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Create Positive Learning Environments
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education Leadership from the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) is offered 100% online and is designed to benefit working educators who need flexible and accelerated classes. This program prepares professionals in early childhood education to address the developmental needs of young children in a variety of settings using ethical practice, innovative technology, and research-based advocacy.
By pursuing an online master’s degree in early childhood education leadership, you will get the chance to continue growing and supporting young children as they go through their most transformative phase. When you successfully complete your early childhood education leadership degree, you will be able to:
- Evaluate evidence-based theories and strategies aligned with early development and learning needs to support high-quality learning environments
- Assess effective communication and collaboration strategies to positively influence partnerships with community agencies and families with young children
- Evaluate early childhood curricula designed to promote development and learning across all domains of development
- Evaluate effective assessment and evaluation strategies, tools, and procedures designed to improve outcomes for young children, families, and programs
- Design discipline-specific action research based on relevant theory and research methodology
- Propose ethical solutions that promote educational transformation in the field of early childhood education
- Construct a personal definition of leadership as an early childhood education professional
Military Students $350.00/credit
ECE Leadership Master’s Degree Courses $600.00/credit
Technology Fee** $145.00/course
Books and Other Class Materials** $155.00/average per course
Graduation Fee $150.00
Total Program Cost See UAGC Catalog¹
¹Keep in mind that this figure doesn’t factor in any potential discounts, partner benefits, or impact of accepted transfer credits, if eligible.

UAGC offers enrolled students access to ScholarshipUniverse, a platform that tailors external scholarship opportunities to your unique situation, making it easier to find and apply for scholarships.
UAGC is proud to provide reduced tuition rates for our academic and corporate partners, helping community college transfer students and corporate employees earn their degrees at a lower cost.


Early Childhood Education Leadership Degree Curriculum Overview
This master’s in early childhood education leadership online will give you a greater understanding of child development and the multiple influences on learning. Your advanced courses will increase your knowledge of the foundations, functions, and current challenges in the field of early childhood education.
To be awarded the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education Leadership degree, all students must complete 30 credits with a 3.0 minimum grade point average.
Applicants to the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education Leadership must have:
Earned a bachelor’s degree** from an approved accredited university in early childhood education or a related field; or Current or previous employment in the field of early childhood education.
**Unofficial or official transcripts showing an earned undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field must be submitted with the Application for Admission.
This program is not designed to meet the state educational requirements for teacher licensure or certification in any state. Students seeking teacher licensure shall carefully research their state's requirements prior to enrollment and regularly review the requirements as they are subject to change. Requirements vary by state. Graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a state-by-state basis that will include one or more of the following: student teaching or practicum experience, additional coursework, additional testing, or, if the state requires a specific type of degree, earning an additional degree. None of the University of Arizona Global Campus online education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which is a requirement for certification in some states. Other factors, such as a student’s criminal history, may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in their field of study.
Alabama Students: Authorization to provide an education program does not indicate eligibility for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate. Applicants who complete an education or educator preparation program at a non-Alabama institution must apply for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate through the Alabama Certificate Reciprocity Approach. Current requirements may be found at https://www.alabamaachieves.org/teacher-center/.
Kentucky Students: Please be advised that although the University of Arizona Global Campus offers a variety of programs aimed at preparing potential educators in diverse settings, our programs are NOT accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and are NOT recognized for initial, additional, or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for K-12 educators in Kentucky. For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website at http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=220
Certain degree programs may not be available in all states.
The Online Teaching Support Certification recognizes programs that require all online faculty to undergo training in best practices for online course delivery, provide faculty with ongoing pedagogical support, encourage faculty professional development to increase their knowledge and skill in online teaching, emphasize instructor availability and feedback to learners, and collect and use feedback from learners to improve online teaching. Learn More
The Online Learner Support Certification recognizes programs that provide all the critical student and academic services needed for learner success and use learner feedback to continuously improve those services.
What Can I Do with a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education Leadership?
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education Leadership degree program will prepare you for leadership positions in various early childhood education settings. Some of the opportunities you might pursue include:
- Site Manager
- Preschool Program Director
- Childcare Director
Gain insights into the early childhood education leadership job market by reviewing the Bureau of Labor Statistics market outlook report.
I looked at a lot of different institutions; however, the friendliness of the staff and knowledgeable advisors really steered me in choosing UAGC.
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education Leadership FAQs
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Early childhood education leadership revolves around creating learning environments where both students and staff feel safe, respected, and motivated. ECE leadership programs prepare individuals to advocate for young children, mentor educators, and implement effective educational practices.
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A degree in educational leadership, particularly in early childhood education, can be very valuable. It provides the skills to make a significant impact on the lives of young children and their families, and may help you pursue leadership positions. We recommend you speak with an Enrollment Advisor about your career goals to see if this program is right for you.
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The early childhood education leadership degree program at UAGC will give you a greater understanding of child development and the multiple influences on learning, helping you take the next steps in your career as an educator. Your advanced courses will increase your knowledge of the foundations, functions, and current challenges in the field of early childhood education.
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Early childhood education leadership involves mentoring and supporting teachers, developing curriculum, building relationships with families and the community, and advocating for high-quality early childhood education. It's about creating a positive and enriching learning environment for young children.
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While related, leadership focuses on realizing an organizational vision, inspiring others, and driving change, while management emphasizes the day-to-day operations, organization, and resource allocation of a program.
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To access this rate using the Liberty Grant, only eligible undergraduate active duty service members, members of the National Guard, Reservists, spouses of active duty, members of the National Guard and Reservists, Department of Defense employees using Tuition Assistance (TA), and civilian employees of the United States Coast Guard (only if utilizing Military Tuition Assistance) will qualify.
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The Technology Fee covers access to University systems such as the online classroom, the Student Portal, and other academic resources. The Technology Fee and the Course Digital Materials (CDM) Fee are fully refundable if a student does not attend beyond Day 3 of a course (Week 3 if covered under the University of Arizona Global Campus Promise Refund Schedule). After this time, the fee becomes non-refundable. Students are charged the Technology Fee for repeated coursework. Students are not charged the CDM fee for repeated coursework if previously charged.
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The transferability of credits is subject to the University of Arizona Global Campus transfer credit policies and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated by the Registrar’s Office to determine the credits that will officially apply toward a UAGC degree program. Credits must be earned at the same degree level in order to be applied. Additional restrictions may apply. See the UAGC Academic Catalog for full undergraduate and graduate transfer policies.