The Takeaway for Students:
- Early childhood education is here to stay, with preschools and head start programs expanding
- A master’s degree is the key to higher positions in early childhood education, such as administration, policy, and curriculum development
- Higher-level roles mean higher pay for early childhood educators
Being a teacher for the youngest of us extends a dream of the future that is met with hope and innovation. It’s also hard. And the pay is low. A master’s in early childhood education online is the perfect choice for educators who want to move up the ranks in responsibility and pay.
A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education can get you a stable career, but a master’s will take it to the next level. An online program offers the flexibility to continue working while earning a degree. The degree itself will open doors to leadership roles in the field of early childhood education. Many of these programs let students sculpt their own degree focus. Specializing can lead you towards special education, early childhood administration, and many other possibilities.
| Rank | School | Cost | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Arizona State University | $10,170 | 74.8 |
| 2. | Clemson University | $23,372 | 71.3 |
| 3. | Northwestern College | $6,300 | N/A |
| 4. | University of Mississippi | $26,820 | 49.1 |
| 5. | Ball State University | $27,126 | 46.1 |
| 6. | Arkansas State University | $11,970 | N/A |
| 7. | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | $19,505 | 54.7 |
| 8. | University of North Dakota | $17,944 | N/A |
| 9. | University of Missouri | $30,000 | 66.7 |
| 10. | Martin Luther College | $5,940 | N/A |
Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Early Childhood Education Master’s
For our rankings of online programs, we consider core questions:
- Is the program accredited?
- Is the program available online?
- Is the program fully online?
- Is the program flexible?
From those basic requirements, we consider two other factors:
- Affordability (according to NCES data)
- Reputation (according to Consensus Score)
Arizona State University offers a fully Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. This program offers a flexibility that makes it easy to fit studying into your regular life commitments. The program prepared students for licensure and certification in Arizona, but may not meet requirements for other states.
All of the classes are delivered online. The entire program includes 11 classes and each class lasts seven and a half weeks. Students will learn advanced skills related to working with young people ages birth to eight years old. Some of the required courses include:
- Foundations of Early Childhood Education
- Appropriate Instructional Methodologies
- Emergent Literacy
- Integrated Literacy for Young Learners
What the Experts Say:
College Consensus scores ASU 80.2 all around, but sources like Washington Monthly score even higher.
What Students Say:
A Student Consensus of 80.2 shows an overwhelming level of satisfaction for students.
What the Data Says:
Average tuition: $12,844 in-state, $22,816 out-of-state
Length of Program: 18-36 months
Credits: 30
If you are currently working as an educator for grades K-12, Clemson University might be the perfect master’s in early childhood education online program for you. It is delivered entirely online, meaning you can participate from anywhere. The degree title is MEd in Teaching and Learning, Experiential Learning for Early Childhood. As noted in the degree name, this program expressly relates to students who are currently teaching to a room full of children, and this scenario is imperative to your success in the program. Your current position will act as the fieldwork component of the coursework.
Clemson takes online learning seriously, and offers the most up-to-date technological experience. All of the classes are delivered asynchronously, meaning students can log in and participate when it is convenient for them. They Utilize the CANVAS learning platform, where students will engage with their cohort and faculty members as well as participate in all of the facets of their coursework.
What the Experts Say:
College Consensus gives Clemson a respectable 71.3 based on our aggregate system.
What Students Say:
A 100 score from U.S. News bumps Clemson’s Student Consensus to 83.8.
What the Data Says:
Tuition: 10,858 In-state, 22,566 Out-of-state
Length of Program: 18 months
Credits: 30
Total Grad Students: 5443
Northwestern College offers a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education Online. Students in the program will learn how to take their early childhood education career to the next level in an effort to advance their teaching practice or move up the ladder in their careers. Many graduates move on to become administrators for early childhood education, specialists, or consultants.
The classes are incredibly flexible, allowing students to login when it is convenient for them. Each class consists of an 8-week period. Students are eligible to apply for the TEACH grant, which is directed towards master’s degree students who will commit to teaching in low-income and high-needs learning environments after graduation. With an extra semester where student teaching is the focus, students can achieve an Early Childhood Master’s in Education Endorsement.
What the Experts Say:
Northwestern College does not have a Consensus score, but U.S. News rates it 83.6 among regional colleges.
