Top Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Advantages of Earning an Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education

Most early childhood educators choose this field to positively impact the lives of young learners. Along with knowing you are making a difference, there are additional advantages of earning an online master’s degree in early childhood education.

Increased Responsibility and Influence

Higher credentials mean roles with increased responsibility. Educators with a master’s degree in early childhood education can serve as preschool directors and childcare center administrators and manage entire programs. With this increased responsibility comes greater influence and a chance to impact the educational future of whole generations.

Job Security

As the field of early childhood education thrives and remains crucial to a child’s growth, the demand for qualified early childhood educators increases. That means job availability and job security, especially for those with high skill levels like those acquired through a master’s degree.

Flexibility for Working Professionals

Online learning allows professionals who work full time to earn advanced degrees through convenient and flexible programming. They let you still work and avoid disrupting your life.

Tied into these benefits is the potential for significant salary increases. Together, these advantages make earning a master’s in early childhood education online a logical step for those passionate about educating young children.

Foundations of Education

Foundations of education courses focus on psychology, research, social, and curriculum foundations. They examine historical, philosophical, cultural, race, class, and gender influences on early childhood curriculum. Foundations of education courses may also explore educational standards and trends and help students develop personal, educational philosophies.

Curriculum Design

These courses focus on curriculum design and analyzing curriculum sources and models to critique and create appropriate curriculums. Students apply critical thinking skills to their work with young children and consider all aspects of the classroom to determine developmentally appropriate curriculum design.

Language Development

A course in language development looks at language and cognitive development in children. Methods for teaching spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary are introduced, as are the ways children acquire language through classroom observation. Students in these courses learn to develop lesson plans oriented around writing and reading for kindergarten and preschool-age students and often experiment with integrating new technology.

Technology in Teaching

These courses evaluate educational software and websites. They use instructional design principles and procedures to create technology-integrated educational materials. Courses studying technology related to the early childhood classroom examine how to support the curriculum through new, developmentally appropriate learning environments.

Capstone Project or Practicum

Many online master’s degree in early childhood education programs require a capstone project or practicum. These culminating projects allow students to demonstrate what they have learned in their degree coursework and through professional and field experience. Collaboration with faculty is often a part of capstones/practicums, and some also require written proposals.

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Graduates from M.Ed. programs typically become administrators, program directors, or curriculum directors. M.Ed. degrees generally focus on the administrative side of early childhood education. Those who are already early childhood teachers, have another certification or are simply interested in early childhood education pursue M.Ed. degrees like that offered by the University of Toledo.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Education

An M.S. in education is primarily focused on the scientific implications within early childhood education. Graduates may teach, do research, work in public policy, or obtain doctorates. An M.S. generally focuses on the practical skills that allow educators to evaluate educational practices and create solutions and strategies.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education

M.A. programs generally focus on contemporary theories and research and prepare educators to either stay in the classroom or move into administration. One example is the early childhood Eeducation M.A. at Texas A&M Commerce, which includes a thesis and a foreign language requirement. Concordia St. Paul also offers an early childhood education M.A.

Supplemental Certifications

An example of supplemental certification comes from Texas A&M Commerce where, in addition to their M.Ed. for certified teachers, M.A. with thesis, and M.S. degree for those seeking initial certification, in early childhood education, four optional certifications are also offered. These certifications are available for those with a Texas teaching certificate. They include bilingual education (Spanish), English as a second language (ESL), gifted and talented, and special education.

Concentration Options

Many of the degree programs discussed in this guide offer customization through electives in a variety of areas. The Erikson Institute takes a different approach by offering seven concentrations in its online M.S. in Early Childhood Education. The specific curriculum you follow along with your field placement is tailored based on the concentration you choose.

Licensure or Non-Licensure Programs

Mixed in the above options for customizing your online master’s degree in early childhood education are licensure and non-licensure programs. Non-licensure programs are for educators pursuing careers outside the public school system, and graduates do not receive state teaching certifications. The University of West Alabama, along with many other schools, offer both certification and non-certification programs, but many only offer one or the other.