Best Online Doctorates in Early Childhood Education
A doctorate is the highest degree in many fields, including early childhood education. With a doctorate, you can pursue work as an early childhood education professor, program director, and policy analyst. Many programs also prepare graduates for licensure as principals and superintendents.
Before you apply to doctoral programs, you’ll need to find the right fit. Should you earn a Ph.D. or an Ed.D.? What about an Ed.S.? These post-master’s degrees prepare graduates for different career paths, so it’s important to choose the right option.
Our ranking introduces the best online doctoral programs in early childhood education so you can make an informed choice. This resource also covers what to expect for admission requirements, specialization options, and career paths. Keep reading if a doctorate in early childhood education sounds like a good fit for your personal and professional goals.
Compare Online Doctoral Programs in Early Childhood Education
Fielding Graduate University
Santa Barbara, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Ph.D. in infant and early childhood development program at Fielding Graduate University offers a flexible route to a doctorate. With its flexible format, the private university makes a doctorate more accessible. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.
During the online early childhood development program, learners take doctoral courses to earn their degree. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. A doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students can qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Reach out to the program to learn more about the application process and start dates.
Fielding Graduate University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 944
Online Master's Programs: 2
Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,292
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- In-State$17,292
- Out-of-state$17,292
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled981
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Ph.D. in early childhood education program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a doctorate in an online learning format. The public university delivers flexible enrollment options for degree-seekers. Doctoral students participate in career advising and gain research skills.
In the online Ph.D. program, graduate learners take advanced courses. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. A doctorate in early childhood education trains graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students can qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the program for more information about financial aid and the admission process.
University of Alabama at Birmingham at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 13,001
Online Master's Programs: 8
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,100
- In-State$8,568
- Out-of-state$20,400
- In-State$8,100
- Out-of-state$19,188
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled22,080
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get an Online Doctorate in Early Childhood Education?
A doctorate in early childhood education can help you pursue many in-demand roles. Here are some reasons to attend one of the best online doctoral programs on our list.
- Field Expertise: A doctorate in early childhood education strengthens expertise in child development, program design, and leadership. Graduates with doctorates train as experts in their field.
- Career Advancement: Several education career paths require a graduate degree, including roles like college professor. Many administrative career paths also require graduate-level training. A doctorate can prepare you for these leadership roles.
- Specialization Options: During a doctoral program, you can specialize your skills in educational research, program development, or education policy. Honing skills within an early childhood education field can help you move into specialized roles.
- Research Opportunities: Doctoral students conduct research in early childhood education, which strengthens their research skills and prepares graduates for career paths in academia and research. For example, you can work as a policy analyst or education researcher.
- Earning Potential: Many careers with an early childhood education doctorate report higher salaries than other education career paths. For example, educators who move into administrative roles often see their earning potential grow.
Did You Know…
- Education is the third-most popular field for doctoral studies, behind healthcare and law.
- Graduate students in early childhood education can choose between Ph.D., Ed.D., and Ed.S. programs, depending on their career goals.
- A college professor typically needs a doctorate, and the field receives faster-than-average job growth projections.
Does Accreditation Matter for Online Doctoral Degrees?
You should always choose an accredited institution for your online degree. Universities with accreditation meet high standards for academic quality, student learning outcomes, and faculty qualifications. You’ll also qualify for more financial aid opportunities by choosing an accredited institution.
In addition to institutional education, the best online doctoral programs in education hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, which ensures that programs follow the best practices for preparing educators. For example, teachers often need to complete degrees that have received programmatic accreditation to meet licensure requirements.
What To Expect From an Online Doctorate in Early Childhood Education
Your experience during a doctoral program in early childhood education will depend on the degree type. At the post-master’s level, early childhood education programs offer different focuses and career paths.
What’s the difference between a Ph.D., Ed.D., and Ed.S.? Ph.D. programs typically emphasize theory and research. These programs are more likely to require a research-based dissertation than an Ed.D. or Ed.S. Ph.D. graduates often pursue academic or research roles, and earning a Ph.D. usually takes longer than an Ed.D.
In contrast, an Ed.D. and Ed.S. emphasize practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions in early childhood education. These programs will likely include a capstone project or applied research dissertation. While an Ed.S. can take as little as one year, Ed.D. programs typically require around three years.
Admission Requirements
Early childhood education doctoral programs typically require each applicant to possess a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. However, some programs offer direct-entry doctorates for candidates with bachelor’s degrees.
