It should come as no surprise that the influx of accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degrees that are now available is proportional to the demand for qualified candidates to fill the role. Because the field focuses on young children, it is becoming increasingly important to prepare professionals for this vital time in a child’s life. This is best done through the completion of a graduate degree.
The majority of individuals interested in this degree are in-service professionals who are licensed to teach in their state and are ready to make the commitment to further education. However, since they are working professionals, they need access to flexible online programs that can fit their schedules. They may also require that the accelerated program be completed in two years or less to ensure that they are not repeating undergraduate courses they are already trained on and so they can move on to leadership roles in their community.
Methodology
This ranking lists programs that can be completed online within two years. To build the list, an initial pool of 50 schools was researched using the National Center for Education Statistics website and its publicly available College Navigator database. Programs were compared based on factors such as tuition rates, degree completion timelines, and whether programs had accelerated tracks available. Of the 50 programs initially chosen for research, 25 regionally accredited colleges make up this ranking. They are listed below and were chosen based on their in-state graduate tuition rate for the entire early childhood education program.
25. Northern Arizona University
Tuition: $18,270
Northern Arizona University offers practicing teachers the chance to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education that can be completed in two years. The early childhood education program is nationally recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and features optional fieldwork experience to determine eligibility, small class sizes, and a fully online plan of study. Students who take on this degree will be able to choose from three emphasis areas: Early Childhood Continuing Professional, skills for preschool teachers, Early Childhood Leadership, and Early Childhood National Board Certification Teacher Preparation.
All courses for this degree can be found on the school’s learning management system. Undergraduate courses are held asynchronously and synchronously; terms are held in 16-week sessions. Students who take a full course load every term will be eligible for graduation within two years. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam, and a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include Early Childhood Curriculum, Skills on how to support young children, Development of Children’s Logical Concepts, and Parental Involvement in Education, elementary education.
24. Alabama State University
Tuition: $17,430
Students who are interested in an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree will find a home at Alabama State University. This is a 100 percent online degree that has no residency requirements and provides students with a strong foundation in psychology and technology as it relates to the education of young children.
Students will fulfill their online education requirements through the school’s online learning management system, where courses are delivered live during the evenings and on-demand after completing the session. Courses follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students who study full-time will be eligible for graduation in 21 months. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit licensure program and a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include Modern Issues in online Education, Techniques and Skills in Reading, elementary education, and Instructional Strategies for Young Children.
23. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Tuition: $17,100
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana is home to the only accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree in the state. This program is aligned with the guidelines set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is also recognized by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. This degree is available 100 percent online and has no residency requirements. Students will note that the early childhood education program is only available to students with a valid teaching license in their state and successfully completing that exam.
This degree is delivered 100 percent online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are asynchronous or synchronous and are offered in sessions that last 16 weeks. Students can complete this degree in two years and will be expected to fulfill the 30 credit hours of coursework, the practicum experience, the comprehensive written and oral exit exam requirements, and a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include Advanced Child Development, elementary education, practical skills, Curriculum Development for School Improvement, and Instructional Improvement and Assessment.
22. Kansas State University
Tuition: $17,037
The accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Kansas University is a comprehensive study of the field and is best taken by in-service professionals with at least two years of work experience. This degree was designed to be completed 100 percent online and within two years. Students will note that while practicums for this degree are encouraged, they are not required for graduation
This degree’s coursework can be found online via the school’s learning management system. Features of the system include asynchronous and synchronous courses, small class sizes, faculty office hours, and an online bookstore. Students will adhere to the school’s 16-week academic term format and can graduate within two years just by taking two courses every term. This degree’s requirements include 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written exit exam, and a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include Family Studies, Advanced Program Development, early childhood education program, and Research Methods in Family Studies and Human Services.
21. West Chester University
Tuition: $16,500
West Chester University confers an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education that was designed for working professionals who hold valid teaching licenses in this state. The accelerated program has four disciplines students can specialize in; these include Special Education, Teaching and Learning, Literacy, and Educational Technology. Built as a two-year degree with no campus residency requirements, this early childhood education program is best suited for in-service professionals who have a few years of work experience.
Students will fulfill all of their coursework obligations through the regionally accredited colleges virtual portal by taking live and on-demand courses, completing assignments, and taking quizzes. All courses are held in 16-week sessions, making it possible for full-time students to complete this degree in 24 months. This program requires that students complete 33 credit hours of coursework, the Early Childhood Professional as Researcher, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam (successfully completing that exam), and a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include Writing Development and Instruction, Play as a Learning Medium, and Advocating for Young Children and Families.
