Why Valeria Earned Her Master’s in Early Childhood Education Online

Balancing work, family, and graduate school is no small feat. Discover how Valeria H. earned her 100% online master’s in early childhood education at NMSU Global Campus, where working educators advance their careers without putting their lives on hold.

In spring 2025, Valeria graduated with her Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education: Scholarly Master. At her commencement ceremony, she spoke with the NMSU Global Campus Blog about her experience earning a graduate degree online while balancing her career and family responsibilities.

How Online Learning Fit Valeria’s Busy Schedule

As a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential holder and longtime advocate for early childhood education, Valeria understands the importance of helping children build a strong foundation for learning. ¹ “It’s so important that kids, in every state, get a fresh start,” she said.

When she applied to NMSU Global Campus, Valeria already had more than 20 years of work experience in early childhood education and multiple professional certifications. Since her husband was also going back to school, Valeria was inspired to pursue another degree alongside him.

Still, Valeria wondered how she could fit graduate studies into her demanding schedule.

“Because of my busy schedule with traveling to Santa Fe and Albuquerque — and being on seven committees all over the state — I just did not have the time to be going to classes,” she explained.

Fortunately, the flexible, online courses at NMSU Global Campus allowed Valeria to pursue her master’s degree without stepping away from her career. She was also delighted with the support she received from caring faculty at NMSU’s School of Teacher Preparation, Administration, and Leadership (TPAL).

“The professors at NMSU Global Campus are just amazing.”

Valeria H., Class of 2025

Valeria’s Advice for Adults Returning to College

For Valeria, balancing graduate school with work and family required planning and determination.

“I have seven kids, 16 grandkids,” she said. “I have 16 children in my daycare. I have nine dogs and two cats, and a full-time job.”

Despite her busy schedule, Valeria found a way to make progress toward her online graduate degree. Her advice to other working adults considering a return to college is to start with a manageable course load and build from there.

“You don’t have to come in here and try to be gangbusters and do five or six classes at a time,” she suggested. “Just do a little at a time. It’s so worth it.”

Valeria’s experience shows that earning a graduate degree doesn’t have to mean putting every other part of life on hold. With flexible online courses at NMSU Global Campus and a realistic approach to her coursework, Valeria was able to continue her career and her education at the same time.

Valeria emphasized that staying organized and completing assignments ahead of schedule helped her succeed. “All my homework assignments [were] always [turned in] two days ahead of time,” she recalled.

Related: Your Guide to Staying Motivated in an Online Degree Program ²

A Graduation Worth Celebrating

Graduating from New Mexico State University was especially meaningful because she could celebrate the accomplishment with her family. Her son traveled from Arizona to attend the commencement ceremony in Las Cruces, NM.

“I’m really excited,” she said at the time, “because I don’t know if I would have driven six hours to see my mom graduate again. This is my fourth graduation!”

For Valeria, her special day marked another milestone in a career dedicated to early childhood education — and an opportunity to share that achievement with the people who encouraged her along the way.

Educators, Find Your Place at NMSU Global Campus

Choose from these online graduate programs to advance your career in the classroom and beyond:

Graduate Certificates

• Early Childhood Education: Alternative Licensure Graduate Certificate
• Secondary Education: Alternative Licensure Graduate Certificate
• Special Education: Alternative Licensure Graduate Certificate
• Graduate Certificate in Bilingual Education

Master’s Degrees

• MA in Agricultural and Extension Education
• MA in Early Childhood Education: Scholarly Master
• MA in Education + Early Childhood Teacher Licensure
• MA in Education: Bilingual Education
• MA in Education: Curriculum and Instruction and Multicultural Education
• MA in Education: Language, Literacy, and Culture
• MA in Education: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• MA in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure
• MA in Educational Administration With Higher Education Concentration
• MA in Educational Learning Technologies
• MA in Music: Music Education
• MA in Secondary Education + Teacher Licensure
• MA in Special Education

Doctoral Degree

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Curriculum and Instruction

Related: How to Become a Teacher in New Mexico: Your 2027 Guide ³

It’s Never Too Late to Earn Your Degree at NMSU Global Campus

Follow in the footsteps of proud Global grads like Valeria H. With 90+ career-focused online programs and a dedicated Graduation Team, NMSU Global Campus is here to support your success.

Ready to get started? Apply to NMSU Global Campus today. Our online application process takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and your first application is free.

References

1. “Birth to Five Child Development Associate® Credential.” Council for Professional Recognition, accessed 27 October 2026.

2. “Your Guide to Staying Motivated in an Online Degree Program.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 12 December 2025.

3. “How to Become a Teacher in New Mexico: Your 2027 Guide.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 13 October 2026.