Learn more about obtaining an online PhD in early childhood education. Find information on courses, prerequisites, learning outcomes, and career opportunities. View popular schools that offer PhD degrees in early childhood education.
Program Overview
An online PhD in early childhood education may include courses that prepare students for upper-level leadership roles in various educational settings. Students may gain the skills required to accumulate and analyze current educational data, develop instructional plans, and design curriculum for early childhood education programs. Students may be required to research and complete a dissertation on a chosen topic in early childhood education. Possible PhD-level early childhood education courses may include the following:
- Topics in Early Childhood
- Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment
- Early Childhood Literacy and Literature
- Language and Literacy Education
- Educational Research Methodology
- Foundations for Doctoral Study in Education
- Topics in Early Childhood Growth, Development, and Educational Programs
Program Prerequisites
Prior to admission, students may need to satisfy certain requirements for enrollment, including graduation from an accredited master’s degree program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students may also be required to demonstrate competency in specific subject areas before enrolling in specialized courses.
Learning Outcomes
An online PhD in early childhood education may teach students how to conduct research that positively impacts child development, program administration, and curriculum and assessment. Students may learn how to develop and propose interventions based on the needs of individual children. Additionally, students may develop effective communication, project development, and assessment skills required for leadership roles in early childhood education positions. Individuals may also learn how to apply current educational theories and research to improve the field of early childhood education.
Career Options
Upon graduation from an online PhD program, students may pursue careers in teaching, management, research, curriculum design, and professional development. They may work in several educational settings, including public and private school districts, early learning centers, government programs, and school enrichment programs. Students may seek positions such as early childhood services director, Head Start director, and education coordinator. Individuals may also opt for a career teaching at the collegiate level at universities and community colleges.