Best Online Doctoral Programs 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.