Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
The Department of Curriculum Studies in the College of Education in cooperation with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) offers a 30 credit program leading to the degree of Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. The program is designed to support professional development and promote leadership in personnel who work in programs with children between infancy and five-years of age.
The program is designed to help students learn about the developmental and educational needs of young children and about working with families; to become more skillful in developing educational programs to meet the needs of all children including those with disabilities; to gain awareness of current issues, trends and research in early education and assessment; to become more reflective in their professional practice, and to become capable of providing ethical leadership in an early childhood classroom or agency.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the requirements of the Graduate Division, applicants for the MEd in Early Childhood Education must provide the following:
- Evidence of successful academic performance in child development and early childhood education;
- Documented experience of work with young children and their families, or in early childhood program administration or public policy;
- Three (3) professional references from people who are able to comment on the quality of the applicant’s experience, ability to pursue graduate study, and character.
Program Requirements
Thirty (30) credit hours in early childhood regular education, early childhood special education, and child development are required. Students will take a common core and select a concentration in teaching or in program administration, policy, and advocacy.
A required core of 18 credits will be taken by all students. Core courses will be offered by the Departments of Curriculum Studies (EDCS) and Special Education (SPED) in the COE and Family Resources (FAMR) in CTAHR. Another 12 credits of elective courses will be selected in consultation with the program adviser based on the student’s area of concentration, interests, and professional needs. Elective courses may be chosen from a number of departments in the College of Education and other units in the University.
Plan A (Thesis) Requirements
The Plan A program is designed for those who are interested in research and writing a thesis and who may be interested in pursuing a later doctoral degree. Students in Plan A will take a minimum of 30 credit hours including 18 at the 600 level or higher, a core consisting of 18 credits, six credits of electives, and 6 credits of thesis research (ECE 700). The culminating experience for Plan A students will be a thesis based on original research.
Plan B (Non-Thesis) Requirements
The Plan B program is for those who wish to focus on strengthening professional knowledge and skills. Students in Plan B will take a minimum of 30 credit hours including 18 credits at the 600 level or higher, a core consisting of 18 credits, 9-credits of electives and 3 credits of directed reading. The culminating experience for Plan B students will be the submission of a portfolio that documents that they have met program standards. The program adviser will guide and direct the development of the portfolio.
For further information and application forms contact the secretary of the Department of Curriculum Studies, WA2-224, telephone 956-4401.