There is a steady need for caring, educated professionals to work with young children in preschools, child care facilities, and early-intervention programs. Though it is possible to teach in these settings with only a bachelor’s degree, many who are interested in deepening their knowledge of childhood learning developments will opt to pursue agraduate-level degree in this field. Most of the programs listed below require a background in Early Childhood Development, but some are also a good fit for those with a bachelor’s degree in another subject. Many schools are now offering online programs to accommodate the increasing need for a graduate level program for students who are already teaching in the field. Below are the most affordable online programs that will lead to a master’s degree in the field of Early Childhood Studies. Program tuition does not include fees, so check directly with the school for a list of comprehensive costs. Our data was derived directly from the university websites and from U.S. News and World Report.
#1. Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University is a public institution located in Valdosta, Georgia. They offer a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree that requires 36 credit hours for completion. In order to be eligible for admission consideration, applicants must hold a teaching certificate at the 4-year level in Early Childhood Education –this program was created to build upon prior knowledge of Early Childhood Education and is not for those without a background in the field. Students pursuing this degree are expected to gain knowledge and skills in the areas of research, learning, educational assessment, ethics, and law during their time of study. This program is offered completely online and is our most affordable choice for this degree. Valdosta state is ranked #86 best online graduate program in Education by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Valdosta State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $10,548
#2. University of Missouri
Located in Columbia, the University of Missouri is a public research university with over 35,000 
students enrolled. They offer a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education degree that requires 33 credit hours for completion. Students pursing this degree will focus on design, delivery, and evaluation of educational services for children up to age eight. They will learn how to work with children who have special needs, challenging behaviors, or are English-language learners. This program is designed for those who already work with young children in some capacity, and not does provide early childhood certification or an initial teacher’s license. Curriculum focuses on education theory, evidence-based practice, current legislation, and professional practice and experience. Students will complete courses in working with diverse groups of children, working with children who have disabilities, assessment methods, early literacy, research methods, and curriculum approaches. The University of Missouri is ranked #104 best online graduate program in Education by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: The University of Missouri is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $11,553
#3. University of North Dakota 
Located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, UND enrolls 15,000 students. Students can complete their online Master of Science in Early Childhood Education degree in as little as two years. This program is designed to prepare its students to work with children ages 3 to 8 in public or private schools, Head Start programs, child development centers, and a variety of other settings where young children are being educated. The full or part-time program can be a good fit for anyone interested in Early Childhood Education, regardless of educational background or teaching license status. Curriculum includes both theory and research, as well as practical experience in the form of a teaching practicum. Courses include educational methods for young children in the context of their families, genders, cultures, and communities. Students pursuing this degree are required to complete 32 credit hours for graduation. A unique feature of this program is the opportunity to work towards a Director’s Credential through the McCormick Center. Students who are interested in this administrative credential can take elective courses toward this end as part of their Master of Science degree. The University of North Dakota offers in-state tuition for this program regardless of residency.
Accreditation: University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $12,880
#4. Emporia State University 
Emporia State University is a public university located in Emporia, Kansas with an enrollment of almost 6,000 students. Their Master of Science in Early Childhood Education is for persons who wish to further their studies of young children with and without special needs. Applicants to this program need to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, but do not necessarily need a teacher’s license. Students pursuing this degree will need to complete 30 credit hours, including two 150-hour clinical experiences. This program is designed to prepare students to work in inclusive or noninclusive early childhood settings or in special education settings, and there is an emphasis on early intervention and serving families who have special needs children. Emporia State is ranked #30 best online graduate program in Education by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Emporia State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $13,102 Out-of-State/$9,562 In-State
#5. University of West Alabama 
Located in Livingston, West Alabama University is a public university with an enrollment of 2,000 students. They offer a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education as well as a Master of Education in Early Childhood Development. Both degrees require 34 credit hours for completion, but the former is a degree that will lead to certification while the latter is not. Both degrees requires two fieldwork placements, and include courses on educational planning, technology, statistics, and life-span development. The University of West Alabama is ranked #188 best online graduate program in Education by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: West Alabama University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association for Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $14,586
#6. Kennesaw State University 
Kennesaw State University is a public institution located in Kennesaw, Georgia with over 32,000 students enrolled. Their Master of Education in Early Childhood Education is a 36 credit hour program. This program must be completed in 13 months, as students will take three courses for each of four semesters beginning in the summer and concluding the following summer. This degree is designed to help those who are already serving as teachers become more effective leaders in P-5 classrooms. Students pursuing this degree will improve their instructional methods, increase their knowledge in technology, and earn a certificate or endorsement in their chosen area of study. Participants in this degree program have the option to choose from the following endorsements or certificates: ESOL Endorsement, Online Teaching Endorsement, Reading Endorsement, Gifted Endorsement, Teacher Leadership Endorsement, and Educational Measurement Endorsement. In order to be considered for this program, persons must hold a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education or have proof that they have passed the GACE exams. This program will satisfy the PSC requirements for a T5 certificate in the state of Georgia — for those in other states, check directly with the state certification agency.
Accreditation: Kennesaw State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $14,688
#7. Georgia Southern University
Located in Statesboro, Georgia Southern University is a public institution with an enrollment of over 
20,000. They offer a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education that is designed for students who already hold a Professional Level Four Certificate or the equivalent in Early Childhood Education. Persons pursuing this degree will focus on developmentally appropriate practices and field experiences working with diverse populations of children and their families.This 36 credit-hour program is offered completely online. All online students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Georgia Southern is ranked #73 best online graduate program in Education by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Georgia Southern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $14,760
#8. University of Colorado – Denver 
The University of Colorado – Denver is a public research institution with an enrollment of over 18,000 students. Persons pursuing their Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education will need to complete 36 credit hours for graduation. Students of this program will be prepared to work in classroom and educational settings, child care programs, early intervention programs, and family support and home-based programs. Graduation requirements include coursework, performance-based assessments, practicum, comprehensive examinations, and fieldwork. Persons pursuing this degree will take courses in child growth and development, literacy, statistics, and working with parents and families, among others. Most students complete the degree in 2-3 years. This degree is offered completely online with the exception of 3-day seminars in Denver each summer. The University of Colorado – Denver is ranked #36 best online graduate program in Education by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: The University of Colorado – Denver is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $15,372 Out-of-State/$12,816 In-State
#9. Edinboro University 
A public comprehensive institution, Edinboro University enrolls over 6,500 students and is located in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. They offer a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education that requires 30 credit hours for completion. This program is designed for persons currently certified in Early Childhood Education, but those without a background in the field can complete additional coursework and still earn the degree. Required coursework includes development of young learners, curriculum, literacy, documentation and assessment, and research, as well as participate in an independent study. Most students complete the program part-time in less than two years. This program is offered completely online with the exception of a one-week summer residency during the first summer of study. Edinboro University is ranked #110 best online graduate program in Education by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Edinboro University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Tuition: $15,510
#10. Northwestern State University of Louisiana 
Located in Natchitoches, Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public institution with an enrollment of about 9,000 students. Their Master of Arts in Teaching – Early Childhood Education is designed for persons seeking alternative certification to work with young children and their communities. Those pursuing this degree will complete 39 credit hours of education courses and practicum experience that will prepare them to work with children from birth to eight years old. This program includes a one-year internship, before which students must pass the PRAXIS II exam. Students may begin this program in summer, fall or spring. Northwestern State University is ranked #124 best online graduate programs in Education by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Northwestern State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $16,575
