Online Graduate Programs in Early Childhood Education
Graduate Program Programs in Early Childhood Education are designed to boost students' skills in the field and move them ahead in their careers. Starting with foundational courses in Education, most programs then move into a specialization in Early Childhood Education.
Prepare for a rewarding career teaching children.
Good teachers are always in demand. As such, despite the lower enrollment in elementary, middle, and secondary schools, the need for qualified teachers at all levels will continue over the next decade. However, potential teachers with specialized degrees will have more options and opportunities for advancement.
To request more information on specific degree requirements, tuition costs, and financial aid, please select one of the schools listed below.
Students in Graduate Program programs can expect to graduate and move into Early Childhood Education careers within 1 to 4 years.
If you are interested in earning a Graduate Program in Early Childhood Education, find the Graduate Program that best fits you..
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Early Childhood Education programs
University of Phoenix
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M.A. in Education/Early Childhood Education
The Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education degree is for educators seeking knowledge and expertise in the field of early childhood development and teaching. The curriculum includes instructional strategies and teaching methodologies, theories of early childhood growth and development, and the impact of family and cultural diversity on early childhood. Each student/applicant is responsible for checking with his or her state Department of Education and/or school district to determine specific credentialing requirements. Prospective candidates should hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
Ashford University

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MA/Education - Child Development
Tailor your teaching to children at all levels by earning your Master of Arts in Education online with a specialization in Child Development from Ashford University. Focus your education degree with the Child Development specialization that will build awareness and understanding of the natural milestones in child development. This specialization allows you to examine developmentally appropriate methods for teaching young children. You will learn to establish partnerships with families and communities, customize instruction for specific learners, and identify developmental levels in education. If you are committed to a career involving education, then the Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Child Development from Ashford University is for you. Make an impact on our nation's schools with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree.
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MA/Education - Early Childhood Education
Choose the Early Childhood Education specialization for your Master of Arts in Education earned online from Ashford University to become an expert in child development. In this specialization, you will strengthen your skills as an educator for young people. The Early Childhood Education specialization covers language acquisition, classroom management, and the impact of families and communities on schools. You will learn to design primary-school curricula, deliver differentiated instruction to children, and collaborate with parents and communities. If you are committed to a career involving education, this program from Ashford University is for you. Make an impact on our nation's schools with the expertise that derives from an advanced degree.
Walden University

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Master of Science (M.S.) in Early Childhood Studies - Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field
Gain the knowledge and leadership skills needed to prepare you for the expanding opportunities in the early childhood field. Deepen your understanding of child development and learning and study effective programs and practices. Critically examine issues, trends, and current research to create and sustain enriching programs and practices. Develop the practical strategies and tools required to plan curriculum and to create caring and respectful learning environments. Broaden your knowledge of issues related to equity and inclusion and learn to address inequities and advocate for children and families.
Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field
Explore the major theories of adult learning and motivation to prepare you for your role as a higher education faculty member, community trainer, technical assistance provider, mentor, or professional development facilitator. Explore how to plan learning experiences, assess and modify instruction, and incorporate technology into instruction geared to adult learners.
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Ph.D. in Education - Early Childhood and Primary Education - Mixed-Model
The Ph.D. in Education online degree program produces leaders who can address the nation's most pressing educational challenges. Each online degree specialization is designed to meet both your professional interests and the needs of your school district, college or university. This graduate degree is ideal if you are already a teacher, and your career goals include becoming a superintendent, faculty member at a university or community college, teacher or administrator. The program offers you three ways to learn—a course-based format, a KAM-based format, or a mixed-model format—depending on the specialization you choose.
Specializations (in addition to the General Program)
li>Adult Education Leadership
- Community College Leadership
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Technology
- Global and Comparative Education
- Higher Education
- K–12 Educational Leadership
- Leadership, Policy, and Change
- Learning, Instruction, and Innovation
- Self-Designed
- Special Education
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Master of Science (M.S.) in Early Childhood Studies - Administration, Management, and Leadership
Gain the knowledge and leadership skills needed to prepare you for the expanding opportunities in the early childhood field. Deepen your understanding of child development and learning and study effective programs and practices. Critically examine issues, trends, and current research to create and sustain enriching programs and practices. Develop the practical strategies and tools required to plan curriculum and to create caring and respectful learning environments. Broaden your knowledge of issues related to equity and inclusion and learn to address inequities and advocate for children and families.
Specializations
- Administration, Management and Leadership
- Early Childhood Public Policy & Advocacy
- Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field
- Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education
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Master of Science (M.S.) in Early Childhood Studies - Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy
Gain the knowledge and leadership skills needed to prepare you for the expanding opportunities in the early childhood field. Deepen your understanding of child development and learning and study effective programs and practices. Critically examine issues, trends, and current research to create and sustain enriching programs and practices. Develop the practical strategies and tools required to plan curriculum and to create caring and respectful learning environments. Broaden your knowledge of issues related to equity and inclusion and learn to address inequities and advocate for children and families.
Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy
Examine the complexities of the infrastructure of the early childhood field from local, state, national, and international perspectives. Study family and political advocacy and learn about the power and specifics of grant writing, communication plans, and effective public policies and advocacy initiatives.
Grand Canyon University

