10 Easiest Online Early Childhood Education Degrees

If you enjoy teaching young children, then a bachelor's degree in early childhood education may be ideal for you. Perhaps you're wondering about the different degree options available to you. Are there any schools that offer easy online early childhood education degrees?

Keep reading as we discuss the factors to determine whether a degree program is easy. We'll also look at a list of schools offering the best online early childhood education degrees.

What Makes an Online Early Childhood Education Degree Easy?

There are not necessarily any ''easy'' degree programs; they all require time and effort. That said, some online programs have qualities that make them comparatively easier than other programs. If you want to become an early childhood education teacher, factors to consider include:

• Flexible scheduling: Most online degrees allow you to study on your own time, sometimes at your own pace. For busy students, these programs will likely be much easier than on-campus programs with their rigid structures.
• Self-paced courses: Courses that you can complete at your own pace offer the greatest amount of flexibility. Many students consider these courses to be easier than others because you can take more time to master the subjects you struggle with and advance quickly through the subjects you are good at.
• Accelerated programs: If you're looking to earn your early childhood education degree quickly, an accelerated program may be the easiest path for you. These programs allow highly motivated students to take a heavier courseload, obtaining the same number of credit hours in a shorter timeframe so they can pursue their career goals sooner.
• Having an associate degree: If you have already attended college or community college and earned an associate degree, you already have a head start on getting your bachelor's degree. This can make it easier to complete a bachelor's degree program in a shorter amount of time.
• Transfer credits: Even if you didn't graduate with an associate degree, your previous college experience can still benefit you. Those with significant transfer credits can save time and money on their bachelor's degree, which in turn can make it easier for them to finish.
• Simplified admissions process: Not all schools have the same enrollment process. Choosing an online college with relaxed admission requirements and a simplified process can help you have a better, easier learning experience.
• Supportive learning environment: Online learning often has a reputation for leaving students feeling isolated. If you plan to study online, choose a program that offers resources and support services for online students, so you can have opportunities to interact virtually with professors and peers.
• User-friendly technology: Online learners may rely more on technology than in-person students. Schools that offer user-friendly technology options for taking online courses are the best option, as these will make your higher education experience go more smoothly and easily.

Easiest Early Childhood Education Degrees Online

When choosing a degree program, it's important to ensure your school maintains regional or national accreditation. Let's look at some of the best colleges offering online early childhood education programs.

Learn more: What Is the Easiest Education Degree?

1. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers a highly flexible online early childhood education degree designed for busy students. This Bachelor of Arts degree leads to initial teaching licensure endorsement.

As a degree completion program, students are encouraged to transfer at least 60 credits into the program. Multiple start dates are available, and flexible coursework allows you to earn your degree on your schedule.

2. Florida International University

Florida International University offers a high-ranking, non-licensure Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education. This degree is a great option for students hoping to pursue education careers in daycares or other early childhood development capacities.

Online coursework can be completed anywhere, anytime. Students have many opportunities to interact with online instructors and classmates, and a personal success coach is available to help them throughout their online educational journey.

3. National University

National University is a private school with a flexible online Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education. The combination of online coursework and in-person field experience prepares students for careers as preschool teachers and other childcare professionals.

The degree requires 180 quarter credits for graduation. Students can transfer up to 145 credits into the program. Flexible coursework and multiple yearly start dates make this program a flexible, easy option for busy students.

4. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a public school offering an online Bachelor of Science in early childhood education. Students take numerous education courses covering classroom management, special needs, and other early-care topics.

This transfer-friendly institution allows you to transfer all but 30 of the required 120 credit hours for graduation. If you have significant college experience, this school can be a great place to finish your degree quickly and easily.

5. University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee offers a bachelor's degree completion program for students with an associate degree or at least 60 college credits. This program can be completed in about two years.

This teacher education licensure program prepares students to work in various childhood settings. The program focuses on teaching infants and toddlers from birth to kindergarten.

6. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an easy non-licensure Bachelor of Science in early childhood education. The program offers four specializations:

• infant and toddler
• preschool
• nature-based early learning
• administration

Students with transfer credits must complete at least 30 credits through the University of Cincinnati. Flexible coursework and affordable tuition rates make this an excellent place to start or finish your degree program easily.

7. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University provides a highly flexible bachelor's degree in early childhood education. The non-licensure program helps students learn the methodologies and develop the competencies for working with young children.

Those with sufficient transfer credits can complete the program in as little as 18 months. The program also helps you earn credit for life experience and examinations, making it easy to finish this program quickly.

8. Liberty University

Liberty University offers many education degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. A non-licensure Bachelor of Science in early childhood education is one of the available options.

Students in this program can transfer as many as 75% of the required courses. Flexible eight-week courses allow you to study when and where you find it convenient, and affordable tuition rates apply to both in-state and out-of-state students.

9. Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University is a public school offering both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree options in early childhood education. The programs prepare students for both early childhood administration and teaching roles.

The school is known for its affordability and generous transfer policy. Students gain hands-on experience working with children by participating in two practicums.

10. Kansas State University

Kansas State University offers an online bachelor's degree in early childhood education that leads to licensure in all 50 states. The program combines online coursework with in-person student teaching experiences, preparing students to work in various settings like childcare centers and elementary schools.

The program helps students learn to work with children from birth through kindergarten, covering special education topics and general education techniques. Student teaching experiences take place at a location convenient for you, helping you stay in control of your educational experience.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Early Childhood Education Degree Program?

The time it takes to finish your online bachelor's degree will vary based on many factors. If you are a transfer student, for example, you may be able to finish your degree in as little as a year. Most full-time students take about four years to finish their degree; part-time students may take six years or more.

Is an Early Childhood Education Degree Hard?

Both 'hard' and 'easy' are subjective terms; what is hard for one student may be easy for another. While some students may struggle with the elements of an early childhood education degree, this type of program is not generally considered too challenging.

If you're interested in a career involving the education of young children, an early childhood education degree may be a great option, especially if you choose one of the easier programs outlined in this article.