Early Childhood and Elementary Education (M.A.)

Basic Degree Information/Description

The concentration in Early Childhood and Elementary Education focuses on the broad spectrum of development and learning in children from infancy through preadolescence. Emphasis is on translating related research and theory into curriculum development and instruction, with the intent of helping children realize the best development possible in a multicultural society. This concentration is designed primarily for experienced classroom teachers at the early childhood and elementary levels, but it is also suitable for personnel in human services and other allied fields.

Why pursue an M.A. in Education - Early Childhood and Elementary Education?

• Focused areas of interest as well as customized programs are available.
• Personalized attention with low students/teacher ratios.
• Focus on research and application appropriate for further graduate study or professional growth.

Degree Requirements

• Thesis Option: 33 Semester Credit Hours
• Non-Thesis Option: 36 Semester Credit Hours
• For a complete list of degree requirements please see the Graduate Catalog.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Program Name: Early Childhood Education

Admission Prerequisites:

• Required Degree: Bachelor's degree with 18 credit hours in field of study or in another appropriate field of study.
• Other Degree Requirements: Applicants without adequate preparation in education may be required to complete preparatory courses as a condition of admission.

Application Requirements:

• General University Requirements: A degree seeking applicant must meet university wide requirements.
• Application: A complete Graduate School application.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions attended. All international transcripts must be recorded in English or officially translated to English.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Not required
• Letters of Recommendation: Not required
• Statement of Purpose: Not required
• Test Scores: Individuals who do not meet the University-wide graduate admission GPA may be required to submit GRE scores. The scores may not be older than five years.
• Other: None.
• Evaluation of Foreign Credentials: U.S. Citizens (Domestic) or permanent residents who have earned university level credit from foreign institutions are required to submit all official transcripts from foreign institutions along with an evaluation of the transcripts from an approved Foreign Credential Agency.
  • An approved evaluation requires a detailed course-by-course evaluation. Summaries will not be accepted.
  • The Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA) is a private corporation that provides evaluations of foreign school credentials. The application is available at: Application for Credentials Evaluation.
• International Applicants:
  • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
  • TOEFL: Minimum scores of 79 or 550 for Internet or paper versions, respectively.
  • Additional Requirements: A degree seeking applicant must meet international graduate student admission requirements. 

Career Options Available for a Graduate in the M.A in Education - Early Childhood and Elementary Education Program

• Public School Teacher
• Childcare Worker
• Parent Program Coordinator
• Center Director
• Elementary Education Curriculum Specialist
• ECE Community College Professors
• ECE Curriculum Consultants

Research taking place in the M.A in Education - Early Childhood and Elementary Education program

• Both qualitative and quantitative as well as mixed methods
• School settings and community based contexts
• Some included areas: teacher professional development, obesity prevention, dual language instruction, environmental education, interdisciplinary teaching, and differentiated instruction.