Find your perfect college degree
When searching for online master’s programs in disciplines like early childhood education, the hefty fees often trouble students. We can recall how difficult it was to manage our routine expenses and pay academic fees.
After long research, we’ve found some of the cheapest online master’s degrees in early childhood education.
Let’s explore those economical universities and programs to reduce academic costs.
Cheapest Online Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
The number of early childhood learning centers in the United States is peaking. Keeping the critical issues in early childhood education in mind, many intellectual students step ahead with the passion to understand the problem and help.
Here are the top eight cheapest online Master’s programs in early childhood education that can help you cut costs and pursue your passion.
Texas A&M University-Commerce
- Location: Commerce, Texas
- Format: Online
- Tuition/Fees: $5,776
Texas A&M University-Commerce offers an online Master’s program in Early Childhood Education through its Department of Curriculum and Instruction. The program is customized to equip graduates for various careers in educational settings focused on young children.
Texas A&M University-Commerce is ranked #231 in national universities by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.
Program Highlights
- The curriculum includes instructional strategies for effective classroom teaching.
- It provides a solid foundation in human development, psychology, and sociology for a holistic understanding of child development.
- The program covers educational assessment, curriculum development, and educational research.
- To complete the program, students must pass an early childhood education comprehensive exam with at least a 70% score.
Stephen F. Austin State University
- Location: Nacogdoches, Texas
- Format: Online
- Tuition/Fees: $6,427
Stephen F. Austin State University is another good option for an online Master’s in Early Childhood Education. The program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in early childhood programs across various educational settings.
The program emphasizes applying current research and best practices at the classroom and administrative levels. The focus is on children from birth to eight years of age. Check out the key details:
Stephen F. Austin University is recognized for its academic excellence, ranked #73 in regional universities and #22 in top public schools in the West by U.S. News & World Report.
Program Highlights
- The curriculum is grounded in the theoretical foundations of early childhood education, ensuring graduates are well-versed in contemporary research and methodologies.
- Designed as a 36-credit program, it offers flexibility through half-term formats for classes during the fall and spring semesters.
Valdosta State University
- Location: Valdosta, Georgia
- Format: Online
- Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,490
Valdosta State University offers an online Master’s program in Early Childhood Education. The program prepares graduates for roles as teachers for children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade (P-5).
The VSU follows a holistic approach to education, recognizing child development’s intellectual, social, physical, and emotional dimensions, important for effective learning.
Program Highlights
- The curriculum emphasizes pedagogical strategies that address the whole child.
- Delivered entirely online, the program consists of courses in assessment and educational research, totaling 36 credits.
- Students need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Students should have a minimum GPA of 2.75. Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 must submit GRE scores (147 verbal, 144 quantitative) or a 375 on the MAT.
The University of West Alabama
- Location: Livingston, Alabama
- Format: Online
- Tuition/Fees: $6,580
If you are okay with a non-certification degree, look into the Master’s program in Early Childhood Education at the University of West Alabama. This program is ideal for current educators looking to advance their knowledge and career growth.
The University of West Alabama is recognized for its educational excellence, ranked #114 in South Regional Universities and #224 in Best Online Graduate Education Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Program Highlights
- The program requires 34 credits for completion, which can be achieved within one year.
- Courses are offered in an eight-week format, covering topics such as advanced educational psychology, foundations of education, introduction to special education, and technology integration in education.
Kennesaw State University
- Location: Kennesaw, Georgia
- Format: Online
- Tuition/Fees: $6,740
Kennesaw State University provides an online Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education specifically designed for currently licensed early childhood instructors. The program is specially designed for P-5 teachers who are already certified and looking to further their education without interrupting their professional lives.
Kennesaw State University is recognized for its academic excellence, ranked #231 in national universities by U.S. News & World Report. This program stands out for its commitment to providing a flexible, comprehensive educational experience for early childhood educators, enabling them to enhance their skills and qualifications efficiently.
Program Highlights
- The program enables certified P-5 teachers to complete a master’s degree in just 13 months, accommodating their existing career commitments.
- Students can specialize further through endorsements in ESOL, gifted, leadership preservice, online teaching, and reading.
- The curriculum is designed to be completed entirely online over four semesters, including summer sessions, without any in-person courses.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Location: Birmingham, Alabama
- Format: Online
- Tuition/Fees: $7,588
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a versatile online Master’s program in Early Childhood Education, catering to educators seeking advanced qualifications.
This program is structured to provide two distinct pathways: an early childhood educational specialist track and a traditional early childhood education track. Both options are designed to enhance educators’ expertise and career prospects.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is highly regarded, with U.S. News & World Report ranking #159 in national universities, #83 in top public schools, and #70 in best online graduate education programs. This program is distinguished by its dual pathways and practical learning experiences, preparing educators for advanced roles in early childhood education.
Program Highlights
- Each pathway requires the completion of 30-33 credit hours, making the program accessible and manageable for working professionals.
- It is taught online, complemented by an in-classroom practicum. This practical component is important for gaining hands-on experience with students and honing administrative skills.
- Topics covered include critical pedagogy and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and critical thinking in education.
- Courses on culture and American education and positive behavioral supports provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs of students.
The University of North Carolina Greensboro
- Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
- Format: Online, Synchronous
- Tuition/Fees: $7,753
The University of North Carolina Greensboro provides an innovative online Master’s program in Early Childhood Education, focusing on Birth-Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Development.
The program is specifically designed to prepare students for leadership roles across various early childhood educational settings, targeting the developmental needs of children from birth to five years old.
The University of North Carolina Greensboro is recognized for its educational excellence. It ranks #231 in national universities, #80 in best education schools, and #31 in best graduate education programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Program Highlights
- The degree comprises 37 credits, offered through an online synchronous format. Virtual classes are scheduled from 5:00 pm to 6:50 pm.
- Students can specialize in one of two tracks: administration or advanced licensure, tailoring the program to their career goals.
- Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
Liberty University
- Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
- Format: Online
- Tuition/Fees: $8,430
Liberty University provides an online Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction for those aiming to enhance their expertise in educational strategies and curriculum development.
Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), this program is structured to be completed in under two academic years. Here are the program specifics: This program is ideal for individuals seeking to advance their careers in early childhood education. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for diverse roles in the education sector.
Liberty University’s commitment to providing a quality, flexible education is evident in its accreditation and the program’s design – making it a valuable option for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the field of education.
Program Highlights
- Liberty University’s program is designed to equip graduates for various career opportunities within and outside the classroom.
- Graduates may find opportunities in teaching at various educational levels, including public and private institutions, student services, administration, and community colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Become an Early Childhood Educator in the USA?
You can become an early childhood educator in the USA by completing a bachelor’s degree and getting a state teacher’s license in early childhood education. You can become a preschool educator with an associate’s degree.
Is Early Childhood Education in Demand in the USA?
Yes. The early childhood education market is expected to be a million-dollar valuation by 2030. The 2023-2030 forecast has seen an unprecedented CAGR compared to the data from 2016-2022.
How Many Early Childhood Educators Are There in the US?
There are 721,438 early childhood educators, and 97.4% are women. These stats come from 2021 research. The current number of educators in the domain is expected to reach 730,000.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of early childhood development programs prevents cognitive development delays and increases readiness to learn. Meanwhile, the employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow by 3 percent from 2022 to 2032. So, pick the best cheapest online master’s degrees in early childhood education and your passion.
