What is early childhood education?

While early childhood education continues to be of high importance to parents, policymakers, and the public, many incorrectly identify this critical period as birth through preschool or kindergarten. Although the brain develops the majority of its neurons between birth and 3 years old, early childhood education is defined as the period of birth through 8 years old, correlating with the second- or third-grade level.

What will you learn in an early childhood studies program?

Online or on campus, the right degree program can empower you with a deepened understanding of child development and learning, equipping you with the knowledge and professional competencies to help prepare you for roles in and out of the classroom. A master’s in early childhood studies program can also help you link the importance of early childhood education to issues of equity and inclusion, helping students learn and grow in a variety of environments. You’ll examine trends, apply cutting-edge research to the field’s most pressing issues, and become a skillful collaborator with families, colleagues, and agencies.

What is the outlook for master’s in early childhood education graduates?

The career outlook for those with a master’s degree in early childhood education shows growth in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of preschool and childcare directors will grow by 7% through 2028 1 . 1 Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm ; national long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

What are some typical jobs for someone who has earned an MS in Early Childhood Studies?

From public policy to professional development, the jobs for someone with an MS in Childhood Studies are as diverse as individuals and their reasons for pursuing an early childhood education degree. Below is a sample of potential career options: Child and family advocate Public policy coordinator Child development instructor Professional development facilitator Lecturer in early childhood studies Childcare administrator Owner, director, or assistant director of a childcare center Director or assistant director of a childcare program Preschool director Program administrator for early childhood programs Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of a degree program.

Should you choose an online or on-campus early childhood studies program?

Ultimately, this decision comes down to personal preferences and time-management needs. Many enrolled in online master’s in early childhood studies programs find that online learning allows them to more easily balance work and personal commitments along with their academics. Others prefer the familiarity of a traditional brick-and-mortar institution. The choice is up to you.

MS in Early Childhood Studies

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Learn to shape positive learning experiences for young children with our online master’s in early childhood education program.

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Up to 15 Credits

Learn From a Leader in Master’s in Early Childhood Education Degrees¹

Are you ready to impact children’s learning and development in a bigger way? Choose Walden’s MS in Early Childhood Studies non-licensure program and grow as a leader, mentor, and advocate.

Our master’s in early childhood education program is grounded in the most contemporary developments in the field, including play and creativity and trauma-informed teaching. Expand your expertise and grow your knowledge as you learn to make an even more profound difference in your students’ lives.

A master’s in early childhood education prepares students to pursue teaching, advocacy, and leadership roles in school settings and beyond.

Learn From an ECS Expert

Walden University is proud to be recognized as the No. 2 granter of early childhood education master’s degrees. ¹

Explore Cutting-Edge Topics

Examine the role of play in healthy development and the impact of trauma and mental health issues on children and families.

Find Your Voice

Our master’s in early childhood education program facilitates your development as a leader and advocate in the early childhood field.

Master Current Best Practices

Our program is aligned with professional guidelines from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Program Savings

Tempo Competency-Based Learning™: Receive up to a $3,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on February 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.

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Two Ways to Learn

Choose from two degree completion options.

The course-based format may be a good option for you if you prefer an instructor-led approach and learning on a predetermined schedule.

Tempo Competency-Based Learning^™ is an alternative way to earn your Walden degree. It’s different from our standard course-based learning because you can work at a pace that makes sense for you, and progress once you’ve shown you understand a subject. With Tempo Learning^®, you have the flexibility of online learning, plus the ability to personalize and control the length, cost, and pacing of your program. See below which specializations are offered in Tempo Competency-Based Learning in addition to our standard course-based learning.

General Program and Specializations

General Program (Course-Based)

Explore best practices for promoting meaningful learning experiences and healthy development in children from birth to age 8.

Administration, Management, and Leadership (Tempo Competency-Based Learning™)

Get the knowledge and skills you need to create child-centered programs that promote positive learning experiences for all children.

Early Childhood Administration, Management, and Leadership (Course-Based)

Develop essential business skills related to running and managing an early childhood program or facility.

Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Settings (Tempo Competency-Based Learning™ )

Deepen your understanding of the ways diversity affects development and learning in early childhood.

Admission Requirements

Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.

Master the Mechanics of Teaching and Learning

In Walden’s master’s in early childhood education program, you’ll explore how children’s brains develop and how early experiences affect learning and social emotional development. Gain strategies to advocate for the infusion of play and creativity into early childhood teaching and learning. Apply your skills in field experiences in varied areas of expertise, from infants and toddlers to children in grades P–3.

Meet Your Academic Team

Patricia Hampshire
Contributing Faculty
Dr. Hampshire is a contributing faculty member in Walden’s master’s in early childhood education program. She currently works as an associate professor of Early and Special Education at Boise State University. Dr. Hampshire received her PhD in Special Education from Indiana University in 2011.
Read Patricia's Bio
Johnna Darragh Ernst
Contributing Faculty
Dr. Darragh Ernst has been working in higher education for more than 20 years. The author of two books for early childhood practitioners, she is invested in the areas of professional development and inclusion.
Read Johnna's Bio
Lisset Bird-Pickens
Contributing Faculty
Dr. Bird-Pickens has taught at the university level since 2006. Her academic background is in early childhood education, educational leadership, and child and family development. She is also a licensed professional counselor, nationally certified counselor, and nationally certified school counselor.
Read Lisset's Bio

What’s the Career Impact of Earning an Early Childhood Master’s Degree?

America needs more qualified professionals to prepare children with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school—and in life. According to job market data gathered by Burning Glass Technologies, demand for early childhood studies practitioners grew 144% from 2010 to 2018.² The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that employment for preschool and childcare center directors will rise at a rate of 7% through 2028.³

What Can I Do With an MS in Early Childhood Studies?

With a master’s degree, you can start a new chapter in your career—or build on your prior experience to become a leader and innovator in the early childhood field. Career options range from postsecondary teaching and advocacy roles to administrative and leadership positions within early childhood learning environments. Potential occupations include:

Child and family advocate
Public policy coordinator
Child development instructor
Professional development facilitator
Lecturer in early childhood studies
Childcare administrator

Assistant director of a childcare center
Director of a childcare center
Owner of a childcare center
Preschool director
Program administrator for early childhood programs

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this early childhood studies master’s degree program.

Testimonials

Walden is so much more than an online university; it is a university that cares about your success as a person.

Seletha Tucker MS in Early Childhood Studies Graduate

I love Walden for the education and support I have received from every instructor.

Jay Rodriguez MS in Early Childhood Studies Graduate

If I talk to others who are looking to pursue their degree, I always talk to them about Walden and online learning.

Teri Peasley M.S. in Early Childhood Studies Graduate

Resource Articles

How Trauma Affects Child Development and Behavior: What Childhood Educators Need to Know

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The Benefits of Early Childhood Intervention

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What's the Importance of Early Childhood Education?

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MS in Early Childhood Studies