Early Childhood Education California

Quick Look:

  • University of Southern California and Biola University offer top online education degree programs in California.
  • Online education degrees in California often include specializations such as early childhood education, special education, and educational technology. These concentrations help prepare educators for the diverse needs of California’s student population.
  • California has a strong demand for educators, especially in STEM fields, special education, and bilingual education.
  • Many online education degree programs in California include pathways for state teaching credentials, streamlining the certification process for students and ensuring they are eligible to teach in California schools immediately upon graduation.

With no less than seventeen schools offering at least one online degree in education across the state, California houses some of the greatest online learning opportunities for early childhood education in the western half of the United States. And due to the ever-increasing size of the education infrastructure in almost every state, earning a degree from a top-tier California university goes a long way toward establishing one’s credentials as a leader in the industry, and specifically the foundational field of early childhood education.

Related:

Requirements for Teaching Licensure
in California

California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) issues two teaching licenses: the Elementary Teaching Credential, which is for multiple subjects, and the Secondary Teaching Credential, which is for single subjects. The Elementary Teaching Credential is the license that most early childhood education degree-seekers will want.  You can look here for a detailed explanation of each step.

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Online Education Program Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for online degree programs depend on the degree sought. Students applying for an online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or 60 transferable credit hours from an accredited community college, preferably with an emphasis in education, in order qualify for admission to a qualified 4-year university.

Students applying for an online master’s degree in early childhood education must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a major in education or a related field in order to qualify for admission to a qualified graduate program. The state’s doctoral programs generally have the same requirements for admission as those for master’s degrees, albeit with the added requirement of a master’s degree to qualify. Most graduate programs in early childhood education require the GRE.

Average Salaries
For Common Educator Roles in California

  • Preschool Teacher: Approximately $40,000.
  • Elementary School Teacher: Around $80,000.
  • Middle School Teacher: About $85,000.
  • High School Teacher: Approximately $90,000.
  • Special Education Teacher: Around $85,000.
  • School Psychologist: Approximately $100,000.
  • School Principal: Varies by school level; for example, elementary school principals earn about $125,000, while high school principals earn around $150,000.
  • Professor of Education: Salaries vary widely based on institution type and tenure status; for instance, full professors at public universities can earn between $100,000 and $150,000.

Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and specific school district.

Scholarships For Online Education Degrees in California

California Retired Teachers Association Scholarships

Laura E. Settle Scholarship Foundation through CalRTA offers millions of dollars of scholarships for teacher education in California. These scholarships are offered during the students junior and senior year as well as graduate school.

Golden State Teacher Grant

GSTG provides financial aid to students committed to teaching in high-need areas within California.

The 5 Best Online Education Degree
Providers in California

California has a total of 17 education degree-granting institutions that provide online education degrees. These range from community colleges offering associates in early childhood development or human services, to nationally ranked universities that offer a wide spread of masters level and education endorsement-level programming. While future students may want to go to the “best” online institution in their state for education degrees, they should take some to double check what exact degrees are offered by their institution of choice at the directory of all online education degrees at the bottom of the page.

To select the following top five universities, we’ve looked at two factors: the number of fully online education degrees offered by an institution, and an “academic prestige” score. The academic prestige score takes into account metrics such as:

  • average amount of financial need received
  • average class sizes
  • admissions standards
  • percentage of faculty holding terminal degrees in their field

Also note that the tuition numbers below are just indicators of relatively how expensive or affordable a college is. The tuition numbers below, specifically, are the in-state (where applicable) undergraduate year long tuition rates for education degrees. Many universities, however, have similar tuition rates at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

1
University of Southern California
In-state Tuition: $36,808
Online Ed Degrees: 6

The University of Southern California (USC) has been a trailblazer since its establishment in 1880. As the oldest non-profit research university in California, USC has set the standard for academic distinction. USC proudly hosts the Rossier School of Education, a powerhouse that stands among the largest and highest-ranking schools of education nationwide. USC takes pride in being the state’s largest and most prestigious institution of higher learning, consistently securing a spot among the Top 30 universities in the nation.

USC offers six online degree programs. Beyond the traditional master’s programs in teaching, USC offers specialized programs catering to diverse interests, including:

  • Enrollment Management and Policy
  • Learning Design and Technology
  • School Counseling

For those aspiring to make a difference as second-language teachers, the MAT in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is your ticket to gainful employment in California’s high-demand market. If your passion lies in administration, set your sights on the MEd in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs for a fulfilling career trajectory.

Join a community of forward-thinkers and achievers at USC, where innovation meets tradition. As you embark on your educational journey, choose a university that not only pioneers research but also shapes the future of education.

2
Biola University
In-state Tuition: $31,522
Online Ed Degrees: 6

Biola is a renowned institution that has been shaping minds since its founding in 1908. What sets Biola apart is its commitment to a balanced and moderate theological approach to Christian education. Here, you won’t just gain knowledge; you’ll experience an education that integrates faith into every aspect of learning.

