Becoming an early childhood educator is a life calling for many and involves earning the right college degree to teach children from birth to eight years of age.
Many schools provide online undergraduate programs in childhood education for students needing flexibility and convenience while managing various professional or personal commitments.
To help you find a Massachusetts online early childhood education degree program offered through virtual learning, we have compiled this list of institutions accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Top Early Childhood Education Programs in Massachusetts
This list describes available Massachusetts online early childhood education degree programs for earning a bachelor's degree.
1. University of Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts (UMass) provides a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education through UMass Global, its online learning system.
This program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
It covers topics such as educational psychology and instructional strategies and prepares students for job roles in early childhood education and child development, including preschools and daycare centers.
The cost is $500 per credit and requires 120 credits.
2. Springfield College
Springfield College offers a Bachelor of Science degree in human services with a concentration in early childhood education through online asynchronous learning.
It trains students to become professionals working with children from birth to six years of age through a high–quality collaborative program, which costs $532 per credit plus applicable fees.
Students may earn credit for prior work and life experiences. Those studying full–time and previously earned an associate degree can typically complete it within two years.
3. Bay Path University
Bay Path University provides an online Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies and early childhood education through The American Women's College.
Students learn classroom management and curriculum development through 100% online asynchronous courses from an expert faculty.
This program prepares students for licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It requires 120 credit hours, costing $410 per credit plus fees, and typically takes three and a half years to complete.
4. Fisher College
Fisher College offers an online Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education and care program that provides students with training for teaching young children from birth through eight years old.
The program meets the certification requirements in all 50 states for early childhood education. However, it does not offer licensing for public schools.
Students need 122 credits to graduate. It costs $416 per credit hour, plus applicable fees, and usually takes three years and four months to complete.
5. Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater State University is the largest institution in the state offering a Massachusetts online early childhood education degree.
Experienced instructors and top–notch technology provide students with the teaching skills and knowledge needed to work professionally with children up to age eight.
The bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education is among its most popular programs. It requires 120 credit hours and costs $456.50 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.
Other Online Colleges
The following schools also provide online learning opportunities for students living in Massachusetts seeking a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
Liberty University
Liberty University provides a non–licensure Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education interdisciplinary studies through virtual learning.
This program is a good choice for students seeking job roles that do not require licensing, such as working in a Christian school, private school, or even homeschooling, teaching children up to eight years of age.
A total of 120 credit hours is required, and it takes the average student three and a half years to finish.
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix has an online Bachelor of Science degree in education program concentrating on early childhood education, which the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits.
Coursework in this flexible online program aligns with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) requirements.
Students need 120 total credits to graduate, and the cost per credit is $398 plus fees. The program takes approximately four years to complete.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University has one of the best Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degrees available through online learning, where experienced faculty prepares students for teaching in the modern classroom.
This flexible and convenient program leads to initial teacher licensure, qualifying graduates to instruct children from birth through third grade as preschool teachers or daycare providers.
The total credits required is 120, and students can transfer up to 90 credits. The cost is $455 per credit.
FAQs Regarding Early Childhood Education Degrees
Discover more information about Massachusetts online early childhood education degree programs with these commonly asked questions, such as how long it takes to complete and the average expected salary.
Is Early Childhood Education the Same as Preschool?
While they are similar, early childhood education and preschool are different.
Early childhood education generally refers to instructing children from birth to eight years old. It involves a thorough approach to children's cognitive and emotional development at this age.
Preschool is part of early childhood education, but includes instruction for a specific age range, typically three to five years old.
How Long Does It Take To Earn a Degree in Early Childhood Education?
A student going to school full–time can earn an associate degree in early childhood education in two years and a bachelor's degree in four years. Graduate and master's level programs usually take about two years as well.
Massachusetts online early childhood education degree programs can be completed in less than the average time when transferring the allowable number of credits or if you earn credits for previous work or life experience.
How Much Does an Early Childhood Education Degree Pay?
Massachusetts is top of the list nationwide for early childhood educator salaries, according to findings from ZipRecruiter in June 2023.
In Massachusetts, an early childhood educator makes an annual mean wage of $35,741, or about $17.18 per hour. The national average is $31,065 annually, or approximately $15.53 an hour.
Earn Your Early Childhood Education Degree
Are you seeking a Massachusetts online early childhood education degree to begin your teaching career? This list of accredited schools will get you started and help you choose the right institution for earning an education bachelor's degree online or on campus.
