Early Childhood Education: Online Master’s Degree

Degree details

This online program in early childhood education is a 33-hour degree program with 21 hours of early childhood education courses and 12 hours of core course work.

Early Childhood Education focus courses

The 21 hours of focus course work will allow teachers and those working with preschool children to increase their knowledge and skills on how to effectively work with children ages 3 to 8. Courses cover:

• working with diverse groups of children and families
• implementing appropriate assessment methods
• creating inclusive classrooms
• promoting and enhancing language and early literacy development
• examining curriculum approaches based on current research.

Core master's course work

The 12 hours of core course work in this program include study in learning theory, instructional technology, instructional leadership, and research methods. These courses are designed to enhance the process of teaching and learning in preschool and elementary classrooms.

Terminal or comprehensive project

Master of education candidates must complete a terminal project or summative experience at the end of the degree program. The department in which the candidate's major emphasis resides will determine the format of that experience (e.g. comprehensive exam, project, paper, presentation, portfolio or capstone experience). The candidate must be enrolled at the University during the semester in which a master's project is presented or completed.

Students may begin the program as either post-baccalaureate (formerly non-degree-seeking) or degree-seeking.

Note: This program does not provide early childhood education certification, nor does it provide the initial certification required to become a teacher.