Turn your passion for working with children into a rewarding career with the online early childhood education program at the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University.
Whether you are looking to start a career working with children or are ready to advance within the field, having the right degree is crucial to obtaining these positions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts strong growth in many sectors of early childhood education, creating excellent opportunities for those who have the right credentials.*
With high-quality online education degrees ranging from a teacher preparation program to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, we have the curricula you need at every level. As a Walden student you will have the full benefit of our expertise in cutting-edge virtual educational experiences, using video, multimedia, Web-based research, and online communication to learn from practicing experts in the field and investigate how key concepts and strategies apply to their individual responsibilities.
Determining the right course of study depends on your unique career goals and aspirations. To help you find the program that is right for you, The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University created Walden’s Degree Guide for Early Childhood Careers. It provides detailed descriptions of our early childhood degree programs along with corresponding career opportunities.
For more than 40 years, Walden has served the higher education needs of adult learners. We have award-winning student support services and experienced faculty dedicated to helping you succeed.
To learn more about Walden’s online degree programs in Early Childhood Education, call 1-800-418-6973.
Walden’s Richard W. Riley College of Education Early
Childhood Programs:
Doctoral
Ph.D. in Education The Ph.D. in Education degree program produces outstanding professionals who can address the nation’s most pressing educational challenges. Each of the specializations listed below is designed to match your professional interests and meet the needs of your organization. In fact, we ask you to come to the program with defined learning goals and challenge you to design your own program of study. The program offers you three ways to learn—a course-based format, a KAM-based format, or a mixed-model format—depending on the specialization you choose.
- Early Childhood Education
Master’s
M.S. in Early Childhood Studies The field of early childhood is predicted to expand through the next decade as the federal government increases funding for many key early childhood programs.* Through the M.S. in Early Childhood Studies non-licensure degree program, you can gain the knowledge, abilities and leadership skills to prepare you for existing and emerging roles both in and out of the classroom. The program will deepen your understanding of child development and learning, expand your knowledge of effective programs and services and your ability to link issues of equity and inclusion to impact on student learning and development. You will critically examine trends, apply research to relevant problems, and make informed decisions that will impact and improve your practice and ability to work with children in diverse learning environments.
- Administration, Management and Leadership (NEW)
- Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy
- Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field
- Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010–2011 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco (visited April 7, 2010).
Bachelor’s
B.S. in Child Development Whether you’re interested in working with young children or adolescents, Walden can help you take the next step in achieving your goals through our B.S. in Child Development degree program.
This non-licensure bachelor’s program allows you to earn your degree online while continuing to work and balance personal commitments. While this non-licensure program is not suited for those who wish to immediately teach in public schools, this program can be a precursor to the teacher preparation program.
- Administration and Management
- Child and Adolescent Studies
- Dual Concentration (Preschool and Infant/Toddler)
- General Concentration
- Infant/Toddler
- Preschool
- Psychology (NEW)
Teacher Preparation Program
Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) If you have a passion for teaching and are ready to turn hard work into a successful career, enroll today in Walden’s online Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.).
This accelerated program is ideal for those who already have a bachelor’s degree and who are interested in becoming a teacher. This program is well-suited for independent, self-directed learners with excellent time management skills. It incorporates a series of academic requirements, or milestones, designed to ensure you have acquired the necessary competencies and expertise to be a more effective educator. At each milestone, your progress within the program will be evaluated using assessments that align with national professional standards. Walden’s faculty will help you master core concepts and principles, while our student support services can provide additional academic advising, and technical assistance. Successful advancement beyond each milestone certifies that you have the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions to make a positive impact in your classroom, school, and community.
This program features:
- Virtual Field Experiences as well as school-based field experiences
- Assignments that provide classroom-based teaching experiences
- A reflective, research-based approach to learning
- Best practices from national industry experts via videos
- A curriculum based on state and national industry standards
- Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 3)