Best Online Early Childhood Education Degree Programs 2026

<p>A growing number of schools nationwide offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_bachelors_in_early_childhood_education.html">online early childhood education programs</a> that students can complete remotely. Keep reading to explore degrees featuring courses you can take from home. </p> <h3 id="section---1.EasternUniversityMdashOnlineBachelorOfScienceInEarlyChildhoodEducation">1. Eastern University &mdash; Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education</h3> <p>Eastern University offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in early childhood education that students can complete in as few as two years with an associate degree. This program features short self-paced courses with seven-week terms and prepares students for certification in early childhood education (pre-k to 4th grade). </p> <p>While most courses, including student teaching, are offered online, students must complete field experiences in person. Admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA and achieving the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Basic Skills. </p> <h3 id="section---2.WaldenUniversityMdashOnlineBachelorOfScienceInEarlyChildhoodStudies">2. Walden University &mdash; Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies</h3> <p>Walden University's BS in early childhood studies is a non-licensure program for students who want to advance their careers. This Tempo Competency-Based Learning program lets students show their understanding of subjects rather than progressing toward a degree course by course. </p> <p>Upon completion of this online degree, students will have the skills to work in elementary schools as paraprofessionals or in childcare centers. </p> <h3 id="section---3.PacificOaksCollegeMdashOnlineBachelorOfArtsInEarlyChildhoodEducation">3. Pacific Oaks College &mdash; Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education</h3> <p>The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in early childhood education from Pacific Oaks College is a 100% online bachelor's degree program for students interested in learning foundational teaching methodologies and skills. </p> <p>The degree teaches the relationship between psychological theory and practice in education. Students can receive up to 24 college credits for experience gained in the workplace. Trauma and STEAM specializations are available. </p> <h3 id="section---4.CentralMethodistUniversityMdashBachelorOfScienceInEducationEarlyChildhoodEducation">4. Central Methodist University &mdash; Bachelor of Science in Education, Early Childhood Education</h3> <p>Central Methodist University's BS in education, early childhood education program prepares students for Missouri teacher certification for young learners. This program is available on-campus and online. </p> <p>Enrollees learn the foundations of education, how to teach reading and writing to young children, and educational psychology. Practicum experiences are also included. </p> <h3 id="section---5.GrandCanyonUniversityMdashOnlineBachelorOfScienceInEarlyChildhoodEducation">5. Grand Canyon University &mdash; Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education</h3> <p>Grand Canyon University offers two bachelor's degrees for online students: the BS in early childhood education and the BS in early childhood education and early childhood special education. </p> <p>Both programs are designed for individuals interested in teaching students from birth through third grade. Enrollees learn about child development and classroom management and benefit from student teaching and field experiences as they prepare for licensure. </p> <h3 id="section---6.ParkUniversityMdashBachelorOfScienceInEducationStudiesEarlyChildhoodEducationTeachingYoungChildren">6. Park University &mdash; Bachelor of Science in Education Studies, Early Childhood Education Teaching Young Children</h3> <p>Park University is home to a BS in education studies with an emphasis in early childhood education to teach young children. Students who complete this program are prepared for roles, such as program directors, consultants, or curriculum coordinators. </p> <p>Nearly all coursework can be completed online; however, enrollees must participate in real-world student interactions/observations via practicum courses and internships. Park automatically accepts 18 education core credit hours from an associate program for this bachelor's degree. </p> <h3 id="section---7.LynnUniversityMdashBachelorSInEarlyChildhoodEducation">7. Lynn University &mdash; Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education</h3> <p>Lynn University offers a bachelor's in early childhood education that teaches students classroom management, teaching methods, and how to apply theory in the classroom. Enrollees take online courses and complete an on-site practicum for real-world experience. Students who complete this program will be prepared to teach students from birth to age 8. </p> <h3 id="section---8.BluefieldUniversityMdashOnlineAssociateOfScienceBachelorOfScienceInEarlyChildhoodEducation">8. Bluefield University &mdash; Online Associate of Science / Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education</h3> <p>Students enrolled in Bluefield University's early childhood education program can earn both a 60-credit Associate of Science and a 120-credit bachelor's degree. This non-licensure program offers online classes covering early childhood development, body-brain-based learning, literature for young children, and more. </p> <p>Students also get opportunities to teach young children in a high-quality learning environment through a capstone experience. </p> <h3 id="section---9.ArizonaStateUniversityMdashOnlineBachelorOfAppliedScienceInEarlyChildhoodStudies">9. Arizona State University &mdash; Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Studies</h3> <p>Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in early childhood studies. This program teaches the development of young children from birth to age 5. Graduates are prepared to work in early childhood settings like preschools and Head Start programs. </p> <p>Students who want a master's degree can complete this undergraduate degree as a part of ASU's accelerated Master of Education in elementary education. </p> <h3 id="section---10.TheUniversityOfTexasAtElPasoMdashOnlineBachelorOfScienceInEducationWithAConcentrationInEarlyChildhoodCareAndEducation">10. The University of Texas at El Paso &mdash; Online Bachelor of Science in Education With a Concentration in Early Childhood Care and Education</h3> <p>The University of Texas at El Paso's College of Education offers a BS in education with a concentration in early childhood care and education. Courses for this non-licensure degree are available fully online and prepare students to teach children from birth to age five. </p> <p>Enrollees learn about infant and toddler care, STEAM learning, bilingual education, and more. Students can complete all courses at the university or combine them with coursework from El Paso Community College. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutOnlineEarlyChildhoodEducationDegreePrograms">FAQs About Online Early Childhood Education Degree Programs</h2> <p>Good career opportunities and a positive job outlook are great reasons to earn an online early childhood education bachelor's degree. Learn more about the benefits of this program with the following FAQs. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithAnEarlyChildhoodEducationDegree">What Can I Do with an Early Childhood Education Degree?</h3> <p>Graduates of early childhood education bachelor's degree programs can find great careers upon completion. Common roles for degree holders include: </p> <ul><li>childcare center aide </li><li>preschool teacher </li><li>special education teacher </li><li>daycare center director </li></ul><p>Learning environments for program graduates include after-school programs, daycares, and elementary schools. Are you interested in continuing your teacher education? Consider pursuing a master's degree in early childhood education. </p> <h3 id="section---IsAnEarlyChildhoodEducationDegreeWorthIt">Is an Early Childhood Education Degree Worth It?</h3> <p>Yes, earning an early childhood education degree is worth your effort and time. According to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm#tab-6">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</a>, employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033. While employment for childcare workers isn't projected to grow, more than 162,000 annual job openings are expected due to job transfers and labor force exits, like retirement. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineBachelorSDegreeInEarlyChildhoodEducationCost">How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education Cost?</h3> <p>The cost of earning an online bachelor's degree in early childhood education varies. For instance, enrollment in Eastern University's degree program costs as little as $2,500 annually. Walden University's Tempo Learning option helps students earn their degrees for as little as $8,000. </p> <p>Some schools like the University of Texas at El Paso charge different rates for in-state and out-of-state online learners. The key is researching tuition rates to know what to expect before enrolling. Also, consider that you can use financial aid, scholarships, and other resources to reduce the cost of your degree. </p> <h2 id="section---EarnYourOnlineBachelorSDegreeInEarlyChildhoodEducationToday">Earn Your Online Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education Today</h2> <p>Explore the accredited degree programs offered by colleges listed on Learn.org to begin the next step toward becoming an early childhood education teacher. Contact one of these schools today to discover how their programs can help you start a rewarding teaching career.</p>