Florida is home to one of the larger education systems in the United States, supporting nearly 2.8 million students, over 4,200 schools and over 163,000 teachers. As a national cornerstone in the spheres of public and private education, one that has emerged as a leader in the South, the Sunshine State has become a popular destination for teachers who want to be on the frontlines of educational innovation, and especially those who want to teach second-language learners, who comprise a rising percentage of the state’s K-12 student population.
With no less than 14schools offering at least one online degree in early childhood education across the state, Florida houses some of the greatest online learning opportunities for early childhood education in 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 Florida 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.
Requirements for Teaching Licensure
in Florida
The Florida Department of Education issues teaching licenses for early childhood education contingent upon successful completion of the following four-step process.
Alternative routes can be found here.
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 an undergraduate program. 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. Florida’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, although some may not.
Average Salaries
For Common Educator Roles in Florida
- Preschool Teacher: $30,009
- Elementary School Teacher: $59,240
- Middle School Teacher: $58,700
- Professor of Education: $74,730
- School Principal: $90,390
- Special Education Teacher: $59,380
- High School Teacher: $63,470
- School Psychologist: $74,290
Scholarships for Future Educators in the State of Florida
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program
A scholarship worth 90% of tuition and books for Florida residents enrolled in degree programs at qualifying colleges and universities in Florida. Includes travel stipend and paid release.
PDK Jim Frazier Memorial Scholarship
A private scholarship for students who are graduating high school seniors and plan to become teachers.
Minority Teacher Education Scholarship
Provides a scholarship worth $4,000 per year to Florida residents and ethnic minorities who are enrolled in teacher education programs at colleges and universities that participate in the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers.
The 5 Best Online Education Degree
Providers in Florida
Florida has a total of 14 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, and the 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 yearlong tuition rates for education degrees. Many universities, however, have similar tuition rates at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The University of Florida started back in 1853 and is in Gainesville, Florida. It’s a big school with a wide reach, covering a lot of different areas of study. The University of Florida is well-known and consistently ranks among the Top 20 public universities in the country. They keep up with the times by offering online programs in various subjects, including education. Over 55,000 students attend the University of Florida, making it one of the top schools in the state. Over a quarter of these students are working on their graduate or professional degree, adding a lot of energy to the campus community.
Discover excellence in education with the University of Florida’s 18 online degree programs! These programs stand out for offering top-notch degrees in education to students across the United States. UF offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees to online students. Beyond the traditional master’s programs in education, UF offers innovative degrees for students interested in areas like:
- Program evaluation in educational environments
- Education technology
- Student personnel in higher education
If you’re eyeing a rewarding career in Florida’s high-demand special needs schools, the Bachelor of Health Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a pathway to consider. And for those aiming high, the education program offers five doctoral programs that not only broaden job opportunities but also elevate the earning potential for early childhood educators aspiring to lead their profession. Get ready to embark on a journey of educational excellence at the University of Florida!
Step into educational excellence with the University of South Florida (USF). USF is a public research university founded in 1956 and based in Tampa, Florida. Spread across three locations in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee, USF’s fourteen colleges are renowned for producing top-tier graduates in public health, education, and information studies in the Southeast. Particularly, its education program shines as a leader, consistently ranking among the top 100 schools in the United States.
USF offers some of the best graduate programs in education in Florida. They offer 14 online graduate degrees covering areas like:
- Autism spectrum disorder and severe intellectual disabilities
- Career and technical education
- Learning design and technology
But the options don’t stop there. USF’s M.A. programs in Reading and Physical Education provide unique opportunities for individuals interested in teaching language arts or physical education. What sets these programs apart is their flexibility, allowing students to teach or work either full- or part-time from the comfort of their homes. With these options, the University of South Florida is the perfect fit for busy Floridians looking to enhance their educational resumes and take the lead in their professions.
Established in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in the state. FSU is located in Tallahassee and serves almost 45,000 students. Not only is FSU considered one of the top value schools in the country according to US News and World Report, they are also one of the best colleges for veterans!
Florida State University offers 16 online graduate degrees in education. The online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction has 11 concentration areas. These include:
- Early childhood education
- Early childhood special education
- Autism spectrum disorders
FSU also offers two EdD programs in areas like Educational Leadership and Policy and Instructional Systems/Learning Technologies. Tuition rates for FSU are also below the national average! With these extensive program options and affordable tuition rates, it’s no wonder that FSU is one of our top choices for an online degree in education!
Get ready to dive into the exciting world of education at the University of Central Florida (UCF)! Established in 1963 and located in Orlando, UCF holds the title of the largest public research university in Florida based on enrollment, boasting a student body of over 68,000. Known for its stellar aerospace and engineering schools, UCF also takes the lead with top ranking degree programs in education. The College of Education and Human Performance at UCF secures a spot among the Top 100 Best Colleges of Education in the United States. A growing number of UCF students are opting for online classes and degrees.
When it comes to online education, UCF shines with 13 degrees in education. They offer some of the best graduate programs in education in Florida. Degree programs include:
- Master of Arts in Career and Workforce Education
- Master of Arts in Exceptional Student Education
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Interested in working with technology in education? UCF’s Master of Arts in Applied Learning and Instruction and the Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology present unique opportunities for those interested in teaching teachers and students how to use technology to reach their educational goals. The best part? These programs offer flexibility, allowing students to teach or work full- or part-time. If you want to enhance your educational resume and take charge of your profession, UCF is the perfect fit.
Considering a degree in education? Look no further than Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Established in 1879, FAU is a public research university situated in Boca Raton, Florida. With an enrollment of nearly 30,000 students, the majority study at one of its six campuses in the southern half of the state. About 6% opt for online learning through distance education and lifelong learning initiatives, including the Lifelong Learning Society, which has expanded access to course materials for over 19,000 adult learners, working professionals, and senior citizens.
If you’re interested in a career in education, FAU’s got you covered with six online master’s degrees. Among them is the Master of Education in Educational Leadership and the Master of Education in Instructional Technology. FAU goes the extra mile with specialized options like the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction focused on multicultural education. These programs are perfect for experienced educators who want to advance their career. These degrees offer excellent value for online students who want a quality education that aligns with their goals.
Directory of Online Education Degree
Providers in Florida
| Seminole State College of Florida | Sanford, FL | Online Ed Degrees: 3 | |
 TUITION$3,144 | |||
| Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL | Online Ed Degrees: 8 | |
 TUITION$20,390UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
GRADUATE DEGREES
| |||
| University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | Online Ed Degrees: 2 | |
 TUITION$11,338 | |||
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | Online Ed Degrees: 5 | |
 TUITION$38,728UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
GRADUATE DEGREES
| |||
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | Online Ed Degrees: 4 | |
 TUITION$27,324UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
GRADUATE DEGREES
| |||
| Indian River State College | Fort Pierce, FL | Online Ed Degrees: 3 | |
 TUITION$5,019 | |||
| Tallahassee Community College | Tallahassee, FL | Online Ed Degrees: 1 | |
 TUITION$3,138 | |||
