Top 30 Master's in Early Childhood Education

A master’s in early childhood education degree is great for teachers who want to learn the skills needed to educate young children. By enrolling in an early childhood education master’s online degree, students will specialize their teaching skills towards the development and education of children from infancy to about age six. A master’s in early childhood education online degree is a great option for students who want to specialize their teaching skills.

Top Affordable Master’s in Early Childhood Education: Methodology

For students who want to pursue a master’s in early childhood education, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that takes into account the cost of tuition and the length of the program. All of these programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees. Programs offered online are noted as such.

Featured Programs

Ranking the Top Master’s in Early Childhood Education Online and On Campus Programs

#1. Albany State University

Online Master of Education – Early Childhood Education

Albany, Georgia

Students at Albany State University can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Education – Early Childhood Education degree. This program of study requires a total of 36 credit hours to complete. Albany State University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges for this online master’s in early childhood education. Courses in this program of study include Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum Principles, Exceptional Child, and more. Students who complete this early childhood education master’s online will develop the skills needed to work in leadership roles in curriculum development, teaching, and school administration for child students.

Tuition: $10,800

Score: 100

#2. University of Colorado Denver

Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Denver, Colorado

The University of Colorado Denver students can choose to enroll in this Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree. This program of study provides students with the opportunity to learn the education skills and techniques best suited towards working with young elementary school students. By completing this degree, students will be prepared for a variety of leadership roles within K-6 organizations. Students can expect to complete this degree program in under two years. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to earn this early childhood education master’s online. The University of Colorado Denver has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition: $13,460

Score: 99.75

#3. University of Missouri-Columbia

Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

Columbia, Missouri

This Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree is offered by the University of Missouri. The University of Missouri has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to earn this master’s in early childhood education online. The University of Missouri forecasts that students enrolled in this program should be able to earn the degree in less than two years. Those who have completed this early childhood education master’s online have gone on to have careers as child-care center staff workers, early childhood special education teachers, preschool teachers, and much more.

Tuition: $13,903

Score: 99.5

#4. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Upcoming Northwestern State University of Louisiana students can enroll in this Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree. This program of study is designed to provide students with the insights needed to work in early childhood education. Students will learn the various skills and techniques needed to work with young students to ensure they are receiving a strong education. This program of study has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Courses include Instructional Improvement and Assessment, Action Research for School Improvement, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.

Tuition: $14,250

Score: 99.25

#5. University of West Alabama

Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

Livingston, Alabama

Students can choose to enroll in this Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree offered by the University of West Alabama. This program of study is designed to be completed in under one year. A total of 34 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of West Alabama has received accreditation for this program of study from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Courses in this program include Teaching Reading, Technology and Education, and many others. Students who have enrolled in this program have gone on to have leadership roles in a variety of different education-related settings.

Tuition: $14,586

Score: 99

#6. Liberty University

Master of Education – Curriculum and Instruction

Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University offers the option of enrolling in this Online Master of Education – Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education degree. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this early childhood education master’s online. This program of study is designed to be able to be completed in 18 months. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has provided Liberty University with accreditation for this program of study. Courses in this program of study include Behavior Management, Current Issues in Early Childhood Education, and more.

Tuition: $14,940

Score: 98.75

#7. University of North Dakota

Online Master of Science in Early Childhood Education

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Offered entirely online, this Online Master of Science in Early Childhood Education degree is made available by the University of North Dakota. The University of North Dakota forecasts that students should be able to complete this online master’s in early childhood education in just over two years. A total of 32 credits are needed to complete this program of study. The University of North Dakota has received accreditation for this program of study from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Courses in this program include Foundations of Reading Instruction, Curricular Foundations in Early Childhood Education, Language Development and Cognition in Children, and more.

Tuition: $17,888

Score: 98.5

#8. Mercer University

Online Master of Education – Elementary Education

Macon, Georgia

Website

Offered at Mercer University, this Master of Education in Elementary Education is offered entirely online. Through the pursuit of this online master’s in early childhood education, students will learn the skills and concepts needed to properly educate young students. By completing this degree, students will be prepared to enter into leadership roles in childhood education. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Depending on the course load, students can expect to earn this early childhood education master’s online in 12-18 months. Mercer University has received accreditation for this master’s in early childhood education online from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tuition: $18,600

Score: 98.25

#9. Biola University

Master of Arts in Teaching – Early Childhood Education

La Mirada, California

Students at Biola University can enroll in this Master of Arts in Teaching – Early Childhood Education degree. This online master’s in early childhood education focuses on teaching students the distinctive skills and disciplines needed to become successful educators. Students who complete this program of study will be prepared for careers as educators in day cares and early childhood programs. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program include Early Childhood Curriculum, Classroom Management in Early Childhood Settings, and more. Biola University has received accreditation for this program of study from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition: $20,010

Score: 98

#10. West Virginia University

Master of Arts in Literacy Education

Morgantown, West Virginia

This Online Master of Arts in Literacy Education is offered by West Virginia University. This online master’s in early childhood education focuses specifically on helping children to become literate. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. West Virginia University has received accreditation for this master’s in early childhood education from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program of study include Knowledge of Literacy Instruction, Literacy Intervention, Children Literature, and more. Students who have completed this degree have gone on to have carers working with children to help promote their literacy.

