
Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.)
This program is also offered at:
Why Earn a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education?
This advanced degree program prepares you for the future - either by helping you grow in competence in your current career or by providing a step forward in the field of early childhood education. You will benefit from the degree if you are involved in administration, supervision and mentoring in early childhood programs; pre-elementary or primary grade teaching; family/community support; early intervention; resource and referral; program licensing; infants and toddlers programs; or other roles in the community with young children and families.
The 33-unit program consists of seven required courses and four electives supporting a designated area of focus. The program's guiding principles include an interdisciplinary perspective, collaboration, mentoring and advocacy, with a solid foundation of current knowledge in early childhood and best practices for all young children and families. The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education is aligned with NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation in Advanced Programs.
Recommended areas of focus include:
- Early Childhood Accomplished Teacher: Develop your skills as a master teacher and mentor in your professional setting. The M.Ed. will prepare you to work toward the National Board for Professional Teaching certification.
- Early Childhood Administrator/Program Director: Increase your effectiveness as an administrator, supervisor or director in a school setting, center or community program for young children and families.
- Early Childhood Family Specialist: Specialize in courses that focus on work with families of young children. Course work meets the requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Family-Professional Collaboration.
The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education is an advanced program and is not designed to lead to initial teacher certification in Early Childhood Education. However, the M.Ed. Plus Certification option within this program provides students with an opportunity to obtain initial teacher certification for pre-kindergarten through third grade.
Please contact the Early Childhood Education graduate director for further information.
College of Education
Hawkins Hall, Room 304
Phone: 410-704-2570
Fax: 410-704-2733 |