Top 20 Online Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education Programs for 2019

The University of Cincinnati offers two specialized bachelor's degrees in early childhood education that are well-suited for working professionals. The birth-age 5 major prepares students to work with pre-kindergarten aged children, while the pre-k through grade 3 major prepares students for careers at public elementary schools. Depending on a student's quality of work, UC faculty may recommend that a student receive an apprentice teaching license upon graduation.

For prospective students without transferable credit, the ECE bachelor's degree takes 120 credits and four years to complete. All courses are offered online and delivered synchronously. In the fourth year, distance learners complete both classroom practicums and student teaching experiences. Students record sessions of the latter for grading and professional development purposes. If a student already works in an educational setting, this experience may fulfill the practicum and/or student teaching requirements.

Fort Hays State University has delivered online education programs through its virtual college since 1999. The school utilizes Blackboard and Skype to serve over 6,000 online students. One of FHSU’s online offerings is its bachelor's of science in education - early childhood unified program where students learn the skills required to work with both general education students and those with special needs. The program also prepares its students to earn a Kansas K-3 teaching license.

Distance learners must complete 126 credit hours of coursework, 76 of which are taken in major-related classes. FHSU students interested in the program must complete three foundational courses before applying. Once accepted, students can complete classes asynchronously. To remain in the program, students must earn a “C” or better in every course. The program requires four in-person components: three internships split over different semesters and a semester of student teaching.

Vanguard University of Southern California offers an accelerated, completely-online bachelor's in early childhood education program that is designed for nontraditional students. All courses last seven weeks, and the curriculum emphasizes the school's Assemblies of God religious beliefs. In addition to its mandatory religious instruction, the program provides distance learners with an in-depth education in special education with a focus on autism.

Students pursuing this bachelor's in early childhood education must complete a total of 124 units, 55 of which are in major-related coursework. Classes are delivered asynchronously. Near the end of the program, students complete a semester-long practicum working with children in a classroom setting. The program culminates in a capstone course where students put their work, practicum experiences, and research into a portfolio to demonstrate how they integrated faith into early childhood education.

Chaminade University of Honolulu provides ample flexibility and an accelerated curriculum in many of its online degree programs. In its bachelor's in early childhood education program, students can take courses asynchronously and complete their degree in fewer than four years. Although this program does not result in a teaching certificate or license, students have the option to further customize their degree with a Montessori credential.

Prospective students who already hold a Montessori credential may apply up to 18 transfer credit hours to their degree. Before beginning the program, students must pass an introduction to early childhood education course. Graduation requires the completion of 120 credits, 61 of which are education-specific coursework. Towards the end of the program, students participate in two semesters of in-person fieldwork at local educational institutions such as daycares or private schools.

One of the benefits of pursuing a degree at Mount Vernon Nazarene University is the fact that the school locks in a student’s annual tuition rate when they enroll. This guaranteed tuition applies to both on-campus and online learners, many of whom enroll in MVNU’s bachelor's in early childhood education program. Students who complete the program are eligible to earn their Ohio teaching license in early childhood education.

To enter the program, prospective students must pass 14 prerequisite courses in education and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Students can take these courses asynchronously. Admission is also dependent on a successful interview with a department advisor or coordinator. Once admitted into the program, students complete 16 core courses and build a solid foundation in modern teaching methods. The program also requires 600 hours of in-person field experiences, including student teaching.

Southwestern College, located in the heart of Kansas, offers an online bachelor's in early childhood education program that prepares students to work in both general education and special education classrooms. Southwestern is partnered with many special education programs, providing students with ample opportunity to gain experience working with special needs children. After earning their online degree in early childhood education, graduates are eligible for a Kansas early childhood education and special education license.

To enter the program, prospective students must have already completed at least six college credits with a 2.75 GPA or better. Students may transfer in up to 60 credit hours from other colleges and universities. The program requires distance learners to finish 124 credit hours. Students can take the majority of classes asynchronously. Near the end of the program, students complete a semester of student teaching at two different grade levels.

Students enrolled in Fresno Pacific University’s bachelor's in early childhood development program can complete their degree completely online or take courses in a blended format, combining online classes with in-person instruction at one of the school's three campuses. This program also boasts small student cohorts and a curriculum that satisfies the requirements for a California teaching credential.

Prospective students must have already completed at least 60 general education units with a GPA of 2.4 or higher. Distance learners may transfer general education units from another accredited college or university. All courses are offered in an accelerated, six-week long format. Over three 24-week semester, students take courses synchronously with their cohort group. The majority of students finish the program in 18 months.