What’s truly unique about Biola is its online education offerings. In response to the evolving needs of students, a growing number of Biola students are now earning their degree online. This flexibility is a game-changer for those with busy schedules and a thirst for knowledge.

If you’re passionate about education and seeking a Christ-centered graduate program, Biola University’s online degrees in education are worth a second look. These programs go beyond traditional teaching degrees. Early childhood educators can elevate their expertise with an MA in P-12 Multilingual, Multicultural Education. This specialized program offers four distinct concentration areas:

  • Bilingual Authorization (Spanish)
  • Bilingualism and Biliteracy for Young Learners
  • Language Acquisition: Assessment and Learning
  • Personalized Concentration

For those aiming for leadership roles in early childhood education, the MS in Curriculum, Instruction, & Publication at Biola is a great option. Dive into relevant topics such as grant writing and current issues in education, preparing yourself for a future where you can make a real impact.

At Biola University, we understand the demands of a busy life, which is why our programs are designed with your flexibility in mind. Biola is a great choice for an online education.

3
Azusa Pacific University
In-state Tuition: $26,666
Online Ed Degrees: 6

Azusa Pacific University has had a reputation for Christian liberal arts excellence since its establishment in 1899. Nestled in the scenic Los Angeles suburb of Azusa, the university offers more than just a degree—it provides an immersive experience in forward-thinking Christian education.

What sets Azusa Pacific University apart is not only its breathtaking scenery but also its recognition as a community committed to academic excellence and spiritual growth.

For those seeking the perfect balance of faith and education, online degrees in education are a great choice. Beyond traditional master’s degrees, Azusa Pacific University offers specialized programs catering to diverse interests such as Physical Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Students can take their educational journey to the next level by pursuing a doctoral degree in either higher education or higher education leadership.

In a world where flexibility is key, Azusa Pacific University stands out. A growing number of students are experiencing the convenience of online classes, earning degrees that align with their ambitions without sacrificing their busy lives.

4
Hope International University
In-state Tuition: $26,146
Online Ed Degrees: 8

Hope International University was founded in 1928 as a private Christian university.  They offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to both online and on-campus students.  Over 94% of undergrads receive some type of financial award from Hope, reducing the amount they need to pay out of pocket.  About one quarter of the undergraduate student population are exclusively online learners.  Almost 70% of graduate students are completing their degree online.

Students interested in earning a degree in early childhood education should check out the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Teacher Preparation.  With five concentration areas (including ECE), students gain the specialized skills needed to succeed in the classroom.  Online courses are five or eight weeks long, allowing students to design a plan that fits around their schedule.

Hope also offers graduate degree programs in education.  While not specific to the area of ECE, they do offer a Master of Education that emphases areas like:

  • Contemporary Issues in Education
  • Curriculum Development and Instructional Design
  • Educational Administration

With generous financial aid awards and a flexible online schedule, Hope is a great choice for students who want an online education without breaking the bank.

5
National University
In-state Tuition: $30,527
Online Ed Degrees: 36

National University is a private, nonprofit institution that has been shaping futures since its establishment in 1971. Located in San Diego, California, right on the southern border, National University serves over 18,000 online and on-campus learners.

National University believes in “Whole Human Education.”  In fact, they’ve made this innovative approach the foundation for student success.  NU provides students with services that go beyond traditional support including:

  • 1:1 assistance navigating the financial aid process
  • Career mentoring
  • Free virtual mental health counseling
  • A web-based student networking platform

For educators looking to take their careers to the next level, National University offers 36 online degrees in education, spanning from bachelor’s to doctoral levels. Early childhood educators, in particular, can choose from options like:

  • BA in Early Childhood Education
  • Master’s of Early Childhood Education
  • EdS in Early Childhood Education

But that’s not all—NU goes beyond the traditional. Specialized degrees, such as EdS in Social-Emotional Learning and EdS in Educational Leadership, are designed to meet the unique needs of educators striving for excellence.

National University understands the demands of adult learners. Their short, four-week classes and monthly start dates are tailored to fit your lifestyle. You’ll be learning from experienced educators who not only know their subjects but also understand the challenges of the field.