20. The University of Colorado at Denver
Tuition: $16,140
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that is available from the University of Colorado at Denver is a rigorous plan of study that can be completed in two years. This accelerated program is accredited by the Colorado Department of Education, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Students are offered the chance to earn a teaching license or endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education Specialist Birth to Age Eight fully online as well.
Coursework for this degree is delivered in asynchronous or synchronous sessions that are held in 16-week sessions. Students will also be required to complete a practicum that amounts to 225 clock hours which is completed in their community. The program requires 36 credit hours of coursework, several performance-based assessments, the practicum, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam, and a bachelor’s degree. Students who are interested in learning more about the program and the courses offered are encouraged to speak to a graduate admissions advisor.
19. The University of South Alabama
Tuition: $15,750
The University of South Alabama is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that is found fully online with no residency requirements. This degree can be completed in two years and will lead to Class A Professional Early Childhood Education (P-3) certification. Students will find that all of the courses in this degree are completed online through the use of asynchronous and synchronous sessions.
Terms last for 16 weeks, making it possible for students who complete two courses every term to graduate in two years. Requirements for this degree include 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam, and a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include Trends in Teaching Mathematics, Multicultural Experiences in Schools, and Educational Research and Evaluation.
18. The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Tuition: $15,500
Students who are interested in earning an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree don’t need to look further than the University of Alabama at Birmingham. This school provides all working professionals with a 100 percent online degree that has no residency requirements. Students will note that students pursuing a Class A Certification in Early Childhood Education must hold a teaching license in good standing in their state.
Coursework for this degree is available through the school’s online learning management system and was developed to be offered in either a live or on-demand delivery format. Courses run in 16-week sessions, enabling students who complete two courses every term to graduate in two years. Students will note that this degree requires a practicum that will take place in their community. Other requirements for this degree include 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam, and a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include Studying the Child in School, Curriculum Development in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, and Language Development.
17. Concordia University at Nebraska
Tuition: $15,300
Concordia University at Nebraska confers an accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that is offered 100 percent online and can be completed in two years. This degree conforms to the guidelines administered by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The accelerated program was developed for and by working professionals in the field. Students will complete all of their coursework requirements online through the school’s learning management system.
Courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in eight-week sessions. Students who are in the Fast Track Program can complete the degree in whatever timeline they wish; most complete the degree in 20 months or less. Students will be expected to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, an action research project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam, and a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include The Young Child: Language and Literacy Development, Contemporary Thought in Education, and Early Childhood Program Organization and Management.
16. Liberty University
Tuition: $14,940
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that is available from Liberty University was created to be a fast-track accelerated program that can be completed in 16 months. Students will find that this degree is offered 100 percent online with no residency requirements. This degree is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
This degree is conferred entirely online; students attend lectures and complete assignments through the school’s virtual portal, where courses run in eight-week sessions. Students only need to take one course every term to graduate in two years. This degree requires that students complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project or a practicum, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam, and a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include Learning Theory, Advanced Child Development, and Foundations of Exceptionality.
15. The University of West Alabama
Tuition: $14,586
The University of West Alabama is home to an accelerated online Masters’s in Early Childhood education degree that can make all the difference to a working professionals. This degree is available wholly online with no residency requirements. This degree is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Students will be able to complete all of their degree requirements through the school’s online learning management system through the utilization of asynchronous and synchronous courses.
Terms run for 16 weeks, meaning that students who take three courses every term will be eligible to graduate within two years. This degree will lead to a Class A Professional Educator Certificate to students who already hold a teaching license in good standing in their community. This accelerated program requires that students complete a minimum of 34 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam, and a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include Advanced Education Psychology, Introduction to Special Education, and Counseling Multicultural Populations.
14. Stephen F. Austin State University
Tuition: $14,490
The accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education that can be completed in two years or less when students study full-time. This degree was designed as a 100 percent online course of study with no residency requirements. Students will instead fulfill their coursework obligations through the school’s learning management system through the use of asynchronous and synchronous sessions that run in eight-week sessions.
Most students will complete this degree in two years as a part-time plan of study provided they complete courses in consecutive terms. This degree requires that students complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam, and a bachelor’s degree. More information on this accelerated program and sample course offerings can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office.
13. Western Kentucky University
Tuition: $14,220
Western Kentucky University provides students with an accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that can be completed in two years or less. This degree is a low-residency program; students will need to attend campus based on their actual degree plan needs. Around 80 percent of all coursework required can be completed online through asynchronous and synchronous courses that run in 16-week sessions. Students who complete two courses every term will be able to graduate in two years. This degree requires 36 credit hours, a research project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. More information about this degree and its courses can be found by contacting this department’s admissions office.
