3 Most Affordable Doctor of Early Childhood Education Degrees Online

phd in early childhood education onlineFor those who want to become experts in the field of early learning, an affordable doctor of early childhood education program may provide the most convenient avenue for achieving their career goals. Though not many schools offer this degree to distance learners, those that do provide flexible scheduling, high-quality curricula, and online student support services. In the following ranking, we explore the most affordable early childhood education doctorates. These programs are ranked solely in terms of affordability. To see what career options are available, check out our article on the Highest Paying Early Childhood Education Jobs. Looking for more information on online doctorates in the field of education? Take a look at our online doctorate in education ranking here.

#3—Northcentral University

San Diego, California

Online Doctorate in Early Childhood Education

Website
Graduate Enrollment: 10,699
Northcentral University
Northcentral University offers a 60-credit hour affordable online doctor of early childhood education program that can be completed within just 40 months. The curriculum for the program emphasizes leadership and scientific inquiry and covers topics such as childhood growth and development, children’s literature, curriculum and assessment, program administration, and stakeholder partnerships, for instance. Core course titles include Foundations for Doctoral Study in Education, Scholarly Literature Review, Advanced Qualitative Design and Measurement, and Advanced Scholarly Writing. Enrolled students will also take specialized classes like Topics in Early Childhood Growth, Development, and Educational Programs; Language and Literacy Education; Families, Communities, and Schools as Partners in Early Childhood Education; and Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment. A formal doctoral dissertation is also required, and students will receive faculty support as they prepare this crucial research paper. Course delivery is asynchronous, ensuring maximum flexibility for distance students. Northcentral University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school’s online graduate education programs among the best in the country.
In-State Tuition: $16,553

#2—Removed by Editor

#1—Brenau University

Gainesville, Georgia

Online EdD in Early Childhood Education

Website
Graduate Enrollment: 1,196
Brenau University offers a 54-credit hour affordable online early childhood education doctorate. The program can be completed online with the exception of weekend residency requirements. Core courses comprising the curriculum for the program include Future Trends in Education; Curriculum Design, Theory, and Evaluation; Cultural Perspectives and Leadership; and Education Issues and Policy. Enrolled students will also take research classes like Advanced Statistical Analysis: Quantitative and Qualitative, Quantitative Research, and Qualitative Research. They will also take courses in the early childhood education specialty such as Innovations in Science, Innovations in Mathematics, and Innovations in Language Arts. A formal doctoral dissertation is also required in addition to coursework. Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has named it a top regional university in the South, a “best value” school” and one of the best colleges for veterans. It has also ranked it online graduate education programs among the top 125 in the country.
In-State Tuition: $12,330

Frequently-Asked Questions About Low-Cost Online Doctor of Early Childhood Education Programs
Q: How can I choose the best affordable online doctoral degree program in early childhood education?
A: While there is no one best low-cost doctorate in early childhood education online, you can find the ideal program for you with some research and persistence. As you’re considering your options, be sure to factor in elements such as cost, curriculum, scheduling, and resources for distance learners.
Q: Can I complete a cheap online doctor of early education without residency requirements?
A: Yes. Not all online doctorate in early childhood education programs require an on-campus residency. Those programs offered entirely online are often asynchronous, too, meaning coursework can be completed at your convenience.
Q: What will I study in a low-cost online doctoral program in early childhood education?
A: The curriculum for affordable doctoral degrees in early childhood education online programs will vary from school to school, but in general, you should expect to study topics such as child and adolescent development, early childhood program evaluation, curriculum development, intervention strategies, research in early childhood education, parent and community involvement, and more.
Q: Is a dissertation always required for an affordable early childhood education doctorate online?
A: No. Though most affordable online doctor of early childhood education programs require a formal doctoral dissertation, there are exceptions to the rule. In these cases, some type of capstone project will likely be required instead.

Career Questions for Affordable Online Doctor of Early Childhood Education Degrees
Q: What jobs are available for graduates of low-cost online doctorates in early childhood education?
A: Many advanced leadership positions in education and related fields are available to those with an online doctor of early childhood education. Some examples include school principal, instructional coordinator, curriculum specialist, university professor or faculty member, district superintendent, and more.
Q: How much will my salary be with an affordable online early childhood education doctoral degree?
A: It varies. Payscale.com reports that professionals with a doctorate in early childhood education make approximately $73,000 a year on average. Your exact salary will depend on a number of different factors, though, including your specific occupation, employer, and years of work experience, for example.
Q: Can I keep my job while pursuing a cheap early childhood education doctorate online?
A: Definitely! Affordable online early childhood education doctoral programs are designed for busy, working educators. Some programs can also be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, and others feature multiple start dates per year for added convenience.
Q: Are jobs in early childhood education in demand?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for preschool teachers and preschool and childcare center directors are growing faster than average. This is an indication that the field is booming, so it’s a perfect time to consider an affordable early childhood education doctoral degree.

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