Tuition: $20,031

Score: 97.5

#11. University of Toledo

Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

Toledo, Ohio

Students interested in studying at the University of Toledo can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree. This online master’s in early childhood education provides students with the opportunity to gain the skills needed to work directly with children to promote their education. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The Higher Learning Commission has provided the University of Toledo with accreditation for this program of study. Students can expect to be able to complete this program in under two years.

Tuition: $20,124

Score: 97.25

#12. SUNY at Albany

Online Master of Science in Childhood Education

Albany, New York

The University at Albany currently offers this Online Master of Science in Childhood Education to its enrolled students. By enrolling in this degree, students will learn about the skills and concepts needed to work with and educate students in grades K-6 They will learn how to teach children literacy, science, mathematics, and more. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program include Classroom Literacy Instruction, Literacy in Society, Science for Children, and more. The University at Albany has received accreditation for this early childhood education master’s online from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.

Tuition: $20,160

Score: 97

#13. Northern Arizona University

Master of Education – Early Childhood Education

Flagstaff, Arizona

This Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree is offered by Northern Arizona University. Students in this online master’s in early childhood education is offered in four different concentrations: Early Childhood Teacher, Early Childhood Leadership, Early Childhood Multi-age, and Early Childhood National Board Preparation. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Northern Arizona University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. Those who have completed this master’s in early childhood education have gone on to have careers as parent educators, childcare administrators, early childhood curriculum specialists, and more.

Tuition: $20,370

Score: 96.75

#14. University of Dayton

Master of Science in Education -Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy

Dayton, Ohio

The University of Dayton currently offers this Online Master of Science in Education – Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy degree. This program is a great option for students who want to develop the skills needed to work with young children to help them learn. This degree program focuses on aspects of leadership needed to take on administrative roles in education. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program include Educational Leadership, Early Childhood Program, Leadership in Diverse Communities, and more. The University of Dayton has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition: $20,550

Score: 96.5

#15. Arizona State University

Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Early Childhood Edcuation

Tempe, Arizona

Students at Arizona State University are able to enroll in this online master’s in early childhood education. This Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Early Childhood Education requires a total of 30 credit hours to complete. This degree is made up of ten courses in total. Arizona State University has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. Students can choose to earn a certification with this degree for an additional 15 credits. Courses in this master’s in early childhood education include Foundations of Early Childhood Education, Emergent Literacy, Mathematics in Early Childhood Education, and more. Those who complete this master’s in early childhood education online will be prepared to work with students in grades K-3.

Tuition: $20,790

Score: 96.25

#16. Concordia University – Chicago

Online Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Chicago, Illinois

Concordia University – Chicago offers this Online Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree. This program of study is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn the skills and concepts needed to work as an educator for children. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Concordia University – Chicago has received accreditation for this degree program from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this master’s in early childhood education include Infant and Toddler Curriculum, Observation and Assessment, and School Age Curriculum. This program can be completed in 12-24 months depending on whether the student pursues the master’s in early childhood education full or part-time.

Tuition: $21,300

Score: 96

#17. Champlain College

Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

Burlington, Vermont

Champlain College students can enroll in this Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree. In this program, students will learn how to engage with and educate young children. This early childhood education master’s online affords students the leadership skills needed for administrative roles in education organizations. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Champlain College has received accreditation for this degree from the New England Commission of Higher Education. Students can expect to complete this program in about 12-24 months.

Tuition: $21,420

Score: 95.75

#18. Northcentral University

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

San Diego, California

Students at Northcentral University can enroll in this Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree. This program is designed to provide students the skills needed to help shape the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of young students. Those enrolled in this early childhood education master’s online program will learn the variety of skills and techniques needed to properly manage a classroom. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this early childhood education master’s degree online. This program is designed to be able to be completed in about 15 months. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has provided Northcentral University with accreditation for this program of study.

Tuition: $22,350

Score: 95.5

#19. Southern New Hampshire University

Master of Education in Early Childhood and Special Education

Manchester, New Hampshire

Southern New Hampshire University offers this Master of Education in Early Childhood and Special Education degree on campus. Students in this master’s in early childhood education degree will work through a curriculum that teaches a variety of important skills needed to better engage with and work with young children. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this master’s in early childhood education online. Southern New Hampshire University has received accreditation for this program from the New England Commission of Higher Education. This master’s in early childhood education also covers skills useful for working in special education.

Tuition: $22,572

Score: 95.25

#20. California University of Pennsylvania

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

California, Pennsylnvania

This Master of Education in Early Childhood Education is made available by the California University of Pennsylvania. This degree program is available entirely online. By pursuing this early childhood education master’s online, students will learn about child development and how to properly educate young children. A total of 30 credit hours are required to complete this early childhood education master’s degree online. Students can complete this degree in five semesters. The California University of Pennsylvania has received accreditation for this master’s degree in early childhood education from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Courses in this program include Literacy Development, Advanced Childhood Development, and more.