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M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (Non-IR)
The Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation) is a program for students seeking knowledge and expertise in the field of early childhood development and teaching. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards form the foundation of this program. The curriculum includes instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, theories of early childhood growth and development, and the impact of family and cultural diversity on early childhood.Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
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M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (With IR and Cert.)
Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (Leads to Credential).An increasing emphasis on early childhood education programs, and a general movement toward universal preschool education, will increase the importance of and demand for teachers with expertise in this critical area of teaching and development. This next-level degree program is designed for teaching professionals seeking advanced expertise and skills in the field of early childhood development and teaching.Courses cover the foundations, theories and current practices in early childhood education. The curriculum also focuses the instructional methodologies for teaching young children, with specific emphasis on language, math, science, social studies and the arts. In addition, the impact of influences, such as health, safety, nutrition, fitness, family and culture, are all explored.The degree program has embedded practicum experiences throughout the coursework, requires a student teaching component, and, upon approval, will lead to a teaching credential in Arizona.Graduates of this program will have the expertise and skills needed to facilitate and improve the development and education of young children from birth to Grade 3.Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
Northcentral University

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CAGS-Ed./Early Childhood Education
Earning a Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies in Early Childhood Education teacher's instructions to enhance their professional competencies, improve their instructional practices, and expand their professional awareness to become more effective instructors with greater learning outcomes for their students. In this specialization, educators will learn to assess educational potential, create instructional programs, direct and coordinate learning activities, and manage early childhood classrooms. Prospective students should hold a master's degree prior to enrolling in this 18-credit hour program that can also transfer directly into a doctoral program at NCU.
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Ed.D./Early Childhood Education
The Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education program allows learners to explore a broad spectrum of topics from growth and development, childhood literature, program administration, curriculum and assessment, and stakeholder partnerships. The specialization is designed with an emphasis on the development of skills in scientific inquiry and leadership. Learners enrolled in this program will develop an understanding of theory related to the study of education in early childhood. Learners will apply research findings in an informed manner and conduct applied research and program evaluation.
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M.Ed./Early Childhood Education
This program is tailored for Master's degree learners who desire to model, coach, and guide young children through the first years of life when social, physical, cognitive, and emotional development occur. Skilled educators create an environment that serves as a foundation for a Child's health and well being. In this specialization, educators will learn to assess educational potential, create instructional programs, direct and coordinate learning activities, and manage early childhood classrooms.
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Ph.D.Ed/Early Childhood Education
Our Ph.D. in Education/Early Childhood Education degree program is designed to address the ever-changing and emerging issues within the context of educational settings so candidates will develop an understanding of theory related to the study of education in early childhood. The program allows learners to explore a broad spectrum of topics from growth and development, childhood literature, program administration, curriculum and assessment, and stakeholder partnerships, and apply research findings in an informed manner. Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
Campus-based Schools with Early Childhood Education programs

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Central Florida Campus - Maitland, FL
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Colorado Campus - Lone Tree, CO
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Cypress Creek Learning Center - Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Daytona Learning Center - Daytona Beach, FL
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East Jacksonville Learning Center - Jacksonville, FL
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East Orlando Learning Center - Orlando, FL
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Escorial Learning Center - Carolina, PR
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Hillsboro Learning Center - Hillsboro, OR
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Mesa Learning Center - Mesa, AZ
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Miami Learning Center - Miami, FL
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Miramar Learning Center - Miramar, FL
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North Florida Campus - Jacksonville, FL
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Oregon Campus - Tigard, OR
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Palm Beach Gardens Learning Center - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
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Puerto Rico Campus - Guaynabo, PR
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River Road Learning Center - Tucson, AZ
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Salem Learning Center - Salem, OR
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Sarasota Learning Center - Sarasota, FL
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South Florida Campus - Plantation, FL
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South Orlando Learning Center - Orlando, FL
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Southern Arizona Campus - Tucson, AZ
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St. Petersburg/Clearwater Learning Center - Clearwater, FL
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Turnpike Learning Center - Westminster, CO
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West Florida Campus - Temple Terrace, FL
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West Valley Learning Center - Phoenix, AZ
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Westshore Learning Center - Tampa, FL