs as there are on-campus. Some of the most popular online degree offerings by enrollment include their online bachelor’s finance and all online master’s in education.
UWA offers a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education for grades Pre-K to 3rd grade. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate and flexible and accelerated pacing. The program requires 34 credit hours for completion. Curriculum includes courses like:
- Literature for Early Childhood Education
- Current Trends in Early Childhood Education
- Planning Programs for Early Education
- Language Development for Young Children
If you want an affordable accelerated master’s degree, this masters in early childhood education online from West Alabama is a good option.
- Homepage
- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $6,678/year in-state and $13,356/year out-of-state
- Flexibility-granting components: online, average completion is 12 months, courses are 8-weeks accelerated, 9 credit hours of early childhood education electives.
19. Biola University – La Mirada, California
Biola University is a four-year private institution located in La Mirada, California. There are 5,387 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is just 13:1. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Biola University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as post-baccalaureate certificates and post-master’s certificates. Biola has a strong commitment to diversity among its student body. Student support services include:
- remedial assistance
- academic and career counseling
- credit for life experience
Academic programming is strong with unique degree offerings in fields like cinematography and film/video production. In addition, Biola University provides a number of career-ready degrees for traditional and nontraditional students. There are 5 fully online affordable degrees in the field of education.
Biola offers a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood. We selected this program for the high-quality academic curriculum and affordable tuition rates. Core components include early childhood education courses like:
- Advanced Educational Psychology
- Educational Research and Statistics
- Advanced Curriculum and Instruction
- Research in Culture and Intercultural Instruction
The early childhood portion of this online master’s degree includes a look into childhood development from birth to adolescence. All students can complete either a research or thesis-based capstone experience. This is a great program if you want to gain a comprehensive grasp of early childhood education.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $12,006/year
- Flexibility-granting components: online, flexible capstone experience
20. National Louis University – Chicago, Illinois
National Louis University is a private institution located in Chicago, Illinois. Their mission is to “provide a superior and supportive educational experience for students of all ages and backgrounds.” There are 7,525 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is just 15:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits NL to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as post-baccalaureate certificates, and post-master’s certifications. Some of the most outstanding student support services come in the form of:
- teacher certification
- ample distance learning opportunities
- academic and career counseling
- credit for life experience
This is why NL can provide quality education to all types of learners. In addition to the full range of programming for arts to sciences, NL offers 15 fully online programs in fields like:
- early childhood education
- curriculum and instruction
National Louis University offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Early Childhood Education. We selected this online early childhood education masters program for the affordable tuition rate and additional endorsement opportunities. You receive the flexibility to include an additional educational license or earn a birth to grade 3 endorsement. You also get the option to follow four unique program tracks including:
- Early Childhood MAT Alternative Teacher Licensure program
- Early Childhood MAT Teacher Resident program
- Early Childhood MAT Traditional program
- Early Childhood Education MAT Accelerated Track program
Courses include:
- cross cultural education
- childcare for infants and toddlers
- teaching and learning in early childhood settings
You must also complete a student teaching experience. If you are looking for a comprehensive, affordable, and flexible program to prepare you for your career in early childhood education, the early childhood education online masters at NLU is a fantastic option.
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- Affordability: Average Graduate Student Tuition is $11,646/year
- Flexibility-granting components: online, three tracks available
Sources:
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges
Related Resources:
Early Childhood Education Degrees
20 Best Online Special Education Endorsement Programs
30 Best Early Childhood Education Associate’s Degree Online Programs