Tuition: $23,220

Score: 95

#21. Brenau University

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

Gainesville, Georgia

Students at Brenau University can enroll in this Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree. This master’s in early childhood education requires a total of 34 credit hours to complete. Brenau University estimates that students will be able to complete this degree in 1-2 years depending on if students take the course full or part-time. Brenau University has received accreditation for this master’s in early childhood education online from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Courses in this master’s in early childhood education program include Issues in Reading, Computer Literacy in Education, Advanced Curriculum Development, and more.

Tuition: $25,228

Score: 94.75

#22. University of La Verne

Online Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Development

La Verne, California

The University of La Verne offers this Online Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Development degree. This degree provides students the skills needed to become education professionals who work with young children. They will learn how to help these students develop emotionally, socially, and intellectually. A total of 33 credit hours are needed to complete this program. The University of La Verne anticipates that students will be able to complete this early childhood education master’s degree online in 30 months if it is taken full-time. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has provided the University of La Verne with accreditation for this master’s degree in early childhood education program.

Tuition: $25,575

Score: 94.5

#23. University of South Alabama

Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

Mobile, Alabama

This Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education is made available by the University of South Alabama. To complete this degree students must earn a total of 30 credit hours. The University of South Alabama has received accreditation for this program of study from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students can expect to be able to complete this program of study in under two years. This early childhood education master’s degree online is a great option for students who wish to learn the skills and concepts needed to work with and educate children.

Tuition: $26,520

Score: 94.25

#24. Grand Canyon University

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

Phoenix, Arizona

Students at Grand Canyon University can enroll in this Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. This online master’s in early childhood education degree teaches students the skills needed to create effective learning experiences for children all the way up to eight years old. A total of 48 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Courses in this program include Typical and Atypical Behaviors in Young Children, Student Teaching, Creating and Managing the Early Childhood Environment, and more. Grand Canyon University has received accreditation for this early childhood education master’s degree online from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program are six weeks long. This master’s in early childhood education is designed to be completed in under two years.

Tuition: $27,120

Score: 94

#25. Portland State University

Online Master of Arts in Education – Early Childhood: Inclusive Education and Curriculum and Instruction

Portland, Oregon

Website

Portland State University offers this Online Master of Arts in Education – Early Childhood: Inclusive Education and Curriculum and Instruction degree entirely online. A total of 45 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Portland State University has received accreditation for this degree from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This program has also been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Courses in this master’s degree in early childhood education include Family Guided Early Intervention, Education Rights and Inclusive Environments in Early Childhood, and more.

Tuition: $32,490

Score: 93.75

#26. Georgia Southern University

Online Master of Education in Elementary Education

Statesboro, Georgia

Students at Georgia Southern University can enroll in the school’s Online Master of Education in Elementary Education degree. This degree program provides students with the skills needed to work with young children to help them to learn. Students will learn how to foster the emotional, cognitive, and intellectual growth of elementary-age children through this degree program. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Georgia Southern University with accreditation for this degree. Students can expect to earn this early childhood education master’s degree online in its entirety in under two years.

Tuition: $33,150

Score: 93.5

#27. Pacific Oaks College

Online Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education

San Jose, California

Those who want to study at Pacific Oaks College can enroll in this Online Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree. This program of study is offered entirely online. By pursuing this degree, students will learn how to work with children to help promote their education. This degree is offered in an additional specialization: Trauma Studies. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this master’s degree in early childhood education. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has provided Pacific Oaks College with accreditation for this program of study. Pacific Oaks College forecasts that students will be able to complete this degree program in two years if taken full-time.

Tuition: $33,450

Score: 93.25

#28. Mercy College

Master of Science – Early Childhood Education: Birth-Grade 2

Dobbs Ferry, New York

This Master of Science – Early Childhood Education: Birth – Grade 2 degree is offered by Mercy College entirely online. A total of 39 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. This degree program is designed to teach and train students on how to properly engage and teach young children. Those who have completed this master’s degree in early childhood education program have gone on to have careers in pre-school, kindergarten, and daycare settings. Mercy College has received accreditation for this program of study from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Tuition: $36,153

Score: 93

#29. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

Minneapolis, Minnesota

University of Minnesota is offering students this Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree. Students in this program of study will cover a variety of topics including reading instruction, language arts instruction, science instruction, and more. They will learn about social and emotional learning, creative and motor learning, and other aspects of education. A total of 32 credit hours are needed to complete this online master’s in early childhood education. The University of Minnesota has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program include Cognitive Development, Social and Personality Development, and more.

Tuition: $36,256

Score: 92.75

#30. Kennesaw State University

Master of Education in Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Kennesaw, Georgia

Students can choose to enroll in Kennesaw State University’s Master of Education in Elementary and Early Childhood Education degree. This program of study is a great option for students who want to gain the skills and knowledge needed to work with and teach young children. Courses in this program of study include Diversity and Global Education, The Early Preparation of the Mathematical Mind, Sensorial Foundations of Intellectual Life, and more. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to complete this master’s in early childhood education. Kennesaw State University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tuition: $38,376

Score: 92.5

This concludes our ranking of the top master’s in early childhood education.

NPCO Staff