Anything ICT Web DeskAre you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children? Do you want to lay the educational foundation that sets them up for future success?
If so, earning an online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is a great way to start your career teaching and caring for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
But with so many online early childhood education programs to choose from, how do you pick the right one?
In this post, I’ll walk you through the 7 best online bachelor’s degrees for early childhood education so you can make an informed decision. I’ve researched dozens of programs and weighted factors like affordability, flexibility, curriculum and more to compile this list.
Let’s get started!
Why Earn an Early Childhood Education Degree Online?
Before jumping into the top programs, you may be wondering if an online format is right for an early childhood degree.
There are a few key benefits that make online bachelor’s degrees a great fit:
Flexibility – Online programs allow you to complete coursework on your schedule, which is essential if you have an existing job or family commitments. Many utilize asynchronous learning so you can study when it’s convenient.
Affordability – On average, online bachelor’s degrees cost 20-30% less than traditional on-campus programs. And you save on expenses like room, board and commuting costs.
Practical Curricula – The top online programs feature robust practicum experiences at local preschool and childcare centers to gain hands-on experience right where you live.
Preparedness for Certification – Most online early childhood degrees properly prepare you for state licensure and certification required to teach in public school systems after graduation.
Now that you know the major advantages of earning this degree online, let’s look at my top recommended programs.
How I Selected the Best Online Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degrees
My goal was to provide a thorough, well-rounded list of online schools so you can find the best one to achieve your early childhood education career goals.
I analyzed over a dozen highly-ranked national online bachelor’s in early childhood education programs across these crucial criteria:
- Affordability – Stellar education for the lowest possible investment
- Flexibility – Convenient and accessible learning options for working adults
- Coursework – Engaging, relevant classes in child development, instruction methods and more
- Licensure Preparation – Alignment with state teaching licensure and certification
- Reputation – Programs offering an reputable education
Only the programs meeting benchmarks across all categories made this list.
Now let’s explore the top recommended online early childhood bachelor’s degrees in more detail!
7 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees for Early Childhood Education
1. University of Cincinnati – Blue Ash College
The University of Cincinnati offers one of the most affordable and respected online BA degrees in early childhood education.
Their flexible program focuses squarely on preschool teaching licensure awarded by the Ohio Department of Education. The curriculum blends engaging online classes in child development, nutrition, safety and family dynamics with in-person field experiences.
With full-time enrollment, you can complete this online bachelor’s degree in early childhood in just 2 years for less than $17,000 in total tuition!
This extremely affordable price makes this University of Cincinnati program a top option for those seeking great value. And Cincinnati-area students qualify for even lower in-state tuition rates.
Cost Per Credit: $325 Ohio resident / $812 Non-resident
Credit Hours: 120 Semester Hours Time to Completion: 2 Years Full-Time
2. University of Missouri – Columbia
Ranked #6 in early childhood programs by U.S. News & World Report, the online bachelor’s in early childhood & family studies emphasis from the respected University of Missouri will prepare you well for Missouri early childhood teacher certification.
This program features virtual classes taught by the same talented instructors from their campus offerings. This ensures engaging, quality learning in areas like childhood literacy, program development, arts integration and more.
You’ll also complete in-person practicum experiences at preschools near your location for real-world experience that prepares you to excel as lead teacher upon graduation. Expect to invest about 35 hours a week into this full-time program.
In just 4 semesters, you can earn this respected degree for less than $18,000 in-state and under $47,000 out-of-state.
Cost Per Credit: $364 Missouri resident / $946 Non-resident
Credit Hours: 120 Semester Hours
Time to Completion: 2 Years Full-Time
3. Arizona State University
Want an affordable path to early childhood licensure across the country? Arizona State University offers one of the best online bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education regardless of your location.
ASU designed their trusted curriculum and engaging virtual coursework for aspiring early childhood educators across the country seeking licensure in their state.
You’ll take the same rigorous and relevant classes online as campus students at a significantly reduced price. Expect child psychology, math and science methods, school health and PE courses and more. Required in-classroom field work can also be completed locally.