12. Clemson University
Tuition: $14,000
The accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that can be found at Clemson University was created specifically for in-service professionals who are interested in completing a graduate degree in 18 months. This program has three specializations: STEAM, Experiential Learning for Early Childhood, or Instructional Learning.
This degree is also ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Students will complete all of their courses online through the school’s learning management system; courses are available in live on on-demand sessions that run in seven-and-a-half week terms. Students who take one course per term will graduate in 18 months. This degree requires that students complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Curriculum Theory, Contemporary Issues in Assessment, early childhood education programs, and Classroom-Based Research.
11. The University of Mississippi
Tuition: $13,950
The University of Mississippi confers an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that can be completed 100 percent online and in two years. This degree comes with the option for licensed educators to earn a Pre-K license endorsement from the state of Mississippi. All students will take their courses online through the school’s virtual portal where asynchronous and synchronous sessions run for 16 weeks.
Students who complete two courses every term will graduate in two years. Requirements for this degree include 30 credit hours of coursework, a research project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. More information on this degree can be found by contacting the school’s admission office.
10. Kennesaw State University
Tuition: $13,788
Individuals interested in earning an accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree in just 13 months will be happy with the offering from Kennesaw State University. This degree was built for certified teachers who have a license in good standing with their state. Students will be able to earn several endorsements, include Online Teaching, Gifted, and ESOL.
The curriculum is conferred 100 percent online through the school’s learning management system where courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously for the convenience of students. Students who complete two courses each term, including the summer term, will be eligible for graduation in two years. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, an action research project, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. Students who are interested in learning more about this degree are invited to speak to a graduate admissions advisor.
9. California State University at Fullerton
Tuition: $13,130
California State University at Fullerton provides students with an accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that can be completed in two years. This degree was built for working professionals; students will be required to show evidence of a teaching license in good standing prior to acceptance into the program. This is a 100 percent online curriculum; students will take asynchronous and synchronous courses online through the school’s virtual portal.
Terms run in 16-week sessions, making it possible for students to graduate in two years with full-time study. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a culminating experience of the student’s choice, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Survey of Educational Research, Curriculum Theory and Development, early childhood education programs, and Learning Theory for Classroom Use.
8. Concordia University at St. Paul
Tuition: $13,035
Students who study at Concordia University at St. Paul will find an exceptional accelerated online master’s in early childhood education degree that was designed to be earned by working adults in two years or less. This degree is offered wholly online; there are no residency requirements. Students will take all of their courses through the school’s learning management system, where the delivery formats include asynchronous and synchronous sessions.
Terms last just seven weeks, making it possible for a student who takes two courses every term to graduate in one year. Requirements for this degree include 33 credit hours of coursework, the Conducting Research and Completing the Capstone course, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. Sample courses include Language Development and Emergent Literacy, Skills for elementary school teachers, early childhood education programs, Effective Research Writing, and Educational Research and Applications.
7. The University of Missouri
Tuition: $13,001
The University of Missouri confers an accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that can be completed in just two years. This accelerated degree program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Students will complete this program as a wholly online course of study; there are no residency requirements and all coursework is completed online through the school’s virtual portal.
All courses are delivered either asynchronously or synchronously in 16-week sessions. Students will be required to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, meaning they can graduate in two years, as well as a research project, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam that warrants professional recognition. Sample courses include Introduction and Methods of Early Intervention, Research with Exceptional Children, and Young Children with Autism.
6. Jacksonville State University
Tuition: $12,988
Students at Jacksonville State University are offered a chance to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that can lead to an Alabama Class A Teacher certification. Students will complete this 100 percent online degree in two years or less by fulfilling their coursework obligations online through the school’s virtual portal. All courses are delivered in either the asynchronous or synchronous delivery format and in 16-week sessions. Students who pursue this accelerated degree program can expect to complete a minimum of 34 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, a research project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Materials and Methods, Research in Education, and Survey of Exceptional Children and Youth.
5. Ball State University
Tuition: $12,300
Ball State University confers an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that can be completed in just two years. The accelerated degree program comes with a variety of focus areas, including Gifted and Talented Education, Middle School Education, or Human Development and Learning. The program is offered 100 percent online with the exception of the program’s required practicum, which takes place in a student’s community. All other coursework is completed through the school’s learning management system through asynchronous and synchronous courses that follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students can expect to complete 27 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Early Literacy Development, Play and Creativity in Early Childhood, and Infant and Toddler Education.
