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Looking for a masters in early childhood development....
#1
I am finishing up my PSY degree at UMPI this term. I have loved UMPI and have moved through my courses very quickly. I love the model and the pricing structure.....the faster you finish the less it costs! 

I am now trying to find a suitable option for my masters. I really would love something more research based. My biggest interest is NAS babies/children and the affects of drugs in utero and how that presents in childhood/teen years. I realize that is fairly specialized but just so you know some background. 

I have found a few options or masters in early childhood development but I keep reading bad reviews. (capella, walden)

Does anyone have a program they could recommend somewhere along the lines of childhood development that is structured in a way I can complete quicker and pay less, that is still reputable?
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#2
Basically, I would stick with CBE options since you're familiar with how things go as you're finishing up your UMPI Psych undergraduate degree. Are you adding the AALS I mentioned in your previous thread here? https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...-and-Study

Yes, Capella/Walden both have bad/good reviews, the thing is, it really depends on what you decide for yourself. Supermind finished his Walden MS Psych in 2 sessions at about $6K total, another member Prettyflyforachiguy finished his MS Early Childhood Studies in the same year as Supermind (2019).

You can decide from two MS specializations offered on their Tempo Learning platform, Administration, Management, and Leadership or Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Settings, the latter seems more in tune with what you're looking at. I'd seriously consider them if you can finish in 2 sessions (at ~$5K in total).
Study.com Offer https://bit.ly/3RTJ3I9

Pre-Med Online, MSc Biomedical Sciences (Starting Jan 2026)
In Progress: UoPeople BS Health Science

Completed: UMPI BAS & MAOL (2025)
TESU ASNSM Biology, BSBA (ACBSP Accredited 2017)

[Image: e7P9EJ4.jpeg]
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#3
For members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) ($72 annual fee), the Walden University Tempo competency-based MS in Early Childhood Studies is just $5,250 in tuition per year. If you worked promptly it’s likely you would complete the degree within one year. Many of the complaints about Walden assert some of their programs are not good deals at their price compared to competitors, but this is likely the lowest priced master’s in early childhood in the country.
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  • origamishuttle
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#4
(11-14-2025, 02:13 AM)Jonathan Whatley Wrote: For members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) ($72 annual fee), the Walden University Tempo competency-based MS in Early Childhood Studies is just $5,250 in tuition per year. If you worked promptly it’s likely you would complete the degree within one year. Many of the complaints about Walden assert some of their programs are not good deals at their price compared to competitors, but this is likely the lowest priced master’s in early childhood in the country.

Amazing find, Jonathan! How did you dig this up? Did you have to use a site map? Walden doesn't link to any of these partner discounts from its partners page.
-------
Current
MBA—UMass Global; University of the People—B.S. Health Science
TESU—BA Biology & Psychology, AS Mathematics

Completed
BA in Linguistics, traditional route

Online traditional credits (undergrad & U.S. unless otherwise stated)
Eastern Gateway Community College (28); ASU (10);  New Mexico Junior College (8); Strayer (3); Purdue University Global (3); TESU (6); XAMK Finland (57 ECTS + 10 grad ECTS), University of the People (3 grad)

Alternative credits
Sophia (81), Study.com (27), Saylor (6 credits), Onlinedegree.com (12), CLEP (6)

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  • Jonathan Whatley
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#5
(11-14-2025, 01:22 PM)wow Wrote: Amazing find, Jonathan! How did you dig this up? Did you have to use a site map? Walden doesn't link to any of these partner discounts from its partners page.

Don’t thank me, thank the DegreeForum community! Member sacredrain posted in January that his stepdaughter had received an NAEYC member discount making the MSECS $1895 per three-month term. I went looking for the current offer, and it’s been amended to $5,250 per year, still very good!
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#6
(11-13-2025, 04:12 PM)bjcheung77 Wrote: Basically, I would stick with CBE options since you're familiar with how things go as you're finishing up your UMPI Psych undergraduate degree.  Are you adding the AALS I mentioned in your previous thread here? https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...-and-Study

Yes, Capella/Walden both have bad/good reviews, the thing is, it really depends on what you decide for yourself.  Supermind finished his Walden MS Psych in 2 sessions at about $6K total, another member Prettyflyforachiguy finished his MS Early Childhood Studies in the same year as Supermind (2019).  

You can decide from two MS specializations offered on their Tempo Learning platform, Administration, Management, and Leadership or Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Settings, the latter seems more in tune with what you're looking at.  I'd seriously consider them if you can finish in 2 sessions (at ~$5K in total).

I second Walden as one of the best options for this
Thomas Edison State University
2026: Doctor of Bus. Adm
UIUC
2026: Master of Science in Management
William Paterson University
2024: M.Ed - Educational Leadership
2025: B.S Information Technology
UMPI:
2024: M.A.O.L.
2024: BABA - PM/IS
2023: B.A. - History & Political Science
2023: B.L.S. - Management
2023: A.A. - Liberal Studies
Rowan College of South Jersey:
2022: A.A. A.S. - Sociology
2023: A.A. A.S. - History
2023: A.A. A.S. - Philosophy
2023: A.A. A.S. - Psychology
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#7
Yes, I think so too, the MS Early Childhood Studies is the cheapest Tempo option at $2450 per session of 3 months, you also have $180 in fees. If you do two sessions, it'll be exactly $5260. For those who have tuition assistance or reimbursement of $5250/year, you're getting this Masters for $10 flat and 6 months of your time (or less)...
Study.com Offer https://bit.ly/3RTJ3I9

Pre-Med Online, MSc Biomedical Sciences (Starting Jan 2026)
In Progress: UoPeople BS Health Science

Completed: UMPI BAS & MAOL (2025)
TESU ASNSM Biology, BSBA (ACBSP Accredited 2017)

[Image: e7P9EJ4.jpeg]
[-] The following 1 user Likes bjcheung77's post:
  • Mint Berry Crunch
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#8
(11-14-2025, 08:51 PM)bjcheung77 Wrote: Yes, I think so too, the MS Early Childhood Studies is the cheapest Tempo option at $2450 per session of 3 months, you also have $180 in fees.  If you do two sessions, it'll be exactly $5260.  For those who have tuition assistance or reimbursement of $5250/year, you're getting this Masters for $10 flat and 6 months of your time (or less)...

CBE would be great if they can accelerate, saving significant costs. Then again, some students need a lil nudge to keep them moving. I would still consider WGU's M.Ed programs or even ACE as good alternatives if Walden and its national accreditation are an issue.
Thomas Edison State University
2026: Doctor of Bus. Adm
UIUC
2026: Master of Science in Management
William Paterson University
2024: M.Ed - Educational Leadership
2025: B.S Information Technology
UMPI:
2024: M.A.O.L.
2024: BABA - PM/IS
2023: B.A. - History & Political Science
2023: B.L.S. - Management
2023: A.A. - Liberal Studies
Rowan College of South Jersey:
2022: A.A. A.S. - Sociology
2023: A.A. A.S. - History
2023: A.A. A.S. - Philosophy
2023: A.A. A.S. - Psychology
Reply


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