A masters in early childhood education can prepare you for a rewarding career working with young children during their most critical developmental years As an early childhood education professional, you’ll get to help nurture children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth while also providing support and resources for their families
But not all masters in early childhood education programs are created equal. With so many online and on-campus options to choose from, it can be challenging to find the ideal fit for your goals and needs. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to pick the best masters in early childhood education program for you.
Why Earn a Masters in Early Childhood Education?
There are several key reasons why pursuing a masters in early childhood education can benefit both your career and the young children you work with:
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Gain advanced knowledge of child development and early learning A quality masters program will provide cutting-edge training in early childhood development curriculum design assessment techniques, and evidence-based teaching practices for children from birth through age 8.
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Elevate your expertise and credentials: Earning a masters degree allows you to command higher salaries and qualify for leadership roles such as preschool director, curriculum specialist, early intervention professional, and more. Many states require a masters for their highest teaching certifications as well.
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Make a greater impact: With the advanced skills gained through a masters program, you’ll be able to more effectively nurture each child’s growth and promote positive development right from the start.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Program
Selecting the right masters in early childhood education program requires careful consideration of several factors:
Accreditation Status
Always make sure any program you consider holds regional accreditation as well as accreditation specifically for early childhood teacher preparation programs. Key accreditations to look for include CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) and NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditation. Accredited programs have met strict quality standards.
Curriculum Focus
Look for a program that emphasizes hands-on learning, evidence-based teaching practices, understanding of developmental stages, and real-world classroom experience through student teaching or practicums. Coursework should cover areas like child development, curriculum design, assessment, working with diverse families, and early childhood special education.
Student Outcomes
Investigate the program’s graduation rate, licensing exam pass rate, graduate career outcomes, and other metrics of student success. High outcomes indicate an effective, high-quality program.
Faculty Expertise
The best masters programs employ faculty who are active researchers and experts in their field. Look for professors with extensive classroom teaching experience in early childhood settings.
Cost and Financial Aid Options
Compare total program costs as well as availability of financial aid such as scholarships, grants, and graduate assistantships. In-state public university programs tend to offer the most affordable tuition rates.
Delivery Format
Determine whether you prefer a fully online or hybrid/blended format versus a traditional on-campus program. Online early childhood masters allow for greater scheduling flexibility but may require some in-person practicum hours.
Program Reputation and Rankings
While rankings aren’t everything, a highly ranked program can signal quality and value. Consult respected sources like U.S. News & World Report’s education program rankings.
Choosing Between Online vs On-Campus Programs
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to pursue an online or on-campus masters in early childhood education. Here’s an overview of the key differences:
Online Early Childhood Masters Programs
- Offer flexibility to more easily balance school, work, and family obligations
- Allow you to maintain your current job and income while earning your degree
- Provide access to education for those unable to relocate to a campus
- Require strong independent learning skills and discipline to keep up
- May offer reduced tuition rates compared to on-campus
- Limit in-person interaction and networking opportunities
On-Campus Early Childhood Masters Programs
- Provide immersive, collaborative learning environment
- Offer access to campus resources like labs, child development centers, and libraries
- Enable in-person networking with professors and peers
- Require relocating or commuting to campus for classes and practicums
- Tend to cost more in terms of tuition, fees, and living expenses
- Constraints of set class schedules and commute times
Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option depending on your personal situation and needs. If you have in-person practicum requirements, see if your online program partners with local schools or education centers to complete those hours.
Top Masters in Early Childhood Education Programs
To give you a head start on your search, here are a few of the top-rated masters in early childhood education programs to consider:
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Arizona State University: ASU offers an affordable online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education through its highly ranked Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. The program emphasizes inclusion, family collaboration, and practical experience.
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University of Cincinnati: UC’s on-campus masters features an innovative STEM-focused curriculum, with concentrations available including leadership, play studies, and movement science.
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Erikson Institute: This prestigious Chicago institute provides a unique interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education masters exploring child development and real-world teaching applications.
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Bank Street Graduate School of Education: Bank Street is dedicated solely to early childhood and elementary education, with a progressive learner-centered approach. Its NYC campus location provides urban field experience.
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Vanderbilt University: Vanderbilt’s Peabody College offers a top-ranked on-campus Masters of Education with both thesis and non-thesis options available.
