Affordable Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Programs

The Advantages of an Early Childhood Education Education

The type of career you can pursue in early childhood education depends — in part — on the kind of degree you hold. For instance, candidates with an associate degree can qualify as preschool teachers, while bachelor's-holders may obtain positions as preschool directors or social and community service managers. The BLS projects positive growth through 2032 for preschool teachers, preschool directors, and social and community service managers.

Individuals who earn an early childhood education master's degree online receive in-depth field knowledge that helps them stand out among competition. These degrees can increase the odds of employment for bachelor's-level positions, particularly with managerial or leadership opportunities. A master's degree may also qualify graduates to teach early childhood education courses at certain colleges or universities; however, most schools require a doctorate for these positions.

Candidates interested in early childhood education careers can review the following sections for information on career tasks and long-term salary expectations.

Source: PayScale

Early Childhood Education Degree Salary Information

Online master's degrees in early childhood education explore child development and help learners build teaching, research, and communication skills for real-world practice. These traits prepare candidates to work in preschools, childcares, and other organizations that cater to children. However, careers in these settings may vary. For example, graduates can open their own childcare centers or work as directors and teachers at established organizations. Advanced knowledge in early childhood education can also lead to advising and teaching positions where graduates guide others on related concepts.

Preschool and Childcare Center Directors

These directors ensure preschools and childcare centers follow state standards. Candidates determine organizational policies, choose employees, offer training for current workers, manage budgets, and communicate with parents about student needs. These positions typically require a bachelor's degree; however, a master's verifies advanced field knowledge for managerial positions.

Preschool Teachers

Preschool teachers prepare children for kindergarten by teaching early concepts like counting and color recognition. These educators must plan activities that encourage safety and social development, as well as observe children for indications of learning disabilities. While schools may only require an associate degree for these positions, candidates with a master's boast a more in-depth understanding of early education for higher employment chances.

Educational Specialists

Educational specialists make suggestions on curricula and instructional techniques to improve learning in school systems. Candidates may also train school faculty on innovative learning strategies. These specialists often need a teaching credential and experience. An early childhood education master's indicates expertise for advising schools on early grade levels.

Postsecondary Teachers

These educators teach courses in their discipline at colleges and universities. Responsibilities include building syllabi, delivering lectures, and providing feedback on assignments. Teachers may also write scholarly articles for publication and help learners choose future classes. For these positions, candidates may need at least a master's degree in the teaching field.

Social and Community Service Managers

Social and community service managers identify and build programs for public needs, evaluate existing programs, and suggest strategies to increase impact. They may also promote programs to community members. Companies may require a master's for these positions, and earning a master of early childhood education online prepares learners to build programs that assist young children.

Source: PayScale

Choosing an Online Early Childhood Education Degree Program

Students interested in earning an early childhood education master's degree online should consider which program elements are most important to them. For instance, candidates who need cheaper tuition should focus on local schools, as out-of-state tuition typically exceeds in-state tuition. In-state options also let learners complete on-campus requirements more easily, with fewer travel expenses. However, it's important to note that some out-of-state schools, especially private colleges, offer in-state or discounted tuition to all online learners, regardless of residency. Reviewing the exact details of each program is key.

Degree seekers should also note prospective colleges' program lengths, student-to-faculty ratios, transfer policies, and concentrations. Since distance education opens so many educational possibilities, students can afford to be selective about their prospective schools and ensure that they match most or all of their criteria.

• Program Cost: Candidates should review each program's tuition, fees, and other costs to determine which option best complements their budgets. In general, public schools charge lower tuition than private schools, and in-state students often pay lower tuition than out-of-state learners. However, these details vary by institution.
• Transfer Policies: Transfer agreements between colleges and universities can reduce the time to graduation by allowing learners to apply previously completed coursework to their degree. Institutions may insist that learners complete a high percentage of coursework at the degree-awarding school, which can lower transfer credit use. Students with extensive transfer work should consider determine which schools will accept most of their previous credits.
• School Size and Type: Smaller schools may offer a more interactive learning environment since classes include fewer students. The type of school can also influence learning, since private schools may incorporate unique philosophies into curricula. Universities may also offer different schools of learning that impact program options.
• Program Length: Time frames for master's programs vary, with some schools providing accelerated paths for faster graduation. Other programs require higher credit numbers, which can postpone graduation. Students should compare these factors to their schedules. For instance, a candidate can choose a faster-paced program to qualify for an upcoming promotion, while learners without time restraints can study at a slower pace.
• On-Campus Requirements: Programs may include on-campus elements such as labs, seminars, and courses. These elements occur with different frequency, depending on the school. For instance, learners may attend one on-campus orientation or complete half of program courses on campus. Students should only consider these programs if the distance and frequency fits their schedules and budgets.

Accreditation for Online Early Childhood Education Degrees

When considering options for an online master's degrees in early childhood education, students should pay special attention to a school's accreditation. A school's accreditation signals that it offers quality programs that meet rigorous criteria. Additionally, government aid may only extend to applicants at accredited schools, which means candidates may need to pay out-of-pocket to attend unaccredited schools. Unaccredited degrees may also hold little professional or academic value, which could prevent learners from earning careers or pursuing higher degrees.

While they do not offer accreditation themselves, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the accreditation process. Each of these organizations review and recognize accrediting agencies, which then hold the authority to review and approve schools.

