Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education ECE: Finding a Program

Program Breakdown: Online Early Childhood Education MEds

Online MEd programs in Early Childhood Education are offered by a variety of accredited universities across the U.S. Below, we spotlight three popular programs to give you an inside look at their format, curriculum, cost, and admissions. Each of these programs is U.S.-based, accredited, and available online or in a hybrid format, making them convenient options for advancing your education career.

FAQs from Prospective Early Childhood Education MEd Students

Q: Is an online MEd in Early Childhood Education respected by employers?

A: Yes – as long as your degree comes from an accredited institution, employers generally respect an online MEd just as much as one earned on campus. In fact, many school districts and organizations actively hire and promote teachers with advanced degrees, regardless of the format.Your diploma and transcript typically do not state “online”. Also, online programs often have the same faculty and curriculum as on-campus programs.

Q: How can I verify if an online MEd program is accredited and high-quality?

A: To ensure a program’s credibility, do your research before applying. First, check that the university has regional accreditation (the gold standard for U.S. colleges). Next, see if the education school or program has specialized accreditation like CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). You can also look up programs in the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions or on the CAEP website. Additionally, research rankings or reviews: while not the only factor, they can indicate program quality. Ultimately, an accredited online MEd from a respected university (and one that leads to state licensure or meets state standards, if applicable) will be recognized as a high-quality degree.

Q: Will earning an MEd in ECE online make me a licensed teacher or help with certification?

A: No, not by itself. A standard M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education program is typically considered an “advanced” or “post-licensure” degree – it deepens your expertise but does not automatically grant initial teacher certification. If you are not yet a licensed teacher, you would usually need to complete a state-approved certification program (sometimes called an MAT – Master of Arts in Teaching – or a post-baccalaureate licensure track). However, if you are already a licensed teacher, an M.Ed. can often be used toward additional endorsements (like an early childhood specialist endorsement) or to fulfill professional development requirements. It’s important to note that licensure requirements vary by state.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing my MEd in Early Childhood Education online?

A: Absolutely, as these online MEd programs are built with working professionals in mind – the majority of online master’s students in education continue teaching or working while in school. The programs offer flexibility through part-time enrollment and asynchronous coursework. While you’ll certainly be busy, an online MEd is designed to fit around your work schedule. With dedication and a bit of planning, you can successfully earn your degree without taking a career break.

Q: Do I need a teaching background or undergraduate degree in education to get into an ECE MEd program?

A: Not always. Requirements vary by program: some online MEd programs do prefer or require applicants to have teaching experience and/or a bachelor’s in education, but many others welcome students from different backgrounds. This is because the coursework is advanced and builds on practical knowledge. However, other programs might only require a relevant bachelor’s degree and a passion for working with young children. 

If you’re a career changer coming from another field (or straight out of undergrad with no teaching experience), you still have options: look for programs that accept students without licensure. In some cases, if you lack an education background, a school might admit you provisionally or ask you to take a couple of prerequisite courses. To be certain, check the admissions criteria for each program.

Costs of the Online Early Childhood Education MEd

The cost of an online MEd in Early Childhood Education can vary widely, so it’s important to understand the factors involved. Tuition rates differ by school type, meaning the cost will vary depending on public versus private institutions. Be sure to account for fees as well: many schools have an online technology fee or general university fees.

The good news is that online students are usually eligible for the same financial aid as on-campus students – you can apply for federal loans, scholarships, and even teacher grants (such as the TEACH Grant for those who commit to teaching in high-need areas). Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for teachers earning a master’s, so check with your district or organization. Take a look at the following schools to see 

Notes: Costs reflect tuition rates as of the latest academic year and do not include additional fees. Always verify current tuition on the program’s official website, as rates can change.

After Graduation: What Can You Do with an MEd in Early Childhood Education?

Graduating with an MEd in Early Childhood Education gives you access to various career paths in the early learning field. This degree can qualify you for roles that leverage your advanced understanding of how young children learn and how to improve educational programs in and out of the classroom. Many graduates move into leadership or specialist positions. Below, we profile three rewarding careers that MEd-ECE graduates frequently pursue, each offering either strong growth potential or above-average salaries.

Instructional Coordinator (Curriculum Specialist)

What They Do: Instructional coordinators are the professionals who oversee curricula and teaching standards in schools or educational organizations. You might be developing and implementing curriculum for preschool or primary grade programs, coaching teachers on new instructional methods, and analyzing the effectiveness of educational materials. 

Why It’s a Great Path: Your advanced degree in ECE makes you a strong candidate. The job can be both influential and rewarding: you’re impacting many more children by empowering teachers and improving curricula.

Salary and Outlook: Instructional coordinators earn a median annual salary of about $74,620, while the job growth is projected to be modest at about 2% over the next ten years.

Special Education Teacher (Early Childhood)

What They Do: Special education teachers in early childhood work with young children who have a range of disabilities or developmental delays. You’ll develop individualized education programs (IEPs) for each child, adapt the curriculum to meet their needs, and collaborate with families, therapists, and other educators to support each child’s development. 

Why It’s a Great Path: There is a nationwide shortage of special education teachers, making this a high-demand career. It’s a challenging role, but it allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

Salary and Outlook: Special education teachers (across all grade levels) earned a median annual wage of about $64,270. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects no growth for this career from 2023-2033.

Social and Community Service Manager (Early Childhood Programs)

What They Do: Social and community service managers plan and coordinate programs that support public well-being. With an early childhood education background, you could take on management of programs that serve children and families. In this role, you’re responsible for program budgets, staff supervision, meeting quality standards, and often securing funding or grants. 

Why It’s a Great Path: The work can have broad impact – you’re shaping policies and programs at an organizational level. It’s also a path where you can channel a passion for community change and education advocacy. 

Salary and Outlook: Social and community service managers enjoy an above-average salary, with a median of $78,240 per year. The job outlook is strong – employment of these managers is projected to grow about 8% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Best Online MEd Programs in Early Childhood Education

With many schools now offering online master’s degrees in education, how do you choose the best program for you? In the following section, we present a ranking of top online MEd in Early Childhood Education programs in the U.S. We evaluated programs focusing on factors like affordability, online formats, accreditation, and student support services. All the programs listed are regionally accredited institutions and have CAEP or state-approved education programs. Find the program that aligns with your career goals and learning needs.