Program Overview

Early Childhood Studies (MA) Program

The Early Childhood Studies (MA) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of early childhood education and development. This graduate program does not qualify students to register as early childhood educators (ECE) with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators, nor does it qualify them to become Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT).

Program Overview

The program offers two streams: Courses Stream and MRP Stream. Full-time students can complete the program in one year, while part-time students can complete it in two years.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can pursue various career paths, including:

• Policy analysis
• College-level teaching
• Research
• Advocacy
• Practice
• Consulting
• Child care administration
• Family support program administration
• Doctoral studies

Program Structure

The program consists of required courses and electives. Students can take a maximum of four courses per term as full-time students and a maximum of two courses per term as part-time students.

Admission Criteria

Applications are accepted until the program is filled. The first consideration deadline for fall 2024 admission is January 19, 2024. Domestic applicants applying to the full-time program are encouraged to submit their applications prior to the first consideration deadline to increase their chances of securing financial support.

Residency Requirement

Students must complete at least 50% of the program's degree course requirements and the Major Research Paper (if applicable) while continuously registered as graduate students at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Advising and Supervision

Students are assigned a faculty advisor early in the fall term. MRP students must find a supervisor who agrees to supervise their graduate research work, while Courses Stream students continue with their assigned faculty advisor.

Course Offerings

The program offers 12 courses each academic year, including two required courses. Electives vary each year, and students can find more information on current course offerings through the Student Resources section.

Field Education

The program provides field education placements, and students can find resources and information on field placement through the Field Education section.

Research Areas

The program focuses on various research areas, including student research and research centers and labs.

Student Resources

Students have access to the Career and Co-op Centre to assist them with career development and job search. The program also offers student resources, including forms and guidelines, graduate student publications, and current course offerings.