Best Online PhD Programs in Early Education

The job market for PhD in early education is quite strong. There are many well-paying positions available, with salaries ranging $70,000 – $100,000 per year. Examples of positions include early childhood education directors, coordinators, and specialists. The job market is expected to grow at a rate of about 10% per year over the next decade.

But choosing the right online PhD in early childhood education can be a daunting task. With so many programs, how can you be sure that you are pursuing the best PhD in early childhood education online best?  This compilation of some of the best phd in early childhood education online will give you the perfect place to start.

Here is the list of the Top 11 online PhD early childhood education programs;

1. New Mexico State University

If you’re looking to earn your Early Education Ph.D. degree, the New Mexico State University program might be a great fit for you.

The program is designed to be completed in four years, and it has the following requirements:

• You must complete 60 credit hours of coursework, including a 12-hour core sequence in early childhood education
• You must pass a comprehensive exam
• You must complete a research-based dissertation

In addition to these requirements, the program also has a number of elective courses that you can choose from, so you can tailor your degree to match your interests and career goals. The program is designed to prepare scholars to conduct research, teach, and provide leadership in early childhood education. The curriculum of the program is based on the current knowledge of best practices in early childhood education and early intervention. The program is also available as a full-time or part-time option.

Graduates of the program are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including public and private schools.

2.  Northcentral University

Northcentral University offers an online Doctorate in Early Education that is designed to help educators develop the skills they need to work with children from birth through age eight. The program is offered in a flexible, 100% online format and can be completed within a reasonable period.

The curriculum covers topics such as child development, early literacy, assessment & evaluation, and teaching methods. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of early childhood education, such as bilingual/multicultural education or special education. Graduates of this program will be prepared to assume leadership roles in early childhood education programs or departments.

3. Fielding Graduate University

The Fielding Graduate University Early Education Ph.D. program is designed for individuals who want to pursue a career in teaching and research in early childhood education. The program is offered on-campus and online, and it is one of the few programs that offers a specialization in bilingual and multicultural education. The program is also one of the oldest and most respected early childhood education Ph.D. programs, having been founded in 1967.

The Fielding Graduate University Early Education Ph.D. program offers a comprehensive and research-based curriculum. Candidates in the program are required to complete 72 semester hours of coursework, which includes a core coursework in early childhood and elementary education, research methods and design, and cognate coursework in a chosen area of specialization (e.g., language and literacy, mathematics, social studies, special education). In addition to coursework, doctoral candidates are also required to complete a dissertation that advances the field of early childhood education.

4. Brenau University

Brenau University offers an online Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education. The program is designed for working professionals who wish to pursue a career in early childhood education. The program is delivered through asynchronous coursework, which means that students can access their coursework at any time and from any location.

Brenau University also offers a unique mentorship program, which pairs each student with a faculty member who has expertise in the student’s chosen area of concentration. This mentorship program provides students with individualized guidance and support throughout their academic journey. The Brenau University Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

5. Concordia University-Chicago

Concordia University-Chicago offers a comprehensive Early Education Ph.D. program that covers topics such as early childhood development, assessment and instruction, leadership and advocacy, and research methods. The program is designed for educators who want to become researchers and scholars in the field of early childhood education. The curriculum of the Early Education Ph.D. program is based on the latest research in early childhood education and developmental psychology.

The program offers a range of courses that cover topics such as early childhood development, assessment and evaluation, curriculum development, teaching and learning, and research methods. In addition, students are also required to complete a dissertation that focuses on an original research topic in early childhood education.

Admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Students must also submit standardized test scores (GRE, MAT, or GMAT), a copy of their college transcripts, and proof of teaching experience. International students must provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL).

6. Walden University

Earning your Doctorate in Early Education from Walden University can help you become a leading voice for positive change in the field of early childhood education. The online program is designed to give you the flexibility and convenience you need to pursue your degree while continuing to work full-time.

With courses that cover topics like Foundations of Early Childhood Development and Advanced Assessment and Evaluation in Early Childhood, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge you need to contribute to an exceptional difference the education of children through their early lives. The faculty is highly experienced, while the curriculum is comprehensive and flexible online format.

7. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a Ph.D. in Early Education with a concentration in either early childhood or K-12 education. The program is open to students with a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education, child development, elementary education with a specialization in early childhood education, or a related field.

Coursework for the doctoral program includes foundations of early childhood and K-12 education, curriculum and instruction, assessment and evaluation, and research methods. In addition to coursework, students are expected to complete an original research project and demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication.

Upon completion of the Early Education Ph.D. program at the University of North Dakota, graduates may be prepared for various career paths in the field of early education. Some possible career options include:

• Principal or administrator of an early childhood education program
• Director of curriculum development for early childhood education
• Research scientist or analyst in the field of early childhood education
• Professor or instructor in an early childhood education program
• Policy advisor or advocate for early childhood education

8. George Mason University

George Mason University offers a highly respected online Doctorate in Early Education that is designed to prepare educators for leadership roles in early childhood education. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in child development, educational research, and effective instructional practices. Through coursework, field experiences, and research projects, students gain the critical knowledge and skills they need to be successful leaders in the field of early childhood education.

The George Mason University Doctorate in Early Education is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which is the leading professional organization for early childhood educators. The program meets all of NAEYC’s standards for doctorate programs and is committed to preparing graduates who are enthusiastic as well as knowledgeable.

9. University of West Georgia

The UWG Early Education Ph.D. program is a research-based doctoral degree that provides students with the opportunity to study early childhood education from three different perspectives: child development, teaching & learning, curriculum & instruction. The program offers students the flexibility to tailor their coursework to fit their individual interests and needs. In addition, the program features a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as assessment, curriculum development, diversity, family-community partnerships, and more.

The Ph.D. program is offered by a faculty of experienced professionals who are passionate about their work and committed to your success. Their graduates are highly sought after with successful careers in research, academia, and beyond. The program is designed for educators who wish to pursue a career in research and teaching at the college or university level. It’s also appropriate for practitioners who are interested in increasing their knowledge and expertise in the field of early childhood education.

10. Georgia State University

The Early Education Ph.D. program at University of Georgia State University is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful researchers and scholars in the field of early education.

In order to be admitted into the Early Education Ph.D. program in University of Georgia State University, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You must also complete the online application and submit all required documents, including official transcripts and GRE scores.

The program is built around a core curriculum that covers topics such as research methods, early childhood development, curriculum design and assessment, and special education. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in one of three areas: language and literacy, STEM education, or global perspectives on early childhood education. You will equally enjoy access to a variety of resources and opportunities, including research funding, travel grants, and professional development opportunities.

11. East Tennessee State University

This online Doctorate in Early Education from East Tennessee State University is designed for experienced educators who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in early childhood education. You’ll learn about current research, theories, and best practices in the field, with a focus on preparing you to become a leader in early childhood education. Courses cover topics such as assessment and evaluation, curriculum development, and family involvement.

You’ll also complete a practicum experience which will allow you to apply your new knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. The phd early childhood education online program in this University culminates with a capstone project in which you’ll design and implement an original early childhood education program or initiative.

Online Ph.D. Programs in Early Education: Wrapping

Earning an early childhood education online can be a rewarding experience that will prepare you for a career in academia or research. If you’re looking for an online program that offers quality coursework and the support of experienced professors, we recommend picking from the online PhD programs in early childhood education listed above. Thanks for reading!