Program Overview

Program Details | Early Childhood Education

The innovative master's program in early childhood education prepares professionals to welcome multiple perspectives, engage communities, and make learning visible through deep collaboration. Through the coursework, students gain a critical understanding of child development, differing perspectives, and culture in the lives of young children and their families, while exploring practices that foster belonging and fairness.

Curriculum

The program consists of 45 credits, which can be completed within a seven-year time frame. Students are encouraged to complete their degree program within two to three years.

• Core + Research courses:
  • ECED 550 Foundations in Early Childhood and Inclusive Education (4 credits, Fall)
  • ECED 553 Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood and Inclusive Education (4 credits, Fall)
  • ECED 551 Child Development and Critical Perspectives in Inclusive Early Childhood Education (4 credits, Spring)
  • ECED 552 Social Justice and Transformative Practice in Early Childhood Inclusive Education (4 credits, Winter)
  • ECED 590 Action Research Proposal (3 credits, Fall)
  • ECED 591 Action Research Implementation (3 credits, Spring)
• Total Core Credits: 18
• Specializations (Choose One):
  • Constructivism in Early Childhood Education
  • Early Childhood Special Education
  • Infant Toddler Mental Health
  • Distributed Pathway
• Total Specialization Credits: 18
• Electives Options:
  • Suggested Elective Courses
• Total Elective Credits: 9
• Total Program Credits: 45

Program Format

• Modality: Online, no scheduled meetings
• Part-time or Full-time: Time to completion: 2–3 years
• Scheduling: All courses are delivered fully online with no scheduled meeting times. Students will complete coursework asynchronously through the Canvas learning platform.
• Weekly Estimated Time Commitment: The PSU Credit Hour Policy defines 1 credit hour as requiring a minimum of 3 hours of student time per week over the course of the term. Students typically enroll in one to two courses per term (3–7 credits) and are expected to dedicate approximately 10–20 hours per week to engaging with online modules, completing assignments, and participating in related activities on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

Early Childhood: Inclusive Education Master's Culminating Activity

The purpose of the Action Research Project is to critically examine and improve one's own professional practice. It is designed to support educators in developing the skills and mindset of a practitioner-researcher, enabling them to carry out meaningful research within educational settings that contributes to the broader improvement of teaching and learning.

• CI 590 Action Research Proposal (3 credits): Candidates design and write their independent action research project proposal.
• CI 591 Action Research Implementation (3 credits): Candidates implement and analyze their project.

Tuition Fees

• Total credits: 45
• Estimated resident cost: $26,208
• Estimated Washington border cost: $26,208
• Estimated non-resident cost: $26,208 Program cost estimates are based on 2025/26 PSU tuition and fees only. Additional fees may apply depending on the course of study that you choose to pursue and the specific courses for which you enroll. Financial aid and scholarship options may be available to offset program costs.