Depending on the program, you may also need a teaching license and classroom experience. For example, doctoral programs that offer a principal or superintendent specialization often require teaching experience.
You’ll typically submit an online application and official transcripts to gain admission. Programs may also request letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume. Some conduct interviews to admit applicants, as well.
Degree and Specialization Options
When pursuing your doctorate in early childhood education, start by deciding whether a Ph.D., Ed.D., or Ed.S. best matches your interests and career goals. If you’re interested in college teaching or research positions, a Ph.D. might fit best, while an Ed.D. or Ed.S. may suit you better if you plan to pursue administrative or policy roles.
Within early childhood education, doctoral programs may offer administrative concentrations. For example, you can meet the principal or superintendent requirements in many Ed.D. or Ed.S. programs. Similarly, you can specialize in program evaluation, policy, or research.
Popular Courses
During your doctorate in early childhood education, you’ll take advanced courses in educational theory, research methods, and program evaluation. These classes strengthen your analytical, research, and leadership skills. While specific courses differ depending on the degree type and program, many offer the following options.
- Child Development: Evaluate research in child development, with an emphasis on the relationship between child development, educational methods, and education policy. This course also builds research skills.
- Early Childhood Program Administration: Learn about program development and administration, including the assessment and evaluation process for early childhood programs. The course strengthens administrative and leadership abilities.
- Early Childhood Leadership: Discover effective leadership approaches in early childhood education, including the best practices to lead teams of educators. You’ll develop leadership competencies while evaluating different models.
How Much Will an Online Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education Cost?
Earning a doctorate requires a substantial investment of time and money. Ph.D. programs often take 4-5 years after completing a master’s degree, creating a significant financial burden.
On average, graduate programs cost around $20,500 in tuition and fees in 2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Costs vary widely depending on the program. At the graduate level, public institutions report an average tuition rate of around $12,600 per year, while private nonprofit institutions cost nearly $30,000 on average.
In addition to tuition, you’ll need to factor in the cost of textbooks, technology, and other expenses. An online learning format can make it easier to work while earning a doctorate, which can help you cover costs. You can also pay for your degree with federal student aid programs, institutional financial aid, or student loans. Doctoral students also qualify for many scholarships.
What Can You Do with a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education?
A doctorate in early childhood education can lead to many career paths. For example, with a Ph.D. in early childhood education, you can pursue employment as a college professor. Education professors report a median pay of $73,240 in May 2023. Professors also received faster-than-average job growth rates, with 8% projected growth from 2023-2033.
With an Ed.D. or Ed.S., graduates can also pursue careers as early childhood program administrators, preschool directors, and childcare directors. Some programs also meet the requirement for licensure as a school principal or superintendent.
Finally, doctoral-level coursework in early childhood education can lead to roles in research and policy. Graduates can work as education researchers, child development specialists, or policy analysts.
Many careers for early childhood education graduates report significantly higher salaries than roles available for those with a bachelor’s degree. Earning potential varies depending on your industry, job title, experience, and location.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Job Growth Rate (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Administrator | $88,460 | 4% |
| Early Childhood Education Professor | $73,240 | 8% |
| School Principal | $103,460 | -1% |
| Preschool Director | $54,290 | -2% |
| Senior Policy Analyst | $84,700* | N/A |
*denotes average annual salary, June 2024
Choosing the Right Early Childhood Education Graduate Program
How can you find the best online doctoral programs in early childhood education? The first step is to understand your needs as a student and your professional goals.
- Define Your Career Goals: Considering your career goals can help you find the right program and degree type. In addition to weighing a Ph.D. vs. Ed.D., you can also explore specialization and curriculum options to identify programs that match your goals.
- Determine Your Schedule: An online program can offer greater flexibility. However, distance learning may occur through several schedule options. Do you want a program with no live classes so you can complete coursework around your other responsibilities? Do you prefer a synchronous model where you’ll interact with faculty and classmates in a virtual classroom?
- Establish Your Budget: The cost of a doctorate in early childhood education depends on the program and length. Consider your budget and factor in anticipated financial aid. Choosing an online program can make it easier to compare costs and find the most affordable option.
Common Questions About Doctoral Programs in Early Childhood Education
The highest-paying jobs in early childhood education include preschool director, education administrator, and school principal. Principals reported a median pay of $103,460 in May 2023, according to BLS data. A doctorate can help you increase your earning potential.
