Working with young children and their families can be an extremely rewarding career. But in West Virginia, many of the most impactful jobs require a bachelor's degree.
Fortunately, online early childhood education programs in West Virginia provide a flexible and convenient way for adult, working, and nontraditional students to earn their degree.
Prospective students should carefully evaluate the available programs at accredited universities to find one that fits their needs.
Top Early Childhood Education Program in West Virginia
West Virginia students have a great option to gain the knowledge and degree needed to help them make an impact in the classroom and in other related roles.
1. West Virginia University
If you're looking for an online West Virginia early childhood education degree, the first place to start is West Virginia's flagship university.
West Virginia University (WVU) has many online degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in early childhood special education.
The online program prepares graduates to create a supportive educational environment that allows young children to thrive. Field experience can be gained in the students' home county.
Classroom pedagogy and special education are just part of the program's curriculum. Students also learn about technology in the classroom, assessments, and childhood development.
Other Online Early Childhood Education Programs
There are many other quality options for West Virginia students interested in earning an online degree in early childhood education.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in education and early childhood studies for students who want to pursue careers in Head Start, preschool, or other early childhood settings.
The university also offers a bachelor's program in applied science of early childhood studies that, like the BA program, is online and emphasizes child development from birth to age five.
This BS degree is a career-oriented degree program designed for students who already have an associate degree.
Graduates are prepared to lay the proper foundation for these young children so they can be successful later in life.
Bluefield University
The fully online early childhood education degree program at Bluefield University is a flexible option that incorporates significant hands-on experience.
The bachelor's program includes two semesters of fieldwork. Students are matched with a mentor and learn to apply best practices, theory, and other skills learned in the classroom.
By the time they graduate, students are prepared to enter the workforce to serve in non-licensed roles as early childhood educators, assistants, and advocates.
Eastern Kentucky University
At Eastern Kentucky University, students enroll in eight-week courses as they pursue an online degree in child and family studies and child development.
The university provides students with a personalized graduation plan, free textbooks, tutoring services, and career services to guide them through the required credit hours.
Coursework provides students with a comprehensive overview and understanding of childhood development, teaching and support strategies, and other critical skills needed to be effective.
Grand Canyon University
The Bachelor of Science in early childhood education at Grand Canyon University (GCU) is fully online and designed to lead graduates to licensure.
Students can transfer to GCU with up to 90 credits to put toward the 120 required for the early childhood education degree.
Two practical experiences are incorporated into the curriculum.
For one of the experiences, students work in a birth-through-preschool setting. For the other, they engage in a 15-week student teaching experience with children from birth to third grade.
Liberty University
With eight week courses and a fully online program, Liberty University's Bachelor of Science in early childhood education interdisciplinary studies is a popular and respected option.
The program aims to equip graduates to understand child development and function as supportive, positive influences in young children's lives.
Graduates typically move into roles in private settings, such as church-based schools or daycare centers, or pursue a master's degree in order to earn licensure.
St. Francis University
Prospective early childhood educators have a choice of an online Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education.
While both programs are designed for students who have some work or college experience, the BS program is designed to lead graduates to earn a state license to teach.
The BA program provides similar coursework but does not require the student teaching component necessary to pursue licensure.
The university boasts a rate of 98% of recent graduates working or enrolled in the pursuit of an advanced degree.
University of Cincinnati
The Bachelor of Science in early childhood education at the University of Cincinnati can be earned completely online and without ever traveling to campus.
The program is designed to prepare students to work with children from birth to age five.
Students can tailor their studies by pursuing a concentration in preschool, infant and toddler, nature-based learning, or administration.
Each concentration is designed to prepare students for non-licensed roles in early childhood environments.
FAQs Regarding Early Childhood Education Degrees
See below for some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about online early childhood education degree programs in West Virginia.
What Is the Highest-Paying Job in Early Childhood Education?
The highest-paying job in early childhood education in West Virginia is the preschool special education teacher, which pays an average of $45,760.
What Are the Best Majors to Be a Preschool Teacher?
The best major to be a preschool teacher is typically focused on early childhood development and education, and is generally characterized as early childhood education.
Prospective preschool teachers need to know how to use effective teaching strategies and understand how young children think, develop, and grow. This major ensures they do.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Degree in Early Childhood Education?
Students can earn an online degree in early childhood education in about two years if they already have earned credits elsewhere. Other students will need about four years.
Earn Your Early Childhood Education Degree
These West Virginia online early childhood education degree programs can put you on the path to a successful career working with young children and their families.