Distance learners pursuing an online bachelor's in early childhood education at National University select from three distinct concentrations: early childhood administration, infant and toddler, or teacher education. The foundation for all of these online early childhood education degree programs focuses on both educating young children and working with their families. NU's program also instructs students about the value of play as a learning strategy. Graduates earn a California teaching credential in early childhood education.

To earn their degree, students must complete at least 180 quarter hours. NU allows students to transfer in up to 135 quarter hours of college credit. Most online courses are delivered asynchronously. During the program, students complete both a practicum, where they observe young children, and student teaching. Students who already work with young children may use their professional experience to fulfill these requirements.

Ohio’s Notre Dame College is one of the nation’s top online schools for early childhood education. The college’s online bachelor's of arts in education - early childhood education (pre-K-3) program includes field experiences where students learn about and utilize the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession. Graduates are eligible to receive a Ohio pre-K-3 teaching license.

Applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and complete a successful admissions interview. Students take a total of 120 credit hours, and distance courses are delivered asynchronously. Major-related courses revolve around five core themes: teaching phonics, foundations of education, working with reading-disabled students, developmental reading, and using creative arts in ECE.

At the University of Toledo, distance learners who are enrolled in the online bachelor's in early childhood education program have access to a wide variety of support, including eTutoring, an expansive eLibrary, and 24/7 tech support. Students in this fast-track program work at an accelerated pace, earning their degree in just four semesters. Distance coursework is delivered synchronously and each semester requires students to engage in some type of field experience. The program is comprised of 64 semester hours, including 36 hours of online coursework and 28 hours of field work. The degree does not confer an Ohio teaching license. Applicants must already hold an associate in early childhood education with a 2.7 GPA or higher. Working part- or full-time at a childcare facility is also a program requirement.

Wilmington University’s education studies department offers four concentration options, including an online bachelor's in early childhood education program. Students have the option to take classes fully online on enroll in a hybrid program where they attend some classes in-person at one of WU's three Delaware campuses. Besides core education courses, the curriculum includes an in-depth exploration of child psychology. This degree does not confer a Delaware teaching license.

Students in this 122-credit program can transfer in up to 90 credits from other accredited institutions. Most classes are taught asynchronously, and distance learners can choose to follow an accelerated or traditional semester format. Coursework is accessible through the Blackboard learning management system.

Since it was established in 1958, Brandman University has helped nontraditional students earn associate, bachelor's, and doctoral degrees. Its education department offers over three dozen degree and credential programs, the majority of which can be completed online. BU’s bachelor's in early childhood education confers a California teaching credential in early childhood education.

Before applying, prospective students must already have earned 12 or more transferable college credits. Once accepted, students develop their skills through fieldwork and two practicum experiences where they work with children who are up to eight years old. Coursework is delivered asynchronously. The program ends with a capstone course where students prove mastery of ECE pedagogy.

Located in eastern North Dakota, Mayville State University’s online bachelor’s of science in education in early childhood education program boasts an average class size of 15, providing students with ample one-on-one access to their professors. Distance coursework is taught asynchronously and includes a variety of classes, such as human relations/cultural diversity and social/emotional development and guidance. After completing at least 75% of the core coursework, students perform a semester of student teaching at a local educational institution.

MSU accepts transfer credits from other accredited colleges or universities. Once accepted, students must maintain a 2.75 average, with some courses requiring a "B" or higher to receive credit. Although the majority of this program is completed online with asynchronous courses, students must attend some teaching methods classes offered as synchronous, evening courses. Completion of the program meets the requirements for teacher licensure in the state of North Dakota.

Students in Granite State College’s bachelor's in early childhood education program have the option to take courses online or in a hybrid format. Coursework is delivered asynchronously. Graduates who reside in the state of New Hampshire are eligible to sit for the relevant PRAXIS exams to earn a K-3 teaching certificate. Students living outside of New Hampshire may also qualify for teacher licensing or certification, depending on their state of residency.

GSC is a very transfer-friendly institution; 84% of the students who have pursued this early childhood education degree online entered the program with transferable credits. Distance learners can transfer in up to 90 credit hours towards their diploma. Prospective students can apply to the program in the spring, summer, or fall semesters. Once accepted, students must maintain a “C” average in all courses; this rule also applies to transfer credits.

At Lewis-Clark State College, students can choose from four online early childhood education degrees or certificates that prepare them to work with young children under the age of six. In LCSC's online bachelor's in early childhood development program, distance learners work with children throughout the four-semester program. Students spend approximately eight to 10 hours a week at an approved practicum site where they learn the the skills needed to succeed as teachers in daycare settings. Most distance coursework is delivered asynchronously.

Students who have already earned an associate degree in early childhood development from another institution can complete this bachelor's program in as few as two years. The program does not meet the requirements for teacher licensure or certification.