Learn from a university ranked No. 3 in master’s in early childhood education graduates.1

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Impact children’s learning and development in a bigger way with Walden’s MS in Early Childhood Studies non-licensure degree program. A master’s in early childhood education prepares students to pursue teaching, advocacy, and leadership roles in school settings and beyond.

 

Why Get Your Early Childhood Master’s Degree With Walden?

  • Learn from the Educator of Educators™. Walden University is proud to be recognized as the No. 3 granter of early childhood education master’s degrees.1
  • Gain skills and insights you can apply right away. Actionable learning allows you to immediately impact your education environment. Be a force of positive change in children’s lives while moving your career forward.
  • Earn your degree your way. With a choice of two learning formats, this online master’s in early childhood education program is designed with your busy schedule in mind. Choose the option—course based or competency based—that best fits your life.
  • Join a vibrant community of 65,000+ student and alumni change-makers: Walden is the choice of many dedicated and nationally renowned educators, including more than 150 state teachers of the year, who—like you—aspire to make a difference.

 

You’ve Got Options

The best path is forging your own path. Pick the learning format and specialization that fits your schedule and professional goals.

Two Ways to Learn

Choose from two learning options in our master’s in early childhood education program.

  • Course Based: Earn your degree by focusing on one class at a time on a predetermined schedule, engaging with classmates, and paying per credit/course.
  • Tempo Competency-Based Learning: Earn your degree at your own pace, control your schedule, and pay an all-you-can-learn subscription fee every three months.

 

MS in Early Childhood Studies Specializations

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A New Way to Earn Your MS in Early Childhood Studies

Tempo Learning - Master of Early Childhood Studies Degree
Transcript
You've spent hours creating lesson plans, days setting up your classroom, and years growing in your profession. What if you could apply the skills you've gained in those hours, days, and years to your early childhood studies degree? Tempo Learning is a new way to learn where you set the pace and leverage your real world experiences toward earning a degree that can take you further faster. Tempo Learning by Walden University-- it's time for a change.

Walden University now offers Tempo Learning® by Walden, a custom-paced degree program that puts you in charge.

  • Go Your Own Pace. Tempo adapts to your speed and your style.
  • Learn on Your Schedule. No weekly deadlines; you create your own start and end dates.
  • Control Your Cost. Subscription-based pricing minimizes your tuition cost with an all-you-can-learn model.
Learn more about Tempo

MS in Early Childhood Studies Specializations

Walden’s master’s in early childhood education non-licensure degree program offers three specializations, depending on learning format:

  • Administration, Management, and Leadership: Develop the skills you need to start or manage a childcare center or development program. This specialization is offered in both the course-based and competency-based learning formats.
  • Teaching Diversity in Early Childhood Education: Deepen your understanding of the ways diversity affects development and learning in early childhood. This specialization is offered in the course-based format only.
  • Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Settings: In this specialization, you will focus on teaching and learning at the preschool level by exploring developmentally appropriate practices. This specialization is offered in the competency-based format only.
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Be a Part of Something Bigger

You want to give our youngest generations the best shot at success. We’re here to help you make it happen. From dedicated faculty to exceptional support services, you’re never alone—Walden is by your side at every step. Find out more about our online master’s in early childhood studies program today.
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Gain Solid Preparation for Today’s Education Environments

Put your confidence in a master’s in early childhood studies program that reflects professional guidelines established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Walden’s curriculum is informed by a panel of early childhood experts, each with practical, real-world insights. Build sought-after skills that prepare you to advance and excel in an evolving field.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the MS in Early Childhood Studies program will be prepared to:

  1. Demonstrate deep knowledge of child development, learning, and effective programs and practices.
  2. Critically examine issues, trends, and current research.
  3. Understand foundational theories of research and practice evidence-based research and decision making.
  4. Have deep knowledge of issues related to equity and inclusion; address inequities and advocate for social change.
  5. Be skillful communicators, team members, relationship-builders, and collaborators with family members, colleagues, and agencies related to the field of early childhood.
  6. Be critical and self-reflective of their own values, beliefs, and biases and use this understanding.

Interesting Facts

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#1

Walden is ranked No. 3 in master’s in early childhood education graduates.1

0

Demand for early childhood studies practitioners grew 144% from 2010 to 2018.2

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.

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Testimonials

Seletha Tucker

Seletha Tucker

MS in Early Childhood Studies Graduate / EdD Student
Walden’s instructors are there to assist in your education. You are never alone in your journey.
My expertise is essential to my employer. Since graduation, I have been called upon in planning, monitoring, and organizing in-service training and professional development for teachers in the visual arts, as well as school leaders.
Studying with Walden has opened doors in terms of authentic application of my studies to my current teaching career. What I learned at Walden was truly utilized at my job.
Yvette Taylor MS in Early Childhood Studies Graduate
Yvette Taylor
Melville Richardson MSEd Graduate
Melville Richardson
Sandra Tolbert MSEd Graduate
Sandy Tolbert

FAQ About Walden’s Online MS in Early Childhood Studies Program

Testimonials

Seletha Tucker

Seletha Tucker

MS in Early Childhood Studies Graduate / EdD Student
Walden’s instructors are there to assist in your education. You are never alone in your journey.
My expertise is essential to my employer. Since graduation, I have been called upon in planning, monitoring, and organizing in-service training and professional development for teachers in the visual arts, as well as school leaders.
Studying with Walden has opened doors in terms of authentic application of my studies to my current teaching career. What I learned at Walden was truly utilized at my job.
Yvette Taylor MS in Early Childhood Studies Graduate
Yvette Taylor
Melville Richardson MSEd Graduate
Melville Richardson
Sandra Tolbert MSEd Graduate
Sandy Tolbert

FAQ About Walden’s Online MS in Early Childhood Studies Program

1Source: Burning Glass Technologies. Retrieved April 2019, using CIP code 13.1210 (Early Childhood Education and Teaching). Includes 2017 data.

2Source: Data for this analysis was retrieved using Labor Insight Jobs, Burning Glass Technologies. Query Conditions: Last 12 months AND Nationwide AND  (Education: Master's degree (specified) ) AND (Program of study: Early Childhood Education And Teaching (specified) ) 

3Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Preschool and Child Care Center Directors. National long-term job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.

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