Application Requirements to Keep in Mind
Once you’ve selected potential schools, make sure to allow plenty of time to submit all required application materials, which typically include:
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Transcripts: Official transcripts from your bachelor’s degree and any other college coursework
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Letters of recommendation: Usually 2-3 letters from professors or employers
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Resume/CV: Highlighting relevant classroom teaching or childcare experience
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Personal statement: Explaining your background, interests in the field, and goals
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GRE or MAT scores: Some programs require Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test scores
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Application fee: Ranges from $25-$100+ depending on the school
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Teaching certificate: Required for some masters leading to initial certification
Meeting all deadlines and requirements demonstrates your organization skills and commitment to the program. Make sure to apply early as competition can be stiff for top-ranked schools.
Finding Financial Aid for Your Masters in Early Childhood Education
Pursuing a masters degree represents a significant financial investment. Luckily, many funding options exist to help make a quality early childhood education more affordable:
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Scholarships and grants specifically for early childhood educators: Many professional organizations like NAECTE offer scholarships or grants for masters students.
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Employer tuition reimbursement programs: Some childcare centers and preschools offer tuition benefits for furthering your education.
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Graduate assistantships: These provide a tuition waiver and stipend in exchange for teaching, research or admin support.
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Federal student loans and work-study: Low-interest graduate loans and work-study opportunities allow you to cover any remaining costs.
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TEACH Grants: If you agree to teach in a high-need school after graduating, you may qualify for up to $4,000 a year in grant funding.
Reaching out to your potential graduate schools’ financial aid offices can uncover even more options to help fund your early childhood masters degree.
Next Steps to Earning Your Masters in Early Childhood Education
An investment in a quality masters program will provide long-lasting rewards for both your career and the young children whose lives you’ll impact. By researching programs carefully and applying smartly, you’ll be on your way to furthering your expertise as an early childhood educator and leader.
Meet Your Academic Team Meet Your Academic Team
Martha Cheney Martha Cheney is the program director for early childhood programs at all degree levels in The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University. Before assuming this role, she taught courses in Walden’s MS in Education program and in the School of Education at the University of Montana-Missoula. Dr. Cheney began her career as a writer in educational publishing and has taught preschool as well as primary grades. She serves as a specialty professional association (SPA) program reviewer for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and as a site visitor for the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Michele Lucia Core Faculty Michele Lucia is Core Faculty for the MS Early Childhood Studies, BS Child Development and BS Early Childhood Studies programs in The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University. Dr. Lucia holds degrees from Cornell University and Vanderbilt University, and has a diverse and rich professional background that includes time spent as a childcare center director, educational consultant, Montessori teacher, and children’s photographer. She has taught students of all ages, both in person and online, and published and presented on a number of topics related to early childhood education. Dr. Lucia joined Walden University in 2008, and has worked as a contributing faculty member and faculty lead, participated in the development of courses and improvement of several programs, and served as an active member of various university committees.
Walden is so much more than an online university; it is a university that cares about your success as a person. Seletha Tucker
I love Walden for the education and support I have received from every instructor. Jay Rodriguez
If I talk to others who are looking to pursue their degree, I always talk to them about Walden and online learning. Teri Peasley
Master the Mechanics of Teaching and Learning
In Walden’s master’s in early childhood education program, you’ll explore how children’s brains develop and how early experiences affect learning and social emotional development. Gain strategies to advocate for the infusion of play and creativity into early childhood teaching and learning. Apply your skills to case studies and virtual experiences in varied areas of expertise, from infants and toddlers to children in grades P–3.
What can I do with an Associates Degree in Early childhood Education?
What can I do with a degree in early childhood education?
Program graduates leave with the skills needed to apply knowledge and critical thinking into practice while working in the education field. This program is ideal for students: Interested in learning about early childhood education research and working with infants and children in grades K-3.
What is a Master’s in early childhood education?
A master’s in early childhood education equips you with advanced teaching and assessment strategies, along with the expertise and skills to develop effective learning resources for children.
How many credits does an early childhood education master’s program take?
Most early childhood education master’s programs require 30-36 credits, so students need to complete 15-18 credits per year to finish the degree in two years. These credits are typically divided into fall and spring semesters only, though some programs include additional semesters.
Do Online Master’s in early childhood education programs cost a lot?
In-state students enrolled in public colleges tend to pay the lowest tuition. However, many online master’s in early childhood education programs do not charge nonresident fees. Private schools generally charge the highest rates. Learn more about true online program costs and how these costs compare to on-campus programs.