What Students Say:
On Unigo, students give Northwestern 90.8.
What the Data Says:
Tuition: $6300
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 40
The School of Education at the University of Mississippi offers an Online Masters of Education Program in Early Childhood Education. Many students in this program hold a teaching license, and are interested in enhancing their skills while acquiring a license endorsement in Pre-K. This is specifically for teaching in the state of Mississippi. There are scholarship opportunities available for this masters option through the Graduate Studies Office.
Ole Miss uses an asynchronous format to make the program more flexible for working teachers. The coursework is designed to seamlessly fit into the lives of the students. All students will have access to comprehensive advising. Students are admitted in fall, spring, and summer.
What the Experts Say:
Ole Miss has a Consensus score of 49.1.
What Students Say:
Students are largely satisfied with Ole Miss, with a Student Consensus of 81.3.
What the Data Says:
Tuition: $8,718 In-state, $24,990 Out-of-state
Length of Program: Less than 2 years
Credits: 30
Total Grad Students: 3,033
Ball State University offers a master’s in early childhood education online. This program is known for being remarkably customizable to meet the needs of students already working in the field of early childhood education. Many students choose to focus on something they are passionate about including topics such as:
- reading/ literacy instruction
- autism
- gifted and talented education
- human development and learning
- middle school education
- education technology for teachers
Students may also choose to apply for a graduate certificate. The master’s degree program, however, does not lead to a licensure without further education. Ball State ensures their online students that they will receive the exact same education as traditional on-campus students, including the same faculty and learning resources. There is even an online orientation and access to a technology helpdesk and store.
What the Experts Say:
Ball State has a Consensus score of 46.1.
What Students Say:
A 76.2 Student Consensus shows that students are satisfied with Ball State.
What the Data Says:
Tuition: $23,348 Out-of-state
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 30
Total Grad Students: 5817
Arkansas State University offers an Online Masters in Science degree in Early Childhood Services. This program offers courses in teacher education and best administrative practices. Students will gain in-depth understanding of child development. They also learn the most up to date intervention strategies and influences. Students will have opportunities to form relationships with communities and families that are collaborative and supportive.
ASU has one of the more accelerated options, as the degree can be completed in as little as 12 months. A thesis capstone portfolio is required instead of taking written comprehensive exams. The program utilizes something called Live Text for technical support, meaning students must have a texting plan on their phone and high-speed internet to participate.
What the Experts Say:
Arkansas State does not have a Consensus Score.
What Students Say:
Students are very satisfied with ASU, giving them a 78.8 Student Consensus.
What the Data Says:
Tuition: $4,986 In-state, $9,972 Out-of-state
Length of Program: 12 months
Credits: 30
Total Grad Students: 3,818
The University of North Carolina Greensboro offers a Master’s degree in Education. The full title is Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development. The program partners Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the Department of Specialized Education Services. There are two concentrations, including Early Childhood and Advanced Teaching Licensure as well as Early Childhood Leadership and Program Administration.
The coursework emphasizes leadership, specifically in diverse environments. Students learn frameworks for community-based and traditional classroom learning. There is also a focus on working with students with learning differences and disabilities. Participants will also learn how to work with students ages birth to five years old as well as their families. The classes are delivered in a synchronous format, meaning there are specific class times that students must adhere to.
What the Experts Say:
UNCG scores 54.7 Consensus Score.
What Students Say:
Students are quite satisfied with UNCG, leading to a 74.4 Student Consensus.
What the Data Says:
Tuition: $7,953 In-state, $21,671 Out-of-state
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 37
The University of North Dakota offers an MS in early childhood education online. This course of study brings together research, theory, and practical experience to give students a well rounded education in the field. This advanced degree path is not intended for students who need a license. Those who want a foundation in best practices for working with young people ages birth to eight are welcome.
Students will gain skills that will give them the tools to work in diverse educational environments. The program centers the needs of the child in the context of family, culture and community. University of North Dakota has a partnership with the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership that extends an opportunity to achieve an Aim4Excellence online national director credential specifically for Early Childhood Administrators.
What the Experts Say:
UND does not have a Consensus Score but is highly ranked among regional universities.
What Students Say:
Students gives UND a 74.2 Student Consensus score.