4. The University of West Georgia
Tuition: $11,847
The online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree available from the University of West Georgia was created specifically for working teachers who are interested in specializing in this area. The degree is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This degree was built as a 100 percent online course of study; there are no residency requirements. All asynchronous and synchronous courses are delivered through the school’s virtual portal, where sessions last 16 weeks long. Students who take three courses every term will graduate within two years. The accelerated degree program requires that students complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, a capstone project, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. Sample courses include Literature for the Young Child, Investigating Language Arts, and Writing Across the Curriculum.
3. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Tuition: $11,145
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro confers an accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree that is offered to working professionals who are interested in graduating with a diploma in two years or less. This is a 100 percent online degree that focuses on the administrative and managerial aspects of the field. Financial aid is available to those who need it.
This degree is offered solely through the school’s online learning management system and utilizes synchronous courses that meet in the evenings for the convenience of students. This degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Students who are interested in learning more about this degree are encouraged to speak to an admissions advisor.
2. Albany State University
Tuition: $10,800
Students who require a one-year Master’s in Early Childhood Education online degree will be happy with the offering from Albany State University. This is a 100 percent online degree that was created for working educators who have a teaching license in good standing. Students will complete the majority of their degree requirements online through asynchronous and synchronous courses that are set in eight-week sessions; the practicum the master’s degree requires must be completed in a student’s community. Financial aid is available to those who need it.
Requirements for this degree include 30 credit hours of coursework and a thesis or capstone portfolio. Sample courses include Documenting Young Children’s Learning and Development, Teaching and Assessment, and Technology as a Tool for Teaching.
1. Arkansas State University
Tuition: $9,188
Arkansas State University has created an accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education that was created specifically for professionals seeking T-5 Certification in Early Childhood Education. This is a 100 percent online accelerated degree program that has no residency requirements. All courses are offered online through the school’s virtual portal; delivery formats include asynchronous and synchronous classes. Financial aid is available to those who need it.
Students will complete all of their courses on the traditional 16-week academic term format. Requirements for this master’s degree include 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood Education, Science Experiences for Young Children, and Introduction to Theory and Pedagogy in Reading.
What are the Career Options for an Accelerated Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education Degree?
- Teaching Assistant
- Early Childhood Education Specialist
- Nursery Center Director
- Health Play Specialist
- Preschool Administrator
- Director of Educational Programming for Private Schools
- Social Worker
- Speech Therapist
- Language Therapist
- Learning Mentor
- Primary School Teacher
- Family Support Worker
- Special Education Needs Teacher
- Community Development Worker
- Child and Adolescent Psychologist
- preschool teacher
- Elementary school teachers
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
The median salary for professionals in this field is $57, 730. The range for the field is from $35,000 to $100,000. The range accounts for positions in both the private and public sector, opportunities abroad, and for positions that range from pre-K to postsecondary education posts. It does not account for additional forms of compensation, such as bonuses, which are common in the private school field.
What are the Various Disciplines of Early Childhood Education?
Early childhood education is a field that is described as being a combination of education, psychology, sociology, and development. It pertains to the first eight years of a person’s life and is often considered to be the most formative. Good early childhood education provides a solid foundation that prepare students for success throughout school. This means that the field is broad in terms of the disciplines that inform it.
Professionals in the field are taught how to teach and so the first and most important discipline is education. This is followed closely by psychology and sociology, which teach the child a sense of self as well as how to interact with others. Language and cognitive skills are also necessary for the field as this is the time in a person’s life when they begin to use language to communicate with those around them. Culture is also a necessary discipline as America becomes more diverse and culture, as well as religion, play a large role in a person’s life.
Early childhood education is seen as a specialization within the education field, but some professionals choose their own cognate area. One popular option is that of special education, which is a concern as it pertains to young children who are beginning their school-age years. Another specialization is curriculum and instruction and prepares professionals to design and implement curriculums in schools.
Professionals in early childhood education know how important the field is in society. Not only do young children learn how to associate with others and begin their education, it is also a time to ensure their development is right on track. Many professionals contribute to the field without a graduate degree, but it is best to consider it as a natural step in the process of becoming an educator. There so many working professionals who have an undergraduate degree, high school diploma, or associate’s degree in need of great programs. This ranking of accelerated online Master’s in Early Childhood Education degrees serves as the first step into a career that will touch the lives of hundreds of children. Onward to doctoral programs!
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