There are many great options for pursuing a bachelor's degree in early childhood education online. From online universities to affordable out-of-state options, here are the best online early childhood education degrees in Utah.
Top Online Early Childhood Education Degrees.
The following higher learning institutions represent the best in online early childhood education degrees available to residents of Utah.
1. University of Florida
At the University of Florida, students can complete a Bachelor of Science degree in education sciences, and they can choose a specialization in early childhood studies. While the program does not offer certification in teaching, it provides students with a knowledge of education, education psychology and technology, and equips them with tools to succeed in an education environment.
Within the early childhood studies specialization of this degree, students study the period of life from birth to five-years-old and the education that takes place in that time along with how it involves different areas of a child's life. Practices and policies within various contexts are the emphasis of the program.
The tuition for UF Online for a non-Florida resident is $500 per credit hour.
2. University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is one of the most well-known universities offering flexibility and convenience through its online education programs. Let's take a look at their online Bachelor of Science in early childhood education program.
This bachelor's degree is a 120 hour programs that consists of 19 core courses, 19 general education courses, one elective course, and two clinical practice or student teaching courses in which students apply what they have learned in a real classroom setting.
The tuition at the University of Phoenix is $398 per credit hour.
3. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is located in Hays, Kansas and has a student body of over 15,000. They also offer many degrees through their online programs.
At FHSU, a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education can be completed online. This 126 credit hour program prepares students for licensure in the state of Kansas, so students attending from out of state, like residents of Utah, should be sure to check the teaching licensure requirements in the state they plan to become licensed in.
Undergraduate online tuition at FHSU is $227 per credit hour.
4. Oklahoma State University
Through Oklahoma State University Online, students can complete a 120 credit hour Bachelor of Science in early childhood care and development.
This program does not lead to teaching licensure, but it provides a thorough understanding of childcare and classroom management, and the curriculum was developed by experts in early childcare. The degree can be completed almost entirely online, but similar to other programs of its kind, it requires in-person practicums and classroom observation hours.
The tuition cost at Oklahoma State University for both in-state and out-of-state students is $435 per credit hour.
5. Liberty University
Liberty University is a private, Baptist university that is based in Lynchburg, Virginia and offers many degrees online, including a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education.
This program is a 100% online 120 hour degree program that on average takes students three and half years to complete. The program instructs students on the fundamentals of early childhood education and development as well as various instructional techniques. In order to achieve teaching licensure, students can continue on to study for a master's degree in teaching at Liberty University.
The full-time rate for undergraduate tuition at Liberty University is $390.
6. Northern Arizona University
At Northern Arizona University, students can earn a Bachelor of Applied Science, or B.A.S., degree in early childhood.
Through this entirely online 120 credit hour program, students can gain a thorough understanding of early childhood development, preschool curriculum and instruction methods, and more, all based on national standards for early childhood education.
The online tuition per year at Northern Arizona University is estimated to be about $11,160.
7. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and was established over 200 years ago in 1820. Among their online offerings, the University of Alabama offers a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education.
This program focuses on the education of children from birth to the age of eight, child development, the importance of parental relationships, and techniques on how to educate children in a preschool setting.
Tuition per credit hour at the University of Alabama Online is $385.
8. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is another public state institution that offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in early childhood education online, and the university was ranked by U.S. News & World Report in 2023 as one of the top 50 public institutions as well as having the #10 Best Online Bachelor's Program.
Their B.A.S. in early childhood education prepares graduates for a range of potential careers, and focuses on preparing its students to meet the developmental and educational needs of young children through a variety of courses as well as hands-on experience and a 15-week long internship requirement.
Undergraduate tuition at the University of Arizona is $500 to $610 per credit hour.
FAQs Regarding Early Childhood Education Degrees
Discover the most commonly asked questions about online early childhood education degrees in Utah.
What Is the Highest-Paying Job in Early Childhood Education?
According to Indeed.com, the highest paying career within the field of child development is that of a behavior specialist. One of the highest paying jobs for graduates with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education is early childhood special education instructor.
Is Early Childhood Education the Same as Preschool?
Early childhood education degrees typically, though not always, cover the age range from birth to eight years old, or around the third grade. This age range qualifies graduates to work with preschool age children, however they are not limited to solely this age range.
What Are the Best Majors to Be a Preschool Teacher?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that at least 50% of preschool teachers have bachelor's degrees in early childhood education.
Earn Your Early Childhood Education Degree
We've covered some of the best options for online early childhood education degrees for residents of Utah. Start earning your degree in early childhood education today!
