Top Online Early Childhood Education (ECE) Degrees in 2023

Online early childhood education programs give students the skills and tools needed to effectively plan for and lead classes for young children. Degree seekers cover materials related to classroom management, lesson planning, developmental stages, catering to exceptional and gifted learners, and creating safe and positive environments. If you want to learn more, check out our Inside the Degree section earlier in this guide.

Program length varies based on the type of degree you’re working towards. Bachelor’s degrees require four years of full-time study or six years of part-time study, while master’s programs can take anywhere from one to four years, depending on course requirements and whether you enroll on a full- or part-time basis. Doctorates in early childhood education, on average, require three to five years of study and completion of a dissertation.

Degree availability online depends largely on the school at hand and any state-level requirements for graduation. While any program that mandates a student teaching assistantship or internship naturally requires learners to complete their hours at an approved site, the vast majority of coursework can be undertaken without visiting campus. If finding a fully online program is important to you, talk with program administrators before enrolling.

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the term “early childhood education” encompasses children from birth through the age of eight. Given this definition, students who pursue a degree in this area can teach preschool through third grade. That being said, individual states set licensure requirements so you should check with your state board to see if its definition differs from that given by NAEYC.

Salaries earned by early childhood education teachers vary based on factors such as job title, level of degree attained, amount of experience, and job location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides 2018 median pay to give you an idea of what to expect. Preschool teachers earned median salaries of $29,780 while those employed as preschool and childcare center directors brought home annual wages of $47,940. If your state allows you to work as a kindergarten teacher, these salaries average $57,980 each year.

Simply put, no. While both degrees give you the credentials needed to teach children, elementary education degree programs prepare students to educate learners aged five through 11, or kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. Elementary education online degrees emphasize different coursework, including knowledge of developmental stages and appropriate curriculum. If working with slightly older children is more aligned to your goals, you may want to pursue this type of degree rather than early childhood education.

Certification and licensure requirements depend entirely on the state in which you hope to teach and whether you work in a public or private school. All public schools mandate licensure and certification for teachers, while private schools have more leeway in requirements. Even if you want to work in a childcare center, many states require centers to maintain licensure and staff to possess certain certifications. It’s best to contact your state board of education or licensing to learn about requirements and ensure your school meets mandates.

Cost depends entirely on the school you choose to attend. Enrolling at a state college as a resident student tends to offer the most cost-effective option, while private schools typically cost the most. Some public schools allow online students to pay in-state rates, but you should check with the program administrator to learn more. At Ashford University, for instance, tuition costs $485 per credit, or $58,200 for a full degree. This amount does not include any additional fees or book costs.