Directory of Online Education Degree
Providers in California

National UniversitySan Diego, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 36
national uniTUITION$30,527


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development with an Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Education
  • Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning
  • Master of Bilingual Education with a Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option with Bilingual Authorization (Spanish) (California)
  • Master of Education
  • Master of Education in Educational Leadership
  • Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential and Intern Option (California)
  • Master of Education in Special Education with Preliminary Education Specialist Credential – Mild to Moderate Support Needs Teaching Credential with Internship Option (California)
  • Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis
  • Master of Science in Designing Educational and Instructional Technology
  • Master of Science in Educational Administration with Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Option (California)
  • Master of Science in Higher Education Administration
  • Master’s of Early Childhood Education
  • Education Specialist in Curriculum and Teaching
  • Education Specialist in E-Learning
  • Education Specialist in Early Childhood Education
  • Education Specialist in English Language Learning
  • Education Specialist in General Education
  • Education Specialist in Instructional Leadership
  • Education Specialist in International Education and Globalization
  • Education Specialist in Leadership in Higher Education
  • Education Specialist in Leadership in K-12 Education
  • Education Specialist in Organizational Leadership
  • Education Specialist in School Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
  • Education Specialist in Social-Emotional Learning
  • Education Specialist in Special Education
  • Education Specialist in Sport and Athletic Management
  • Education Specialist in Trauma-Informed Educational Practices
  • Education Specialist in Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Education
  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Education in Instructional Design
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Innovation
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design
Biola UniversityLa Mirada, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 6
biola uniTUITION$31,522


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Special Education
  • Master of Science in Curriculum, Instruction and Publication
  • Master of Arts in Education
  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Arts in TESOL
  • Master of Arts in P-12 Multilingual, Multicultural Education
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 6
uscTUITION$36,808


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Teaching – Single Subject Teaching
  • Master of Arts in Teaching – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
  • Master of Education in Enrollment Management and Policy
  • Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology
  • Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs
  • Master of Education in School Counseling
Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 6
azusa pacific university e1488403108378TUITION$26,666


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Art Education
  • Master of Arts in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization
  • Master of Arts in TESOL
  • Master of Science in Physical Education
  • PhD in Higher Education
  • Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership
Hope International UniversityFullerton, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 8
hope internationalTUITION$26,146


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Teacher Preparation – Early Childhood Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Teacher Preparation – Elementary Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Teacher Preparation – Secondary English Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Teacher Preparation – Social Science Secondary Education

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Educational Administration
  • Master of Education
  • Master of Education – Elementary Education
  • Master of Education – Secondary Education
California Baptist UniversityRiverside, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 7
california baptist e1490741605387TUITION$27,304


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies – Early Childhood Intervention

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Educational Leadership
  • Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Early Childhood Studies
  • Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Administrative Services Induction
  • Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Special Education
  • Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Transitional Kindergarten
  • Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction
California State University FullertonFullerton, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 8
cal state fullertonTUITION$7,925


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction – Social Justice
  • Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction – Early Childhood Education
  • Master of Sciences in Curriculum and Instruction – Math and Sciences
  • Master of Science in Educational Technology
  • Master of Science in Transformative Teaching in Secondary Education
  • Master of Science in Special Education
  • Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology
  • Master of Science in Reading and Literacy Education
Pacific Oaks CollegePasadena, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 8
pacific oaks logo bottomTUITION$N/A
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education: Trauma Studies
  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education: Elementary Education and Special Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education: Elementary Education
GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
  • Master of Arts in Education in Early Childhood Education: Trauma Studies
  • Master of Arts in Education in Special Education
  • Master of Arts in Education in Elementary Education
Touro University CaliforniaVallejo, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 4
touroTUITION$N/A


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Education
  • Master of Education in Educational Leadership
  • Master of Education in Innovative Learning
  • Doctor of Education: Leading Innovative Diverse Organizations
Concordia University IrvineIrvine, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 6
concordia irvine e1490741560619TUITION$29,508
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
  • Director of Christian Education Certification with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education Leadership
GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
  • Master of Arts in Education: Educational Administration
  • Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction
  • Master of Arts in Education: Learning, Design, and Technology
  • Doctor of Education in Leadership
La Sierra UniversityRiverside, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 3
la sierraTUITION$25,076


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction
  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Arts in Teaching – North American Division
Shasta Bible College and Graduate SchoolRedding, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 5
shasta bible collegeTUITION$11,387


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Christian Professional Studies: Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Education

GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Education: Curriculum and Instruction
  • Master of Science in Education: Administration
California State University-East BayHayward, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 1
cal state east bayTUITION$11,464


GRADUATE DEGREE

  • Master of Science in eLearning
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 3
SAN diego state e1490741415753TUITION$13,017
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
  • Bachelor of Science in Child Development
GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Education Leadership
  • Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership
California State University SacramentoSacramento, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 4
sacramento stateTUITION$11,596


UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE

  • Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development: Concentration in Early Development, Care and Education

GRADUATE DEGREE

  • Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction
  • Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies: Workforce Development Leadership
  • Master of Arts in Universal Design for eLearning
California State University San MarcosSan Marcos, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 2
california state university san marcos e1480788943443TUITION$10,463


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Arts in Educational Administration
  • Master of Arts in Reading, Language and Literacy
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology CaliforniaSan Diego, CAOnline Ed Degrees: 1
chicago school psychiatryTUITION$N/A


GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology and Technology