Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Programs of 2023

Florida International University offers a wide range of online degree programs across many disciplines-from biological sciences to psychology. The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education prepares students to teach children ages birth to 8 years old. Students participate in courses on development, family engagement, and classroom management, to name a few. There are two tracks within the program: one for Early Childhood Development and the other for Prekindergarten Education. These tracks support students as they study toward a specific career path, streamlining their way to the job they desire. This degree can be used for more than teaching jobs, too. With this degree, students are provided the opportunity to work toward becoming a social worker, psychologist, or occupational therapist. FIU also offers nine different graduate programs for students interested in schooling beyond the undergraduate level, such as master's degrees in Special Education, Foreign Language, or Kinesiology and Exercise.

The School of Health, Education and Human Services at Florida State College at Jacksonville provides 25 degree programs that cover a range of disciplines that focus on helping others. The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education is one of the degree programs available completely online. Those who are interested in the program can apply during one of three school terms. Once accepted into the program, students will undertake coursework that will prepare them to teach children at public or private schools from prekindergarten through third grade. Upon graduation, students will have completed 120 credit hours of coursework and 150 hours of field work in a school setting. FSCJ offers the most affordable bachelor degree program on our list, with annual tuition totalling around $14,000 for in-state residents and $27,000 for nonresidents, significantly less than similar online programs.

The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree is one of many online programs that National University offers. NU provides flexible start terms with year-round enrollment, allowing students to apply and get started as soon as possible. Courses are also designed to move quickly, with only four weeks dedicated to each class. This program empowers teachers to go beyond learning academics to foster a love of learning in the children they go on to teach. Students will grow to understand the importance of the social and emotional development of young minds in creating positive relationships and a healthy learning environment. Graduates will have the opportunity to pursue careers like Preschool Director, Preschool Teacher, or Childcare Center Director.

Charter Oak State College offers its students a chance to learn online through its bachelor degree program in Early Childhood Education. The program is run by a team of 16 faculty who provide a range of experience and specialty. Students who are transferring may be able to apply credits earned from Charter Oak or other accredited colleges toward the program. After completing the prerequisite and required major courses, students will have the opportunity to choose from five different concentrations. Each concentration requires between 20 and 30 credits, allowing students to specialize their knowledge and focus on a career path. Those concentration tracks include: Early Childhood Teacher, Program Administration and Leadership, Infant and Toddler, Preschool, or Montessori.

Mayville State University has a number of online degree and minor programs available to its students. The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education is one such degree program that can be completed online anywhere and anytime, with the exception of some coursework being scheduled for specific dates and times. The program is designed to prepare students for careers working as licensed professionals with kids from birth to 8 years old. The university works with each student to make sure they will be able to test for licensure based on their unique state requirements. Mayville prides itself on being transfer-friendly, accepting credits from most regionally accredited postsecondary institutions. The university has even put together credit agreements with many surrounding colleges, a list of which can be found on the Mayville website.

Eastern Oregon University offers over 20 online degree programs, giving students the flexibility they need to earn a degree on their own terms. The Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education program allows students to choose between two degree outcomes (either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts, depending on whether the student science or foreign language credits, respectively). EOU's four-year program contains 60 more credits than comparable Bachelor of Science degree programs for a total of 180 credit hours completed by graduation. Students are sure to be prepared for a career path within Early Childhood Education after this EOU program. Toward the end of the final year, students have their practicum courses carried out under the supervision of an Early Childhood Education professional. These practicums are completed at two separate locations such as a primary school, Head Start program, or child care center.

North Carolina Central University's "NCCU Online" is the place for students to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. The school's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree is available online for students interested in a career teaching children from birth to kindergarten. Students will be equipped with foundational theories covering early childhood development and teaching methods as they learn how to create positive learning environments that grow a love for education within their young students. This 120-credit program will also prepare students to pursue additional graduate degrees and licensure as they continue their education after they earn their undergraduate degrees at NCCU.

The University of Massachusetts Global is a private nonprofit school that offers degrees and certificates at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree from UMASS Global is just one of the programs available completely online. This bachelor degree requires students to take 120 credits over a period of about four years, covering general education and core program coursework. There are also in-person practicum opportunities for students as they progress through the program that provides them hands-on experience in the classroom or child care setting. It's important to note that this UMASS Global program is not available in every state, so those interested in the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education should contact the school before beginning the application process.

University of Massachusetts Amherst is a large public research university offering online courses that allow students to complete degrees at their own pace. The school's bachelor degree program in Early Childhood Education is one such program. UMass Amherst has made it a point to allow for easy credit transfer from community colleges and other recognized educational institutions, giving students the chance to save some time and money. Montessori teachers can even work with the school to earn credit for the Montessori training they've already received. UMass Amherst allows students to design their own degrees to fit their unique needs. Students can take a cross-disciplinary approach to craft the education degree they desire, with courses covering topics such as multicultural education, inclusion, arts, and behavior management.

Chaminade University of Honolulu is the only Catholic university in Hawaii. It's also one of three Marianist colleges in the U.S., focusing on the idea that reason and faith are equally as important in the pursuit of truth.

This ideal informs the school's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program, which seeks students who understand the critical importance of early childhood education and are ready to dedicate themselves to shaping young minds. Students complete courses related to child development, language arts, math, educational technology, and more. Fieldwork experiences help students apply their classroom learning to real-world settings, to help them prepare for leading classes of their own.