Master Of Science
In Early Childhood Education

This program is designed for those individuals with an interest in working with infants, toddlers and young children in educational and family settings. The courses provide instruction, experience, and continuing professional development to support the diverse roles and responsibilities of the early childhood educator. There are three tracks that students can follow in this program:

• Master of Science in Early Childhood Education
• Master of Science with Focus on Young Children with Disabilities
• Master of Science with Early Childhood – Grade 6 (EC-6) Certification.

The curriculum emphasizes child development, family systems, developmentally and individually appropriate practices for both typically developing children and children with disabilities, assessment, early intervention and collaboration. Some of the courses are cross-listed with special education.

Candidates will be subject to an interview with members of the Early Childhood Education program prior to admission. Students seeking this degree must complete a minimum of 36 hours. Graduates with this degree have many fulfilling career options as an early childhood educator, mentor teacher, parent educator, working in a Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities Teacher (PPCD), as a special education teacher (with certification), as a curriculum and staff developer, as a child care consultant, as a community college instructor and much more.

Early Childhood Education MS

The graduate plan in Early Childhood Education leads to the master of science degree. Students will be subject to an interview with members of the Early Childhood Education program prior to admission. Students seeking this degree must complete at least 36 hours of credit. Within the degree, there are three tracks of Early Childhood Education: master’s degree, master’s degree focusing on young children with disabilities and master’s degree with EC-6 certification..

SILC 6030

Advised Electives (9 hours)

Master's Degree Options (6 hours):
ECED 6739 plus 3 hours of an approved elective (Internship requires prior completion of a minimum of 9 hours of the Professional Education Core and a minimum of 15 ECED hours completed from the 21 ECED hours on the plan)

Includes initial teaching certification (see academic advising for graduate teacher certification plan)
Required (12 hours)

Master's Degree Options (6 hours):

ECED 6739 plus 3 hours of an approved elective (Internship requires prior completion of a minimum of 9 hours of the Professional Education Core and a minimum of 15 ECED hours completed from the 21 ECED hours on the plan)

Additional Certification Courses (36-37 hours):

¹Prerequisite required – review course roster.