Turn your passion for working with children into a rewarding career through an online early childhood education program in 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 the early childhood education field, creating excellent opportunities for those who have the right credentials.*

The Riley College of Education and Leadership offers high-quality online education programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree levels. As a Walden student, you will have the full benefit of our expertise as a leader in distance learning. Our faculty members, who are practicing experts in the field of early childhood education, will provide you with strategies that you can apply right away in your classroom.

  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 Riley College of Education and Leadership created Walden University's Degree Guide for Early Childhood Careers. This guide 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 comprehensive student support services and experienced faculty who are dedicated to helping you succeed.

To learn more about Walden's online degree programs in early childhood education, call 1-800-418-6973.

Early Childhood Education Programs:

Doctoral

Ph.D. in Education This program helps education professionals pursue original research that contributes to the field. Taking into consideration challenges that educators face today, this program explores issues such as human development, organizational systems, and promotion of social change through education. With a range of specializations and learning formats, you can personalize your course of study to meet your needs and goals.

  • Early Childhood Education

Master’s

M.S. in Early Childhood Studies Gain the knowledge and leadership skills you need to prepare for the expanding opportunities in the early childhood field. Deepen your understanding of child development and learning and study effective programs and practices. Critically examine issues, trends, and current research to create and sustain enriching programs and practices. Develop the practical strategies and tools required to plan curricula and to create caring and respectful learning environments. Broaden your knowledge of issues related to equity and inclusion and learn to address inequities and advocate for children and families.

  • Administration, Management and Leadership
  • Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy
  • Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field
  • Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s

B.S. in Child Development Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program is a non-licensure, online bachelor's degree program that draws on the latest research in child development and education, features insights and advice from national experts, and provides video segments that take you into early care and education settings around the country. Explore current theory and gain skills to work successfully with children and their families in a variety of settings and roles.

  • Administration and Management
  • Child and Adolescent Studies
  • Dual Concentration (Preschool and Infant/Toddler)
  • Family Health and Wellness
  • General Concentration
  • Infant/Toddler
  • Preschool
  • Psychology

Teacher Preparation Program

Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of children? Walden offers an accelerated Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) that can help you reach your goal. This online program, with specializations in early childhood education or special education, can help you gain the knowledge and experience needed to teach in an early childhood setting or in a K–12 classroom. If you have a bachelor's degree and aspire to teach, this program is designed for you.

  • Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 3)

To speak to an advisor now, call 1-800-418-6973.



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Find information on costs, occupation types, completion rates, and median loan debt for these programs at www.WaldenU.edu/programdata

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos317.htm#outlook, www.bls.gov/oco/ocos007.htm#outlook, and www.bls.gov/oco/ocos170.htm#outlook (viewed online February 7, 2011).

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org; 1-312-263-0456.

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. To speak with a Walden enrollment advisor, call 1-800-418-6973 now. You can also fill out the form to the right or visit us at www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

Prospective Pennsylvania students: Walden University's teacher preparation program and special education endorsement programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of Teaching as leading to licensure and endorsement, respectively. Because these programs are not reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, candidates are instructed to apply for Pennsylvania certification as out-of-state graduates of a teacher preparation program.

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Administrative Offices: 650 S. Exeter Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

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