10 Fast Online Early Childhood Education (ECE) Degree Programs

A bachelor's degree in early childhood education can lead to various career opportunities working with young children. If you want to earn your degree online in an accelerated timeframe, you may be wondering about your options. What are the best online early childhood education programs offering both flexibility and the option to finish your degree ahead of schedule?

Keep reading as we discuss the ways to earn this degree quickly and various schools offering good online bachelor's degrees in early childhood education.

How To Earn Your Online Early Childhood Education Degree Quickly

Whether you want to work in a school, childcare, or another child development field, a bachelor's degree in early childhood education can help you get there. Whether you study online or on-campus, the following tips can help you finish your coursework more quickly than the usual four years it takes to earn a bachelor's degree.

• Accelerated degree path: Some schools offer accelerated bachelor's degree programs that learners can finish in three years or less. These programs comprise the same number of credit hours as traditional programs but allow students to take heavier courseloads so they can finish sooner.
• Transfer credit policies: Most colleges and universities accept some transfer credits, but some accept more than others. If you have a significant amount of transferable college credit, finding a school with a generous transfer policy can help you earn your degree in as little as a year.
• Prior learning assessments (PLA): Some schools conduct prior learning assessments, or PLAs, to determine whether a student's previous work or life experience can be applied toward their degree. For example, if you have worked as a childcare provider or have related training or certifications, you may receive academic credit for these experiences.
• Intensive study options: Many flexible online degree programs allow students to study at their own pace. This means they can take heavy courseloads, study year-round, or participate in other intensive study options and schedules to graduate sooner.
• Summer classes: Taking courses during the summer can help you rack up the necessary credits for graduation more quickly. Be sure to choose a school that gives you a variety of summer classes to choose from.

Fastest Online Early Childhood Education Degree Programs

If you're ready to start working toward your accredited online early childhood education degree, check out the options below to find a program you can finish fast.

1. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University offers both licensure and non-licensure pathways for early childhood education students. Both tracks can be completed online.

The school features a generous transfer policy and accelerated five-week course sessions. Both options can help you complete your Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education quickly.

2. Arcadia University

Arcadia University offers an online degree completion program in early childhood education. This Bachelor of Arts degree leads to teacher certification in Pennsylvania.

Students in this program must already hold an associate degree and may transfer up to 75 credits. The program offers eight-week course sessions and can be completed in just two and a half years.

3. Eastern University

Eastern University offers a highly flexible online Bachelor of Science in early childhood education. This program can lead to careers in many early childhood settings, such as childcare centers and elementary schools.

New start dates are available every seven weeks, and accelerated seven-week course sessions can help students work through the program quickly. Students study at their own pace; those who study full-time and have significant transfer credits may graduate in as little as two years.

4. Boise State University

Boise State University is a public school offering an online degree completion program. Students enrolling in the Bachelor of Applied Science in early childhood education must have a technical associate degree or certificate from an accredited community college, college, or university.

Students complete all coursework online. Depending on the number of transfer credits you have, you can finish the program in about two years.

5. National University

National University offers a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education. Students can choose to complete this flexible program online or in person.

The school offers multiple yearly start dates, a generous transfer policy, and the ability to move through the program at your own pace. Students typically earn their degree in about three and a half years, but it's possible for those who are highly motivated to finish sooner.

6. Vermont State University

Vermont State University offers a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education that can be completed online or on campus. This degree completion program provides flexible coursework and leads to licensure to teach students from birth to age 5 in Vermont.

The program features accelerated coursework and includes a 13-week student teaching experience. Students can graduate from this program in five semesters.

7. University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island offers an accelerated degree completion program in early childhood care and education. The program leads to licensure in various states, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

All coursework is completed online, and placement for in-person practicum experiences is flexible. The program focuses on pre-k through 2nd grade.

8. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin offers an online teacher education program for those interested in early childhood education. This accelerated licensure degree program focuses on infants and children from birth to 3rd grade.

Flexible courses are completed in eight-week sessions, and students can transfer up to 84 credits. Additionally, up to six prior learning assessment credits may also be applied. There are many start dates and flexible options for completing field experiences.

9. University of Florida

The University of Florida provides a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education through its online campus. The program can be completed as a full degree or as a degree completion program; those with significant transfer credits or an associate degree may graduate in two years or less.

The program leads to teacher certifications and endorsements in Florida. Flexible online classes provide the same high-quality education as comparable campus-based programs.

10. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona's Global Campus provides a degree program that prepares students to work in various areas of early childhood development. Those in the program will be prepared to work with young students in various learning environments.

The program features accelerated five-week course sessions, a generous transfer policy, and the ability to gain additional credits for work and life experiences. Though most students graduate in four years, it is possible to complete the program in a much shorter timeframe.

FAQs About Accelerated Online Programs for Early Childhood Education

If you still have questions about getting your education degree quickly, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Quickly Can I Earn My ECE Degree?

How quickly you can finish your degree will depend on several factors, like how many transfer credits you have and how many courses you take each semester. That said, some learners can complete their bachelor's degree in as little as one to three years.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education Program?

You will take a mix of general education, elective, and core courses as part of your degree program. Some of the major-specific core courses you will take may include child growth and development, inquiry-based learning, and early language and literacy.

Is an Online Early Childhood Education Degree Worth It?

Only you can decide whether an early childhood education degree is the right choice for you. However, teachers and childcare professionals are always in demand, and these careers can be highly rewarding for those who enjoy working with young children.

Find an Accelerated Program Today

If you're ready to find an accelerated early childhood education program, check out the programs listed here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools today to find out which program may be best for you.