Getting a Teaching Degree in Early Childhood Education There are three main types of early childhood education degree programs, depending on the type of job you'll be looking for: - Associate's Degree (2 years)
- Bachelor's Degree (4 years)
- Graduate Degrees, including Master's and Doctorate Degrees (5-6 years)
While not all institutions require a degree in early childhood education to work with young kids, many do require some specialized training, and increasingly, you must get an associate's degree or BA if you want to begin a career in early childhood education. If you plan to advance your career or increase your salary, a BA or Master's is a must. Many education schools offer an early childhood education online degree, or fast-track teacher certification programs if you already have a degree in a specific subject area. 
How to Pick an Early Childhood Education Degree The first step in deciding which early childhood education degree is right for you is to familiarize yourself with the different options and understand what each degree means in the world of education. Undergraduate Degrees Undergraduate degrees provide you with the necessary (and marketable) skills you need to start your career working with young children. Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education: This 2-year degree qualifies you for many entry-level early childhood education jobs. It is the least costly degree to obtain, and can often stand in for the first two years of a bachelor's degree program if you choose to pursue a full bachelor's degree. Many associate's degrees prepare students for a general teaching job, but may not be enough of an educational background for broader advancement within a school or organization. Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education: This degree generally requires four years of course work. It qualifies you for job placement with a greater expectation of fast advancement and higher pay than for those teachers with an associate's degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, "Adults ages 25 to 34 with a bachelor's degree or higher have higher median earnings than their peers with less education." Graduate Degrees
Graduate degrees are for those who want to increase their salary, do research into ECE and teach educators, or work in supervisory positions. Master of Education (MEd) degree with a focus in Early Childhood Education: The MEd comes after a bachelor's degree, usually takes one to three years to complete, and normally requires a thesis for graduation. Master's degree holders have a deeper level of expertise and are highly valued in more complex, and thus higher-paying, positions. With a MEd, you'll also start your career at a higher level and can advance more quickly. Students often specialize in Curriculum and Instruction, Technology, Educational Administration, or Organizational Leadership, depending on their interests. Check our online directory of early childhood education degrees to find the Master's Degree in early childhood education that's right for you. Doctoral Programs Doctoral programs are for people who want to do research and add to the body of knowledge in the field of education, or teach other early childhood educators at the university level. Doctor of Education: Doctoral programs are designed for K-12 teachers who want to continue teaching while assuming leadership roles in their school and community. They focus on the teacher as leader and empower experienced master teachers to improve student learning and make school- or system-wide improvements. PhD in Education: In a PhD program, you will develop the expertise to lead in the development of new program practices, to apply emerging research on development in the early years and to conceptualize new paradigms for early learning. Graduates attain key positions in college teaching, research, leadership positions and advocacy roles addressing the needs of young children.
Time is Money: Financial Aid and Online Options When deciding which early childhood education degree to pursue, your ultimate career goal is of prime importance. But education takes both time and money, and it's important to determine how much of each you have…or can get. Don't fret, though, because education is an important investment in your future and money is available. Some financial aid options: - grants
- student loans
- scholarships from professional organizations, private sponsors and companies interested in helping qualified students.
Read more about financial aid for your early childhood education degree. An increasingly mainstream and well-respected schooling option is an online early childhood education degree. Online degrees allow working professionals to schedule their own hours and complete course work at home, so you can work your studies into your busy life.
Find out more about online degrees in early childhood education. |