National accreditation is often granted to trade or vocational programs. Conversely, regional accreditation is usually considered more prestigious and is reserved for public and private four-year institutions. Students who attend regionally accredited schools can typically transfer credits more efficiently, and can be assured of receiving a quality education. Regional accreditation is overseen by six different regional agencies.

Programmatic accreditation indicates approval for a specific program or department in a particular field. Students pursuing a master of early childhood education online should look for programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Schools may also list the Teacher Education Accreditation Council or the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, both of which have become part of CAEP in recent years.

To determine if a program holds accreditation, candidates can search databases provided by CHEA or the ED.

Early Childhood Education Concentrations

Concentrations can provide experiences, knowledge, and skills for specific professions in the field. For example, a management-related focus can prepare learners for administrative positions, while a special education specialization can lead to a career in special education. Candidates should consider all possible concentrations — as well as their professional goals — before selecting an online master's degree in early childhood education.

• Dual Language:
  These concentrations address second language development and literacy in early childhood. Candidates explore teaching strategies for encouraging language use and cultural diversity among children.
  • Careers this concentration prepares for: Graduates can work in dual language preschools or elementary schools, but may need teaching certification. Candidates can also assist with dual language programs or camps.
• Administration Management:
  Students build management and leadership skills related to financing, hiring, and designing curricula for child-centered establishments. Degree seekers learn to foster learning environments that promote social and mental growth in children.
  • Careers this concentration prepares for: Concentrations prepare for administrator, director, or owner positions in childcares, preschools, and other early childhood organizations.
• Special Education:
  These specializations address assessment and teaching strategies for special needs children. Programs may also explore policy building for special education classrooms. These programs typically require a practicum and emphasize field research.
  • Careers this concentration prepares for: These courses allow certified candidates to teach in special education. Graduates can also pursue careers in advocacy and policy-making.
• Early Childhood Policy:
  This focus relates to policy-making and research. Candidates may explore current pedagogy and international policy. Coursework may also examine modern issues in education and train learners to identify areas for improvement. These programs build problem-solving skills and prioritize educational theory.
  • Careers this concentration prepares for: Candidates may obtain administrative positions in education or work as advocates for improved education.
• STEAM:
  These programs explore early childhood teaching strategies for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics courses. Candidates use creative concepts such as design and presentation in order to explore these subjects. Technical explorations may include robotics and mathematical problem-solving.
  • Careers this concentration prepares for: Graduates with certifications can teach STEAM-related courses. Candidates may also work as instructional coordinators or program designers focusing on these disciplines.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Early Childhood Education?

Early childhood education master's programs typically require 30-48 credits, which full-time students can complete in under two years of study. However, there are several factors that can influence the time it takes to complete your degree. For example, the program's structure, the number of required credits, and the student's personal or professional responsibilities can all impact the timeline for completion.

Additionally, shorter learning terms can quicken graduation by allowing more classes in a year. Specifically, some online degrees may include six-week classes instead of standard fall, spring, and summer terms. Colleges may also offer accelerated pathways that allow learners to pursue a combined bachelor's and master's. This format can allow learners to complete the graduate degree with only one additional year of study.

Candidates can also graduate faster by enrolling in more classes per term. However, this decision can increase semesterly expenses if schools charge per-credit tuition. Alternately, students can study part-time for a slower learning pace. With yearly tuition increases and semester fees, though, this decision can increase overall program costs. Degree seekers who need to choose their learning pace should avoid cohort programs where learners complete courses in groups.

Courses in an Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Program

Paying for Your Online Master's in Early Childhood Education Degree Program

Paying for an online master's degree in early childhood education is an important consideration when choosing the right college. Fortunately, students can explore many options to help cover the cost of graduate school. First, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for financial aid from the federal government. The government offers student loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Many teachers qualify for student loan forgiveness after making timely payments and working at certain schools for a number of years.

Scholarships for Accounting Students

Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Who Can Apply: Bright Horizons offers this program to future teachers throughout the United States. Applicants must be enrolled full time in an accredited program that focuses on the education of children ages six or younger. Applicants must submit writing samples and evidence of early education field-based experiences.
Amount: $250-$1,000

Teacher.org's /"Inspire Our Future" Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Teacher.org offers this scholarship to current and future teachers pursuing an accredited undergraduate or graduate-level education degree. Students need a minimum 3.5 GPA and must submit a 500- to 700-word essay. Awardees can use the scholarship to pay for education and related expenses.
Amount: $500

PDK Educational Foundation Prospective Educator Scholarship

Who Can Apply: These scholarships are available to high school seniors and undergraduate students pursuing a career in education. Applicants must be members of Educators Rising, Phi Delta Kappa, or Pi Lambda Theta. Applicants must submit a personal statement and a recommendation letter.
Amount: $500-$5,000

Montessori Teacher Education Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The American Montessori Society (AMS) awards these scholarships to aspiring Montessori teachers who are accepted or in the process of being accepted to an AMS-affiliated teacher education program. The selection process is based on financial need, an essay, and three recommendation letters.
Amount: Varies

Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Offered through the National Institute for Labor Relations Research, this scholarship is available to both undergraduate and graduate students studying education and who plan to pursue a teaching license. This merit-based scholarship requires applicants to write a 500-word essay demonstrating an understanding of compulsory and voluntary unionism.
Amount: $1,000