An online master’s degree in early childhood education may provide students with the ability to provide children with an appropriate learning environment. In this one to two-year program, students may learn how to implement literacy programs, evaluate a child’s learning experience, and supervise childhood development centers. The coursework may include education electives alongside major-specific courses including language development, early intervention, and child psychology.

Graduates may either pursue entry to upper-level employment or further their education by enrolling in a doctoral degree program in the same or similar field. Master’s level graduates may explore career opportunities in public schools, child care centers, pre-schools, district education departments, and charter school districts.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 25% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for master’s-level degree programs in early childhood education may combine specialized coursework with select education electives. These courses may teach students how to provide care and education for special-needs children, advance child literacy, and effectively manage a classroom. Core early childhood education courses may include the following:

• Child Psychology
• The Early Childhood Development Environment
• Children, Families, and Society
• Classroom Management Strategies
• Early Intervention
• Curricular Foundations in Early Childhood Development
• Language Development in Children

Career Options

Master’s-level graduates may explore career options in child care centers, Montessori schools, public school districts, private schools, and government education programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities are projected to increase by 25% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Child Development Center Director
• Elementary School Principal
• Curriculum Instructor
• Pre-School Teacher
• Pre-School Administrator

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete a master’s degree program may have the opportunity to further pursue their education by enrolling in a doctoral program. A doctoral degree program may teach students the fundamentals of the development process, current issues in childhood education, and how to lead and supervise early childhood programs. Employers may require individuals to hold a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree for employment in early childhood education.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook