Early childhood education (ECE) careers are filled with opportunities to shape the next generation. With various degrees in early childhood education offered at Pacific Oaks College, choosing the right path is essential for shaping your future. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your expertise, understanding the differences between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts (M.A.), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in ECE is important. Here’s how each program caters to distinct career goals and learning needs.
B.A. in Early Childhood Education
Who It’s For: Ideal for aspiring educators looking to make a significant impact right from the start of their careers.
What You’ll Learn: This program equips students with the necessary skills and teaching methodologies to nurture learning environments for children from birth through 8 years old. Courses such as Cognitive Development: How Children Learn and Child, Family, and Community Partnerships are designed to offer foundational knowledge and practical skills in education and child development.
Possible Job Outcomes: Graduates can pursue roles as teachers, administrators, or child development specialists in various early childhood settings.
Special Features: Available both in Pasadena and online, this program offers specializations in Trauma Studies, STEAM, Elementary Education and Special Education, and Elementary Education, providing a tailored educational experience that meets the state of California’s child development permit requirements.
M.A. in Early Childhood Education
Who It’s For: Perfect for educators who want to take on leadership roles within the ECE field.
What You’ll Learn: This program goes deeper into educational theories, leadership, and administration in early childhood settings. Students will gain real-world experience through diverse environments, focusing on evaluating educational practices, conducting research, and designing curricula that address students’ cognitive, social, and emotional needs.
Possible Job Outcomes: Leadership roles in public schools, child care programs, state agencies, and nonprofits.
Special Features: With the different early childhood education online degrees that we offer, this program offers flexibility alongside specializations in Trauma Studies and Organizational Leadership and Management, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for advanced roles.
Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education
Who It’s For: Designed for professionals aspiring to influence policy, curriculum development, and administration at the highest levels.
What You’ll Learn: The Ed.D. program is a comprehensive journey through early childhood development, leadership, program design, and doctoral research. It prepares students to design learning experiences, analyze education policy, and lead, emphasizing social justice, inclusion, diversity, and respect.
Possible Job Outcomes: Graduates are well-suited for roles as educational administrators, principals, policy analysts, curriculum developers, and college professors.
Special Features: This is the highest level of our online early childhood education degrees. Our program offers synchronous and asynchronous coursework, making it available to working professionals worldwide. It’s also the first program of its kind in California, reflecting our long-standing leadership in ECE.
Comparing ECE Degrees at Pacific Oaks College: B.A., M.A., and Ed.D.
Choosing between early childhood education degrees at Pacific Oaks College depends on your career goals, educational background, and preferred learning format. Here’s a comparison to help you better understand your options:
| B.A. in ECE | M.A. in ECE | Ed.D. in ECE | |
| Credits Required | 121 | 30 | 60 |
| Program Duration | Flexible; based on pace | 2 years full time or 4 years part time | 3 years full time |
| Learning Format | Available both in Pasadena and online | Available both in Pasadena and online | Exclusively online, offering both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities |
| Focus | Foundations in teaching and child development | Leadership and advanced practices in ECE | Leadership, policy, and curriculum development at the highest levels |
| Specializations | Trauma Studies, STEAM, Elementary Education, and more | Trauma Studies, Organizational Leadership and Management | – |
| Career Pathways | Teachers, administrators, child development specialists | Leadership roles in educational settings | Educational administrators, policy analysts, curriculum developers |
Key Highlight: The Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education is the only program offered exclusively online, providing flexibility for working professionals around the world.
Ready To Shape the Future?
Explore our full range of early childhood education degrees at Pacific Oaks College. With flexible online options and specialized tracks, we’re here to support your journey at every stage. Join a community that values social justice, inclusion, diversity, and respect. Start your journey today, and become a leader in early childhood education. Learn more about our programs and how you can make a difference in the lives of young children.