What the Data Says:
Tuition: $17,944 Out-of-state
Length of program: 2+ years
Credits: MS in Early Childhood Education
Total Grad Students: 3,459
9
University of Missouri-Mizzou
The University of Missouri’s Online Program offers an Early Childhood Education Masters in Education degree program. This fully online program emphasizes learning, teaching, and curriculum development. It also offers a lot of skills associated with the teaching discipline for students with special needs, including behavioral issues and learning differences.
The classes are delivered on a semester schedule, and generally students complete up to two classes per semester. Most students complete the program in two years. Perfect candidates for this course of study include:
- early childhood practitioners
- child care center staff workers
- head start teachers
- kindergarten or primary school teachers
- preschool teachers
One of the benefits of the online learning component of this program is the fact no matter where they live, online learners receive in-state tuition.
What the Experts Say:
College Consensus scores Mizzou at 66.7 overall.
What Students Say:
Mizzou earns a 79.2 Student Consensus score, but U.S. News reviews give them 90.
What the Data Says:
Tuition: $16,854
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 30
Total Grad Students: 6,116
Martin Luther College offers a Masters of Science degree program in Education Administration-Early Childhood Director that is delivered entirely online. This program is designed for students who are interested in leadership and director roles. Some of the classes include: servant leadership, communications, planning, vision, management, school safety and budgeting. There are also a variety of classes that involve topics such as child development, legal requirements that specifically pertain to young children, curriculum for early childhood education and more. Both one and three-credit courses are offered in the summer.
Martin Luther King College is a Lutheran school, and faith is reflected in the coursework of all of their programs. Their foundation is run by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
What the Experts Say:
Martin Luther College does not have a Consensus score.
What Students Say:
Unigo users rate MLC as 88.9 for student satisfaction.
What the Data Says:
Tuition: $5,940
Length of Program: 2-3 years
Credits: 36
Total Grad Students: 83
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Early Childhood Education?
There are many master’s in early childhood education jobs that anchor the discipline from a leadership perspective. Some professionals choose to get a master’s degree in the field because they want to deepen their teaching practice and open more doors as classroom educators. Others want to take on positions such as:
- preschool directors
- curriculum developers
- policy advocates
- learning center directors
Someone leading in a preschool environment has to be up to date with the currents in the field. They will have to be the ones, in most cases, to communicate with families about complex issues related to their children and make decisions that impact the entire student body and their families. Many times those who hold this degree wear many hats, because early childhood education demands a lot of adaptability.
How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Early Childhood Education?
The projected masters in early childhood education salary is around $48,000, though a director of a childcare center earns in the range of $53,000. The high-end salary from a master’s degree in early childhood education is $78,000 for the role of a human resources manager. You can see that the early childhood education salary with masters gives a significant boost from the $36,000 projected salary for associate degree holders in the same field.
Clearly, there is long-term financial payoff for advancement in the field. Though with higher pay, clearly comes more responsibility. The more of a leadership role you take on, the higher the pay potential.
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Child Care Services | $ 28.44 | $ 59,160 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | $ 37.42 | $ 77,840 |
| Individual and Family Services | $ 32.31 | $ 67,210 |
| Religious Organizations | $ 29.78 | $ 61,940 |
| Civic and Social Organizations | $ 30.92 | $ 64,320 |
Can I Specialize in Special Education for Early Childhood?
Absolutely. There are so many places you can go with a specialization in early childhood education. In fact, an online masters degree in early childhood special education is one of the most common avenues to take in this regard.
- Special education
- Diversity and inclusion
- Literacy specialist
- English as a second language
- Leadership and administration
- Autism
- Speech/language pathology
There are so many opportunities to engage in a path that supports young people with learning differences that include a variety of disabilities. Those who pick this discipline might be required to participate in a fieldwork experience that might be as long as a semester or even a year where they engage in leadership roles with students who have special needs. Many times coursework in this particular discipline includes a framework for collaborating with families and communities, as such collaboration is a skill paramount to serving this population in particular. A degree in speech therapy can also be a road to special education.
There are often additional required credits to choose a specialization, but the extra coursework allows you to personalize your degree. Adding a specialty will make you even more marketable and ultimately more in demand. Adding a specialization can also make it easier to qualify for niche financial aid opportunities in that particular discipline.
Related Resources:
10 Best Online Educational Leadership Ed.D.
25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Special Education
Top Online Degree Programs
25 Highest-Paying Alternative Careers for Teachers
