Where Can You Earn A Ph.D. In Early Childhood Education Online In 2024?

Doctorate in Early Childhood Education

A doctorate is the highest degree in early childhood education. Earning a Ph.D. in early childhood education can lead to opportunities as a college professor, an education researcher or a policymaker.

Are you an educator considering doctoral programs? A Ph.D. might be the right fit if you want to blend learning theory, research and evidence-based practices. Doctoral programs build on your current knowledge and skills to expand your expertise in early childhood learning.

Our list includes one university that offers an online Ph.D. in early childhood education (ECE) and meets our ranking criteria. Keep reading to learn more about earning your doctorate in early childhood education.

National University

From its main campus in San Diego, California, National University offers several online doctoral programs in education, including a Ph.D. in education with a specialization in early childhood education. Coursework emphasizes curriculum, assessment and program administration.

Doctoral students also explore early childhood literacy and the role of schools and communities in early childhood education. The curriculum builds strong theoretical foundations for learners to conduct original research.

At the conclusion of the program, doctoral candidates research and defend a scholarly dissertation that contributes to the field of early childhood education. NU charges $442 per credit for graduate-level coursework. The 60-credit program can be completed in less than four years.

At a Glance

How To Find the Right Online Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education for You

Consider Your Future Goals

When it comes to earning a doctorate in ECE, you have options. Universities offer both Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs at the doctoral level. The right program for you depends on your goals.

With its emphasis on theory and research, a Ph.D. in early childhood education prepares graduates for academic and research careers. In comparison, an Ed.D focuses on applications of education theory. Graduates with an Ed.D. often work in administrative, policy and planning roles.

If a Ph.D. matches your goals, research the focus area and faculty at different doctoral programs. You should find a program that offers coursework and mentorship opportunities in your specialty area.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The cost of graduate programs varies widely. On average, public graduate tuition rates reached $11,550 in 2023, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Private institutions charged an average of around $20,000 per year.

Online programs can save degree-seekers money. National University charges $442 per credit in graduate tuition, totaling about $7,000 per year for the Ph.D. in ECE. However, remote students also need to factor in fees, technology expenses and class materials.

What’s the best way to pay for a doctorate in early childhood education? By choosing an accredited program, you’ll qualify for federal financial aid programs, including federal student loans. Many doctoral students also cover costs by working while in graduate school. Doctoral students should submit the FAFSA to learn about their financial aid options.

Should You Enroll in an Online Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education Program?

Should you earn a Ph.D. in early childhood education online or in person? If you’re weighing whether online college would be a good fit, consider the following questions.

• How much flexibility do you need? Earning your doctorate online often means that you can complete coursework on your schedule. If you work as an educator, an online format might make the most sense for your ECE doctorate.
• Do you meet the admissions requirements? Ph.D. programs in education typically require a master’s degree, and if you hold an Education Specialist degree, you can often transfer credits toward your doctorate. Before applying to programs, research the admissions guidelines to make sure you meet the requirements.
• Is the program accredited? A Ph.D. represents a significant investment in your education. Accredited universities meet the highest standards for academic quality, so make sure you choose
  

  SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  SDGs	Targets	Indicators
  SDG 4: Quality Education	4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university	Number of accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
  SDG 4: Quality Education	4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship	Number of reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for rankings
  SDG 4: Quality Education	4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations	Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment
  SDG 4: Quality Education	4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, nonviolent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all	In-person requirements: No
  SDG 4: Quality Education	4.c: By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing states	Student-to-faculty ratio

  Analysis

  1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:

  • SDG 4: Quality Education

  2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  The specific targets under SDG 4 that can be identified based on the article’s content are:

  • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university
  • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
  • Target 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
  • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, nonviolent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all
  • Target 4.c: By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing states

  3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

  • Number of accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
  • Number of reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for rankings
  • Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment
  • In-person requirements: No
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

  SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  SDGs	Targets	Indicators
  SDG 4: Quality Education	4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university	Number of accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
  SDG 4: Quality Education	4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship	Number of reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for rankings
  SDG 4: Quality Education	4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations	Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment
  SDG 4: Quality Education	4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, nonviolent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all	In-person requirements: No
  SDG 4: Quality Education	4.c: By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing states	Student-to-faculty ratio

  Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

  Source: forbes.com

   

  

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