In just 4 semesters full-time, you can obtain this respected degree for under $40,000 no matter where you live in the country!
Cost Per Credit: $592
Credit Hours: 120 Semester Hours
Time to Completion: 2 Years Full-Time
4. Purdue University Global
Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) offers one of the most flexible and affordable accelerated online early childhood education bachelor’s degrees.
Ideal for motivated self-starters, you can accelerate your pace and finish in as little as 2.5 years by taking classes year-round. So if you want to transition into your education career quickly, this program is a great option!
Well-designed courses like child development, children’s literature, math and science methods will prepare you for state licensure across various grade levels. And with multiple start dates each year, you can begin this program during the semester that works best for your schedule.
Expect to invest 30-40 hours on coursework each week in this fast-paced program. With tuition under $14,000 per year, it’s also one of the most budget-friendly online options nationwide.
Cost Per Credit: $371 Credit Hours: 180 Quarter Hours
Time to Completion: 2.5 Years Accelerated
5. University of Kentucky
The online Child Development program from the respected University of Kentucky provides comprehensive preparation to become a highly qualified preschool or kindergarten teacher.
Taught by the same expert instructors from their on-campus courses, you’ll gain strong foundations in early childhood curriculum design, learning theory, literacy, special education and more. Required in-classroom observations ensure you apply these learnings with actual kids.
In as little as 16 months full-time, you can obtain this respected early childhood degree for less than $24,000 in tuition. This accelerated program does require year-round study.
Graduates become well-prepared for Kentucky Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education certification. So if you’re seeking licensure in this state, UK is a smart choice!
Cost Per Credit: $490 Kentucky resident / $1,100 Non-resident Credit Hours: 120 Semester Hours
Time to Completion: 1.3 Years Accelerated
6. East Carolina University
East Carolina offers a top-ranked flexible online BA in birth-kindergarten early childhood education taught by the same professors from their respected on-campus degree.
Their curriculum provides comprehensive knowledge in early childhood development, curriculum planning, assessment, special education and family collaboration. Required in-classroom fieldwork rounds out your experience practicing these methods with actual students.
In as little as 16 months full-time, you can obtain ECU’s high-quality education entirely online for under $21,000 in tuition. Graduates become well-prepared for North Carolina Birth-Kindergarten licensure.
So if teaching this age group in NC schools interests you, ECU offers a reputable option to earn licensure from anywhere in the state.
Cost Per Credit: $250 North Carolina resident / $696 Non-resident Credit Hours: 122 Semester Hours Time to Completion: 1.3 Years Accelerated
7. Wayne State University
Wayne State in Detroit offers an innovative online BA in early childhood education preparing aspiring teachers for Michigan ZS endorsement across preschool and early elementary levels.
Their virtual Child Development program focuses squarely on diverse learner needs including literacy, special education, ELL and STEM methods. This diversity, equity and inclusion focus ensures you can meet all students’ learning needs.
Expected to invest 25-35 hours on coursework weekly, you’ll take the same engaging classes online as campus students. Local preschool classroom field work provides practical experience.
In as little as 16 months completing 5-week courses year-round, you can obtain this respected Michigan licensure-focused degree for less than $27,500.
Cost Per Credit: $836 Michigan resident / $1,201 Non-resident Credit Hours: 122 Semester Hours Time to Completion: 1.3 Years Accelerated
Key Takeaways – Top Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Programs
I hope this breakdown gives you a data-driven start evaluating the best online early childhood bachelor’s programs aligned to your career goals and state licensure requirements.
To recap, here are my top recommended online BA degrees in early childhood education:
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Missouri
- Arizona State University
- Purdue University Global
- University of Kentucky
- East Carolina University
- Wayne State University
Whichever program you select, look for proper state licensure preparation, affordability, respected university brand and flexibility for working adults.
By picking the right online school, you’ll gain exceptional early childhood competencies to positively impact young students as a lead preschool teacher.
Anything ICT Web Desk
